Best Pasteurized Milk Cheese Types in the World
This cheese has been produced on the island of Naxos in the Cyclades for at least a century. Graviera Naxou is made from pasteurised cow milk or a mixture of sheep milk and a maximum of 20% goat milk. It has a thin rind and a light yellow, compact interior filled with small holes.
Graviera Naxou is a hard table cheese with a refreshing taste and light aroma. It has a maximum moisture content of 38% and at least 40% fat content. The milk used for its production comes from breeds that are traditionally raised on the island, which feed on a diet of local plants and herbs that give their milk a unique flavor.
THE BEST Graviera Naxou Cheeses

Nikolas Pittaras Creamery
Graviera Naxou P.D.O. Pittara 12 month aged
Superior Taste Awards - 3 stars 2025, 2024


Nikolas Pittaras Creamery
Graviera Pittara Mpastouni
Mediterranean Taste Awards - Gold 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Though there are many buffalo mozzarella cheeses made with a combination of buffalo and cow's milk, to be labeled as such, the genuine mozzarella di bufala campana must be made from 100% domestic water buffalo milk and produced either in Campania or the neighboring Lazio, Apulia and Molise regions.
Buffalo milk is known to be higher in calcium and protein while lower in cholesterol, which makes this mozzarella cheese particularly prized and sought after. Buffalo mozzarella always comes packaged in brine; it has a mild yet slightly sour taste, and goes well with various Italian antipasti dishes, especially with classics like the Caprese salad.
Pair with
THE BEST Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheeses

