Top Cheeses of the Top Ten Cheese Countries

The International Dairy Federation just released the list of which countries are consuming the most and least cheese. While there are some no-brainers, like the French taking first place, there also some surprises. Who could have foreseen Iceland coming in at number two?

Photo via The Wall Street Journal

While this infographic is very informative and numerical, it doesn’t quite explain what these countries are eating. We’ve put together of a list of the top cheeses of these top ten cheese countries.

10. Sweden

Photo via iGourmet

Consumed at a rate of 15,000tons per year, Hushållsost is a semi-hard “household cheese” that is the most popular in Sweden. It’s mild, slices well, and is a staple at the Swedish dinner table.

9. Austria

Austrians are very fond of having fresh cheese at the breakfast table, one of the most popular being Topfen (which is also known as Quark in Germany). Not only is it eaten as a spread, but it can also be used to add a whipped, creamy texture to any recipe that calls for dairy.

8. Lithuania

Photo via Spotted by Locals

Džiugas is a hard aged cheese that has a unique and slightly different flavor profile from wheel to wheel, as it can be aged anywhere between 12 and 48 months. It is the most popular cheese in Lithuania and a must-have on any occasion.

7. Italy

Is it any surprise that Parmagiano Reggiano is Italy’s most popular cheese? There are very few meals that couldn’t be improved by sprinkling some freshly grated Parmagiano-Reggiano, and Italian cuisine encourages generous usage of this deliciously salty cheese.

6. Switzerland

Though lacking the classic hole-iness of Swiss cheese, Raclette is very popular throughout Switzerland. This washed-rind mountain cheese is silky and semi-firm with a full milky flavor, and is traditionally melted and scraped over an open hearth.

5. Estonia

Photo via Estonian Dairy 

In Estonia, where milk is referred to as “white gold,” the most found type of cheese is actually cheese curd. They’re incorporated into many Estonian recipes, including cheese curd fritters.

4. Germany 

Photo via iGourmet

Rauchkäse literally means “smoked cheese” and, while typically made in Bavaria, is very popular throughout Germany. The smokiness complements the rich butteriness of Bavarian cow’s milk. It’s possible to cook with Rauchkäse, but it’s best to enjoy it like the Germans do—sliced up and toasted on your favorite bread.

3. Finland

Photo via iRecomend

Olteramnni is a creamy, buttery, and mild cheese that is moderately smooth. It’s often served with fruits like pears and grapes.

2. Iceland

Photo via Jules Food

Skyr might look like and have the texture of a yogurt, but it is actually a cheese. This cheese has a long history, being first produced by the Vikings in 900 C.E. and is still available abundantly throughout Icelandic cheese markets.

1. France

Photo via Go Pix Pic

It’s difficult to pick just one French cheese, but Camembert is the most well-known French cheese. Soft and not too runny on the inside, a rich authentic Camembert from the region of Normandy as few rivals.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Wisconsin Bites

Jamie Ditaranto

Jamie Ditaranto is a senior at Emerson College and an online editorial intern for culture, who enjoys writing, photography, and travel. She finds a way to sneak cheese into just about every meal and is a sucker for free samples.