Is Gouda Cheese Made From Dairy? Answering a Common Food Question

Originating in the Netherlands, Gouda cheese is famously a dairy product, crafted most commonly from cow's milk. However, depending on the artisanal producer, it can also be made with milk from goats or sheep, offering distinct and delicious variations.

Quick Summary

Gouda cheese is inherently a dairy product, predominantly made from cow's milk, though versions with goat's or sheep's milk exist. Its unique washed-curd process results in a characteristically sweet flavor that changes significantly with age.

Key Points

• Gouda is a Dairy Product: The cheese is inherently made from milk, and is not a dairy-free food.

• Milk Source Can Vary: While cow's milk is most common, Gouda can also be produced using goat's or sheep's milk, resulting in different flavor profiles.

• Washed-Curd Process Creates Sweetness: The key to Gouda's mild, sweet flavor is the unique cheesemaking technique of washing the curds with water to remove some of the lactose.

• Aging Transforms Flavor and Texture: The length of the aging period, from weeks to years, significantly alters the cheese from creamy and mild to hard, nutty, and complex.

• Varieties Include Flavored and Smoked: Beyond standard types, Gouda is available in varieties infused with herbs or smoked over hickory, adding to its versatility.

The Definitive Answer: Yes, Gouda Is Dairy

For those wondering if Gouda cheese is made from dairy, the answer is unequivocally yes. Gouda, like all true cheeses, is a product derived from milk. The vast majority of Gouda produced worldwide is made using cow's milk, but the specific type of milk can vary, especially with specialty or artisanal versions.

Milk Sources for Gouda

While cow's milk is the traditional base for Dutch Gouda, cheesemakers have expanded the tradition to include other dairy sources. This diversity creates a range of flavors and textures for cheese lovers to explore.

Cow's Milk: The classic Gouda starts with milk from cows, often the Holstein-Friesian breed, which graze the rich Dutch pastures. The resulting cheese is known for its mild, creamy, and sometimes sweet profile, which develops nutty, caramel-like notes as it ages.

Goat's Milk: A less common but increasingly popular option, Goat Gouda, is made using goat's milk. This version has a tangier, brighter flavor profile compared to its cow's milk counterpart and is typically whiter in color.

Sheep's Milk: Some artisanal producers also create Gouda-style cheeses from sheep's milk. These are often aged for a longer time to develop a richer, more complex taste.

The Cheesemaking Process: What Makes Gouda Unique

Gouda's signature flavor and texture are a result of its specific production method, known as the washed-curd technique.

1. Preparation: The process begins with fresh milk, which is either pasteurized or, in the case of some farmhouse varieties (Boerenkaas), used raw. A starter culture and rennet are added to the milk to promote curdling.
2. Curd Washing: Once the milk has formed curds, they are cut and separated from the whey. A portion of the whey is drained and replaced with warm water. This 'washing' process removes some of the lactose (milk sugar), which limits the amount of lactic acid produced. This is the key step that gives Gouda its trademark sweetness, as opposed to the sharper flavor of other cheeses where all the lactose remains.
3. Pressing and Brining: The washed curds are then pressed into circular molds to give the cheese its characteristic wheel shape and texture. After pressing, the wheels are submerged in a brine solution, which adds salt for flavor and acts as a preservative.
4. Aging: Finally, the cheese is coated in wax or plastic and left to age in a controlled environment. The length of the aging period is what determines the final characteristics of the cheese, from mild and creamy to firm and intensely flavorful.

The Age-Old Difference: Young vs. Aged Gouda

The distinction between young and aged Gouda is significant and dramatically affects the cheese's flavor and texture. For those accustomed to the mellow, smooth variety, trying an aged Gouda can be a surprising and rewarding experience.

Feature	Young Gouda	Aged Gouda
Aging Period	4 weeks to 6 months	6 months to over 2 years
Flavor Profile	Mild, creamy, and slightly sweet	Rich, nutty, and complex with notes of caramel
Texture	Soft, semi-firm, and smooth	Harder, firmer, and sometimes crumbly, with crunchy tyrosine crystals
Culinary Use	Perfect for melting in sandwiches, snacking, or grating over dishes	Best for enjoying on a cheese board with fruit, or grating over pasta and soups

A World of Gouda Variations

Beyond the different milk types and aging periods, Gouda can be infused with various flavors to create unique culinary experiences. Some of the most popular variations include:

• Smoked Gouda: Produced by smoking the cheese over hickory chips, this variety has a rich, smoky flavor and a distinct edible brown rind.
• Flavored Gouda: These cheeses are infused with a variety of ingredients, such as cumin, herbs, garlic, or nuts, to add a new dimension to the classic taste.

In conclusion, Gouda cheese is not only made from dairy but is a testament to the versatility of milk as a foundational ingredient. Whether you prefer the mild, creamy taste of a young cow's milk Gouda or the complex, nutty flavor of an aged variety, you can be certain it's a genuine dairy product with a rich tradition.

For more information on the history and production of Gouda, visit Wisconsin Cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of milk is used to make Gouda?

Most Gouda is made from pasteurized cow's milk, though some artisans use raw cow's milk. Other varieties are also made with goat's or sheep's milk.

Is Gouda suitable for someone with a dairy allergy?

No, because Gouda is made from milk, it is not suitable for individuals with a dairy allergy. A person with a dairy allergy should avoid all dairy products, including cheese.

What is the difference between Gouda and vegan cheese?

The primary difference is that Gouda is a dairy product made from animal milk, while vegan cheese is a dairy-free, plant-based alternative. Vegan cheese is typically made from ingredients like nuts, soy, or cashews.

Does Gouda contain lactose?

Traditional Gouda has a relatively low lactose content due to the washed-curd process and the conversion of lactose during fermentation. However, it is not entirely lactose-free and may not be suitable for those with severe lactose intolerance.

Does smoked Gouda contain dairy?

Yes, smoked Gouda is made from dairy. The smoking process is a flavor enhancement, but the cheese itself is still a dairy product.

What gives Gouda its sweetness?

The signature sweetness of Gouda comes from a cheesemaking process called 'washing the curd.' This removes some of the lactose, preventing it from converting into lactic acid.

Can Gouda be made with raw milk?

Yes, some artisanal or farmhouse-style Goudas, known as 'Boerenkaas,' are made from raw milk in the Netherlands. Commercially available versions are usually pasteurized for safety.