Saint-Félicien is a soft French cheese originating from the region of Rhône-Alpes. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a creamy texture, while its flavor can be described as fruity, sour, nutty, and buttery. During the aging process, it develops a bloomy rind with a strong mushroomy aroma which does not really match the flavors of the cheese.
Due to its fragile nature, this cheese often comes packaged in small terracotta pots. It is recommended to pair it with crusty baguettes, olives, or a glass of red wine.
This cheese has a long history, and it is the best-known Greek graviera cheese. It is produced using traditional methods and ripened in facilities in Hania, Rethymnos, Iraklion, and Lasithio prefectures on the island of Crete. It is traditionally produced from sheep milk or from a mixture of sheep milk and a maximum of 20% goat milk.
These goats and sheep wander freely on the green pastures of the island, and their diet is based on local plants, which give their milk a special quality that is expressed in this exceptional cheese. It is a hard table cheese with a light yellow color and firm texture.
This semi-hard cheese is traditionally produced from sheep or goat milk, or a mixture of the two. The milk used to make this cheese comes from breeds reared traditionally in the Messinia and Lakonia prefectures, where this cheese has been produced for more than 100 years.
To make Sfela, the curd has to be divided into pieces and reheated. Afterwards, the pieces are drained using cheesecloth, and they are lightly pressed and cut into small strips ('sfelas') and salted. The strips are stored in tin cans full of brine for at least three months to mature.
Arseniko Naxou is a Greek cheese originating from the island of Naxos, hence the name. The word arseniko means male or masculine. The cheese is made from raw sheep’s and goat’s milk with the addition of whey.
After it thickens, the cheese is drained in specially designed baskets known as tirovola. In the beginning, its flavor is sweet, but after a few months it develops a spicy and aromatic flavor.
This is one of the most famous Greek cheeses. It has been made in Western Macedonia, Epirus, Aitoloakarnanina, Evrytania, and in western mainland Greece since the 1960s, which makes it one of the newest cheeses on the Greek market. It is a hard table cheese usually made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Kefalograviera got its name after two cheeses because it's a cross between Kefalotyri, a salty, intensely flavored cheese, and the mellow Graviera cheese.
It is sold in wheels or wedges, and is easily identified by its firm texture and light brown rind. Statistics show that it is becoming one of the most widespread cheeses in Greece, with annual production of around 3,000 tons. Kefalograviera is a hard table cheese that is often used to prepare a popular Greek fried cheese dish called saganaki.
Pair with
THE BEST Kefalograviera Cheeses
Often called the heavenly cheese, St. André is a French triple-crème cheese made from cow’s milk. It originated from Coutances in the region of Normandy. Underneath its bloomy edible rind, there is a dense, creamy-textured body with mild and rich aromas and flavors which can best be described as sour, tangy, buttery, and salty.
Because it is enhanced with the addition of heavy cream, its fat content is quite high - typically 75%. It is recommended to pair it with crusty bread, pear slices, or a glass of light and fruity rosé.
Stracciata is an artisan Italian cheese produced in Molise. It is made from cow's milk. The curd is cut or torn, and it is then stretched into ribbons that can be folded or braided. Although stracciata is usually snow-white, in spring and summer it develops a yellowish hue.
On the outside, it is buttery, mild, sweet, fresh, and slightly salty, while the inside is milky and piquant. The cheese melts in the mouth easily, leaving notes of warm melted butter on the palate. The name stracciata is derived from the verb stracciare, meaning to tear.
THE BEST Stracciata Cheeses
Anthotyro is a Greek cheese made from goat’s and sheep’s milk. The name anthotyro means flowery cheese, referring to the strong aromas of wild herbs. There are two varieties of this cheese – fresh and dry.
The fresh variety is known as anthotyro fresco and has a soft texture and mild flavor. It is typically consumed as a table cheese or used in the preparation of pastries and pies. Combine it with honey and fresh fruits such as apples, pears, and figs.
Pair with
Best Pasteurized Milk Cheese Producers in the World
Beecher's Handmade Cheese, established in 2003, is renowned for its artisanal cheesemaking in the heart of Seattle's Pike Place Market. The company was founded by Kurt Beecher Dammeier and quickly became known for its commitment to quality and natural ingredients, producing cheese free from artificial preservatives and flavor enhancers.
Beecher's is particularly famous for its Flagship cheese, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese noted for its robust, nutty flavor that is carefully aged for 15 months to develop its complex character. Beecher's operates transparently with a glass-walled facility that allows visitors to watch the cheesemaking process, emphasizing educational outreach and community engagement.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
BEST Beecher's Handmade Cheese Cheeses
BelGioioso Cheese, based in Wisconsin, USA, is renowned for its production of Italian-style cheeses since 1979. The company operates out of multiple facilities and crafts over 27 different varieties of cheese. BelGioioso is known for its commitment to quality, using fresh, local milk and traditional cheesemaking methods.
This commitment is evident in their practice of processing milk into cheese on the same day it is collected from local farms to ensure freshness and flavor. BelGioioso has been recognized widely in the cheese industry, receiving numerous awards from prestigious competitions like the World Cheese Championship and the American Cheese Society.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002, 2000
BEST Belgioioso Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
BEST Malko Käsemanufaktur Cheeses
Cowgirl Creamery, founded in 1997 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, is based in Petaluma, California. The company specializes in artisanal cheeses, producing a variety of organic cheese products. Cowgirl Creamery is known for popular cheeses like Mt.
Tam and Red Hawk. This cheese producer sources milk from local dairies in the Point Reyes region, ensuring high-quality ingredients in their products.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024
BEST Cowgirl Creamery Cheeses
Jasper Hill Farm is a cheese producer located in Greensboro, Vermont. The company specializes in creating high-quality cheeses with a focus on local production and sustainable agricultural practices. Jasper Hill provides aging and affinage services and develops cheeses that showcase the dairy culture of Vermont.
They work closely with small local dairies to produce a variety of cheeses, incorporating unique aging environments to enhance flavor and texture.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2019

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
BEST Jasper Hill Farm Cheeses
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2018

