Fetta Or Feta Is There A Difference?

Potato, potato, tomato, tomato. Then we have fetta or feta! Which one is correct? Is there a difference between the two spellings in Australia? Why do you spell Olympus Fetta with two t’s? We give you the scoop on these two cheeses, and show you why they aren’t and shouldn’t be – the same thing!

Fetta or feta which one is correct?

Unlike many other words where there may be a slight difference in spelling between countries for words which mean the same thing – “fetta and feta” are different. The correct spelling for fetta depends on:

• the type of cheese being referred to and;
• the country of origin of the cheese in question

Feta is a PDO product

Being cheesemakers of both Greek and Cypriot descent ourselves, we are quite mindful of the process which came about to obtain Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for Feta. PDO identifies a product as originating from a certain region, area or country. It also recognises the unique characteristics particular to this geographical environment – both human and natural. Feta has been a PDO product, identified as being a flagship product of Greece since 2002. Feta PDO is made from fresh or pasteurized sheep’s milk and up to 30% goat’s milk from stock farmed on Greek soil.

This mostly includes areas such as Dodoni, Epirus, Kalavryta or Argos. There is a distinctive cheesemaking process which is particular to the region. The PDO stipulates that only Greece may export ‘feta’ to other countries.

There are a number of brands importing Feta PDO to Australia. Check out your local Greek deli or other shops to find a lovely feta to suit you. The sheep’s milk (or sheep and goat milk) produces a unique and delicious taste.

Fetta cheesemaking in Australia

Immigrating from Greece, families have used their traditional recipes to make this style of cheese here in Australia for decades. Olympus Cheese proudly makes a ‘fetta’ cheese, but you will always note the distinct double ‘t’.

What does fetta taste like?

At Olympus Cheese, we are indeed of Mediterranean heritage and we love the values and culture of our forefathers. But, we are solely Australian cheesemakers and we wear this proudly on our packaging. 

Our cow’s milk fetta cheese is made to traditional recipes, but it has a taste all of its own. It is a mild, creamy cheese, with a firm texture which cuts easily. It is more of an open-textured cheese, due to our short maturation process. The product is lower in salt than many other varieties, and is gentle on the palate. 

Our buffalo milk fetta is a very white fetta with an earthy, mild taste and creamy firm texture. This cheese is also lower in salt. 

We love making an ‘Australian style’ fetta cheese, just for this country. It celebrates the soil of our region, Queensland and the abundance of milk that is available here in Queensland. In the melting pot of cultures that is Australia, it all makes sense, and we believe it is all welcome. 

Get some recipes and ideas for enjoying fetta cheese: