What are the benefits of buffalo milk cheese?
Buffalo milk cheese, best known as mozzarella di bufala, is valued for its rich, creamy, slightly sweet taste and soft, springy texture. Buffalo milk has roughly double the fat of cow milk, so the cheese is richer and higher in calories. Cheese.com says it is higher in calcium and protein than cow's milk cheese; health claims such as better digestion or immunity are not backed by official sources.
Free download
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
What are the benefits of buffalo milk cheese?
The clearest benefits are flavor and texture. Mozzarella di bufala is soft, moist and springy, with a mild, milky, slightly tangy and sweet taste. Tasting Table reports that buffalo milk can contain roughly double the fat of cow milk, giving a denser, richer mouthfeel, and that it provides more protein and minerals such as calcium and magnesium per serving. Cheese.com likewise describes the cheese as higher in calcium and protein and lower in cholesterol than cow’s milk cheese. Claims of improved digestion, stronger immunity or heart health are marketing, not official findings.
What is buffalo mozzarella?
It is a fresh cheese made from the milk of domestic water buffalo. It is linked to Campania in Italy, and the Campania version is sold as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, which the EU granted protected status in 2008. Cheese.com describes it as a brined cheese with a thin edible rind.
How is it different from cow’s milk mozzarella?
| Buffalo mozzarella | Cow’s milk mozzarella | |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Water buffalo | Cow |
| Fat | Richer milk, creamier cheese | Lighter |
| Taste | Milky, slightly tangy and sweet | Milder |
| Price | Usually higher (varies) | Usually lower |
How do you use it?
- Serve it fresh in salads, with tomato and basil, or on antipasti platters.
- Add it to pizza late in baking so it stays creamy; it releases more moisture than low-moisture mozzarella.
- Use it in lasagne, calzones and baked vegetable dishes.
How should you store it?
Keep it in its brine in the fridge and use it within a few days of opening, or follow the date on the pack. Let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving to bring out the flavor. Do not freeze for fresh use, as the texture suffers.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
The NHS lists mozzarella among soft cheeses that are generally safe in pregnancy if pasteurized. Check the label for pasteurized milk.
What should you look for on the label?
- Buffalo milk (not a cow milk blend), shown by the words bufala or buffalo.
- Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP for the protected Campania version.
People also ask
Is buffalo mozzarella healthier than regular mozzarella?
It has more fat and generally more protein and calcium, so it is richer and higher in calories. There is no official claim that it is healthier.
What does buffalo milk cheese taste like?
Mild, milky, slightly tangy and a little sweet, with a soft, springy texture.
Is buffalo mozzarella safe for pregnant women?
The NHS says pasteurized mozzarella is generally safe in pregnancy. Check that the label says pasteurized.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
