News of a possible Greek feta shortage in the future has many people adding an extra block of the delicious cheese to their grocery list this week.
But is there actually a Greek feta shortage right now?
Is there a Greek feta shortage?
The short answer is no. Currently, there is no shortage of Greek feta. But it’s easy to see why some people might be speculating that this will happen in the near future.
A disease caused by the Capripoxvirus was first found in northern Greece in August 2024 and has since spread to many areas, forcing farmers to cull hundreds of thousands of animals.
This is particularly catastrophic for Greece because feta cheese, which must be made from at least 70% sheep’s milk, is one of the nation’s most important exports.
Greece produces around 140,000 tonnes of feta annually, with about 65% exported worldwide, including to Australia.
Greek feta: “We have a good supply”
The good news is that three of the major Australian supermarket chains, Aldi, Woolworths, and Coles, have issued statements to news.com.au saying they have a good supply of Greek feta. Adding they don’t expect any issues in the near future.
“We know fetta cheeses are popular with our customers and we have a good supply across our stores, including a number of Australian-made products sourced locally,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
What’s the difference between Australian feta and Greek feta?
While Australia does produce its own feta, there are significant differences between the two.
Greek feta is made from at least 70% sheep’s milk (with goat’s milk making up the rest). It has a salty, tangy flavour with a dry, crumbly texture.
Australian feta, on the other hand, is typically made from cow’s milk. It has a milder, creamier taste with lower salt content.
Many Australian brands use the spelling “fetta” (with a double ‘t’) to differentiate from Greek feta, which holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. PDO is a European Union certification that guarantees the cheese is authentically produced in specific Greek regions using traditional methods.
What could replace feta cheese?
In saying that, sometimes it’s good to be prepared for the worst-case scenario even if it hasn’t happened yet. A Christmas without feta in our salads could be a disaster.
Sarah Murphy is the food editor here at Better Homes and Gardens. She says haloumi or ricotta could replace feta, but it depends on what you are making.
“You could panfry haloumi slices,” says Sarah. “Cut them into smaller pieces for a similar salty addition for salads where you use feta.”
She adds: “If you’re using it in a wrap or sandwich, you could replace it with firm ricotta and scatter it over in a similar size to feta.
“The ricotta you buy at the deli in the supermarket is usually firmer than pre-packed, which would make it a better substitute for the firmness of feta.”
What to make if the feta runs out
Creamy and comforting: This baked pasta is perfect for dinners when you need something hearty and satisfying.
One-pan wonder: If you loved baking feta with vegetables, halloumi is your new go-to. It holds its shape beautifully in the oven and brings that salty, squeaky bite you’re craving.
Fresh and vibrant: Proof you don’t need cheese at all. The creamy avocado and crunchy macadamias provide all the texture and richness this summer salad needs.
Panzanella salad
Italian classic: This rustic bread salad lets the tomatoes shine. The crusty bread soaks up all the juices, no cheese required. However, you could add mozzarella if you wanted.
Colin Fassnidge’s ricotta and zucchini tart
Spring on a plate: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a dinner appetiser, the lemon zest adds a tangy kick to this recipe. While the chilli honey drizzle is genius, balancing the richness of the cheese perfectly.
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