Artisan vs. Industrial Cheese: Understanding the Differences

Cheese is one of the most diverse and beloved foods worldwide, with varieties ranging from creamy and delicate to sharp and crumbly. However, not all cheese is created in the same way. Two main categories define how cheese is made: artisan and industrial. While both serve different markets and preferences, their production, quality, and taste differences set them apart. This article explores these key differences to help you make informed choices when selecting cheese.

What is Artisan Cheese?

Artisan cheese is handcrafted using traditional methods, often in small batches. The artisan cheese we offer is made by trusted producers who emphasize quality over quantity. The milk usually comes from local farms, ensuring freshness and a unique flavor profile that reflects the region’s terroir.

Characteristics of artisan cheese include:

• Small-batch production

• Handcrafted processes with minimal mechanization

• High-quality milk, often from local sources

• Aged in natural environments for enhanced flavor

• Unique textures and flavors that vary by batch

What is Industrial Cheese?

Industrial, mass-produced or factory-made cheese is manufactured on a large scale using automated processes. The goal of industrial cheese is consistency, affordability, and long shelf life. This type of cheese is commonly found in supermarkets and is designed for everyday use in cooking, snacking, and processed foods.

Characteristics of industrial cheese include:

• Large-scale production with high automation

• Uniform texture and taste across batches

• Often contains additives to extend shelf life

• Widely available and more affordable

Key Differences Between Artisan and Industrial Cheese

The most significant difference between the two types of cheese is their production methods. Artisan cheese is carefully crafted using hands-on techniques, allowing for more variation and depth in flavor. Industrial cheese, conversely, is made with highly automated machinery, ensuring uniformity but often sacrificing character and uniqueness.

1. Ingredients and Additives

Artisan cheese generally contains fewer ingredients, sticking to high-quality milk, salt, rennet, and natural cultures. Industrial cheese may include preservatives, stabilizers, and emulsifiers to ensure a longer shelf life and consistent texture.

2. Flavor and Texture

Because artisan cheese is carefully crafted and aged using traditional methods, it often develops a richer, more complex flavor. Textures can range from creamy and spreadable to firm and crumbly. Industrial cheese, by contrast, is typically milder in taste, with a uniform texture that remains consistent from batch to batch.

3. Aging and Maturation

Artisan cheeses typically age in controlled environments, such as caves or specialized aging rooms, developing deep and nuanced flavors over time. Industrial cheeses, mainly processed ones, are usually not aged or for shorter periods in controlled conditions.

4. Availability and Cost

Since artisan cheese requires more time, effort, and high-quality ingredients, it tends to be more expensive and is often found in specialty shops or farmers' markets. Industrial cheese is more widely available and affordable, making it a staple in grocery stores worldwide.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both artisan and industrial cheeses have their place, depending on the context:

• If you want a rich, complex, and unique cheese, artisan cheese is the way to go for a cheese board.

• Industrial cheese is a reliable option if you need a quick, affordable one.

• If you value supporting local farmers and traditional craftsmanship, artisan cheese aligns better with those values.

• If you prioritize budget-friendly and convenient options, industrial cheese is readily available.

Conclusion

Artisan and industrial cheeses serve different purposes in the culinary world. While artisan cheese is celebrated for its authenticity, flavor, and craftsmanship, industrial cheese offers consistency, affordability, and convenience. Understanding these differences allows cheese lovers to appreciate both types for what they bring. 

Whether you enjoy the rich complexity of a handcrafted wheel of cheese or the easy accessibility of a mass-produced slice, there's a place for both in your kitchen. Our curated selection of cheeses—available exclusively online—lets you enjoy the best of both types, wherever you are.