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Arla Cheeses
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018
BEST Sharpham Dairy Cheeses
Central Coast Creamery is located in Paso Robles, California, where they specialize in producing handcrafted cheeses using local milk free of artificial hormones. The company focuses on aged cheeses and offers a variety including goat, sheep, and cow milk varieties.
Their product lineup includes multiple award-winning cheeses recognized in national and international competitions.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012
BEST Central Coast Creamery Cheeses
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2009, 2004, 2000
BEST Organic Valley Cheeses
Best Pasteurized Milk Cheeses in the World
Devon Blue is a variety of English blue cheese that is produced by Ticklemore Cheese in Devon, United Kingdom. This cheese is noted for its firm texture and moist, crumbly body, striking a balance between creaminess and a mild, gently tangy blue flavor.
Made with pasteurized cow's milk sourced locally, Devon Blue typically matures for a period of approximately 6 to 8 months. During this time, it develops a natural rind and a dense, evenly veined interior. The cheese is suitable for vegetarians, as it is made using vegetable rennet.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022
Gorgonzola DOP Dolce Al Cucchiaio made by De’ Magi is a type of blue cheese known for its creamy texture and sweet, mild flavor. This Italian cheese is protected by the Denomination of Protected Origin (DOP) status, ensuring it is produced within a specific geographic area and adheres to traditional methods.
The production involves a shorter aging process compared to its spicier counterpart, Gorgonzola Piccante, resulting in a softer, more spreadable cheese.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Red Hawk is a triple-cream, washed-rind, fully organic cheese produced by Cowgirl Creamery. This distinctive cheese is known for its robust flavor, which is a result of being washed with a brine solution that promotes the growth of a bacteria-laden rind, giving Red Hawk its characteristic pungency and deep, complex flavor profile.
The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, gathered locally from the Straus Family Dairy in the Marin County region of California, ensuring high freshness and quality. s.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2016, 2009, 2003
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Antani is a unique and exceptional semi-hard cow's milk cheese produced by De' Magi. It is matured for a minimum of six months in caves, where it develops a delightful balance of flavors. The cheese is made from milk sourced from cows grazing above 1200 meters in the mountains, giving it a clean, aromatic profile that is present in its taste.
With a firm, compact texture, Antani features a distinctive semi-hard paste and a slight graininess. Its flavor is a blend of medium sweetness, mild saltiness, and a slight acidity, with a smooth, slightly adhesive texture. The cheese has an aroma of melted butter, stable animals, nuts, flowers, and herbs.
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025

Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2020

Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2018
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Pasteurizado Curado De Cabra is a product of the Quesos Luisita brand, produced by Quesería Arquegran Agüimes. The product is known for its rich, robust flavor and its firm, slightly crumbly texture. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat milk, which contributes to its distinct taste and quality.
It is a popular choice among cheese connoisseurs and is often used in various culinary applications, from appetizers to gourmet dishes.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
BelGioioso Stracciatella is a type of Italian cheese lovingly crafted by BelGioioso Cheese, a renowned U.S. cheesemaker known for producing authentic Italian cheeses. Stracciatella, often referred to as the "heart of burrata," consists of fresh shreds of mozzarella soaked in sweet cream.
This gives it a particularly rich, creamy flavor and soft, stringy texture. BelGioioso Stracciatella is typically used as a lavish spread over crusty bread, added into salads, or served alongside tomatoes and basil for a fresh, delightful appetizer.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2019
La Gola is a unique and luxurious buffalo milk blue cheese created by De’ Magi. This cheese undergoes a distinctive maturing process of about 120 days, after which it is transformed into a "capital sin" due to its irresistible allure. The cheese's rind is removed and then dipped in cherry, followed by the addition of candied cherries, grated tonka bean, cocoa nibs, and is finally covered with 70% dark chocolate.
With a dark brown exterior and a soft, moist, crumbly interior, La Gola offers complex aromas, including animal scents, porcini mushrooms, underbrush, and a touch of chocolate. Its flavor profile is a delicate balance of sweetness, saltiness, acidity, and mild bitterness, with a long-lasting finish.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
Hard 18month gouda style cheese, cows milk, past, veg is a specific cheese product made by Lyburn Farmhouse Cheesemakers. This cheese is made from cow's milk and aged for 18 months, giving it a distinct, robust flavor typical of Gouda-style cheeses.
The term "past" likely refers to pasteurization, indicating the milk used has been pasteurized. The inclusion of "veg" suggests that it contains vegetarian rennet, making it suitable for vegetarians.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022




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