A tempting selection of Van Goat cheeses, featuring bold-flavours, beautifully displayed for a sensory feast. (Image of Cheese Wheels by CheeseLand Holland, Image of Windmills by den-belitsky/Envato; Edited by GlobalEAT)
Goat cheese health benefits you don’t want to miss: calcium, vitamins, protein, and exciting flavours in every bite.
Goat cheese is creamy, tangy, and, let’s face it, undeniably intriguing. With its exciting flavour and smooth texture, it offers a refreshing departure from traditional cheeses—no wonder it’s gaining popularity in North America!
For centuries, this versatile, time-honoured treasure has been a staple across many cultures from the Middle East to Europe.
In the Middle East, it’s often used in savoury dishes like mezze and stuffed pastries. France has made it a must-have on every cheese board, while Spain elevates it in tapas.
Greece incorporates it into savoury pies and fresh salads, and Italy offers soft, melt-in-your-mouth varieties like Caprino. Now, North America is discovering its charm.
Artisanal producers have expanded the horizons of goat cheese, introducing a wide range of sweet, savoury, spicy, and other unique flavours.
These creative twists offer cheese lovers a fresh way to enjoy this long-standing favourite.
Tim Hoppe of CheeseLand Holland shared via email, “Goat cheeses have been around for many years but are becoming increasingly popular.”
“Many people who are lactose intolerant find goat’s milk cheeses easier to digest because they contain less lactose than cow’s milk cheeses.”
Goat Cheese Health Benefits: Why It’s a Better Choice
Goat cheese isn’t just delicious—it’s a healthier option compared to cow’s cheese. With fewer calories, less fat, and lower cholesterol, it’s perfect for those mindful of their health. A typical serving has 70-80 calories, whereas cow’s cheese tends to have 100-120.
Packed with essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, it supports bone health, immunity, and skin.
It’s also a good source of potassium, which helps manage blood pressure, and zinc, which supports immune function.
Additionally, its smaller fat globules make goat cheese easier to digest, making it ideal for people with mild lactose sensitivities.
Nutritional Perks of Goat Cheese: A Healthier Dairy Option
Goat cheese offers more than just great taste—it’s a versatile, nutrient-packed dairy option that fits into a balanced, healthy diet. Its lighter profile makes it a great choice for those seeking a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing flavour.
Whether you’re managing your weight, prioritizing heart health, or looking to add more nutrient-rich foods to your meals, goat cheese can be a smart and tasty addition.
It’s easy to incorporate into various diets, from sustainable to lactose-friendly choices.
This dairy option isn’t just about indulgence; it aligns with your healthy lifestyle while providing the essential nutrients your body needs.
The Flavour Explosion: A Tasty Way to Reap Health Benefits
From mild and creamy to sharp and crumbly, goat cheese is incredibly versatile. New flavours like truffle and Italiano bring earthy twists, while chili and fenugreek add a zesty kick.
Related: Cranberry: Native American Berry with Disease-Fighting Antioxidants
Cranberry offers a sweet contrast, and fine herbs deliver a savoury note. Each bite carries an earthy, grassy flavour—imagine tasting the essence of spring.
Hoppe commented, “Consumers are always looking for a new taste, a new variety to try.”
“Traditional cheeses, like those from the Netherlands, are often very mild, and eventually, consumers will start to look for more and different flavours to get excited about cheese.”
His company launched their new Van Goat Cheese Dutch collection last fall to cater to growing demand for new flavours.
Beyond the Cheese Board
Goat cheese isn’t just for your cheese board. It can elevate your meals in many ways while still offering the health benefits of goat cheese.
Crumble it over salads, savoury pastries, or roasted vegetables for a creamy, flavourful kick.
Want to impress at dinner? Pair goat cheese with honey and rosemary for a sweet-savoury combo that will wow your guests.
While many countries like France, Spain and Greece are renowned for their goat cheeses, the Netherlands is also home to notable artisanal varieties, crafted with careful attention to detail.
Whether fresh, local, or expertly imported, goat cheese opens your taste buds to a whole new world of flavour—and plenty of health benefits too.
Fun Fact: Goat Cheese as an Aphrodisiac?
Here’s a fun tidbit: in some cultures, the cheese is considered an aphrodisiac, partly because it contains higher concentrations of natural hormones compared to cow’s cheese, though the effect on human health is minimal.
While there’s no scientific evidence to back it up, it certainly adds excitement to any meal.
Bold, Delicious New Flavours for a Healthy Journey
Hoppe added, “Consumers who buy flavoured goat cheeses are often looking for something new and exciting. Many have tried traditional goat cheese before and are ready to experiment with more exciting flavours.”
Ready to Try Something New?
Next time you grab a wedge of goat cheese, remember—it’s not just cheese. It’s a piece of history, a culinary adventure, and a conversation starter.
Goat cheese is no longer just for the food adventurer; it’s accessible, delicious, and even healthier. Ready to take a bite?
