How Many Types of Cheeses Are There?

When it comes to cheeses, there are more than 1,800 different types around the world! There are even some cheeses that have multiple varieties. Learn more about some of your favorites with our helpful guide, make sure you’re properly storing your cheeses, then get ready to wow your customers with a smorgasbord of delicious charcuterie.

Different Types & Varieties of Cheese

• Fresh Cheese – Fresh cheese is typically high in moisture content with soft and creamy textures. These types are best for pizzas, salads and spreads. Some fresh cheeses include mozzarella, ricotta and goat cheese.


• Soft Cheese – These types of cheeses have a more complex flavor and a creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading and baking. Some examples include brie, camembert and feta.


• Semi-Soft Cheese – With a moderate moisture content, these cheeses are more pliable and are great for melting in sandwiches or pairing in charcuterie boards for snacking. Some examples include gouda, havarti and fontina.


• Semi-Hard Cheese – While easily sliceable, these cheeses are more firm and have a nice balance of intense flavors and texture. Some semi-hard cheeses include cheddar, edam and monterey jack.


• Hard Cheese – Hard cheese is very dense and firm, making them more crumbly and perfect for soups or sauces. This type also lasts the longest when stored properly. Some examples include parmesan, pecorino romano and gruyere.


• Blue Cheese – Blue cheese features a blue or green vein of mold, giving it a tangy and pungent taste. A few examples include roquefort, gorgonzola and stilton.


• Smoked Cheese– This variety brings a smokey taste in sandwiches, snack boards and more! While you can smoke many different types of cheese, some of the most common include smoked gouda and smoked cheddar.

How to Classify Cheese

If you’re interested in learning about classifying cheeses, pay close attention to these points to properly classify and identify the type of cheese you’re making or serving.

• The type of milk


• Country or region


• Age


• Texture


• Flavor


• Preparation process