Mozzarella cheese is one of the most beloved types of cheese. It is always a delight to watch it stretch as you take a bite. Far from its stretchy and melty attributes, mozzarella cheese is also enjoyed on its own. And if the kind you've pictured is just the one on top of pizza, then you're missing out! There are lots of varieties of mozzarella, from the ones we use in pizza to smoked ones.
Moreover, it is best enjoyed fresh with minimal ingredients to really bring out its taste. In this article, we will tackle the different types of mozzarella as well as the source of the milk used to make it in our buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales. Stay tuned for our Top 10 products as well!
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
Like with any other cheese, mozzarella comes from milk first. It may come as a surprise but you can actually use different sources of milk to create mozzarella cheese. Every one of them yields a difference in taste and texture, so read on to find out more!
With our penchant for drinking milk and consuming cheese on the regular, mozzarella from cow’s milk is a no-brainer. It yields a mild and slightly sweet-tasting mozzarella that’s both great for eating on its own or for adding as an ingredient.
It has a tighter and springier texture than buffalo mozzarella, so it holds up well when you use it for cooking. It is not the most decadent, but it is readily available and much more affordable!
The Italians will tell you buffalo mozzarella is the way to go when eating true mozzarella. It has been described to have a robust flavor with a bit of tanginess and gaminess or maanggo, which is the bit of aftertaste you get.
But if you’re not used to drinking carabao’s milk, then you might have to get used to the taste of buffalo mozzarella. For some, this is noted to possess too strong of a flavor, but it is creamier due to its higher fat content.
With the rise in health issues, a majority have opted to shift to a healthier lifestyle and this includes their diet. Going vegan is one of them, which means being devoid of animal and animal-based products. It is also handy if you are lactose intolerant!
Good news! Eating healthy does not mean forgoing cheese products altogether, as there are now vegan cheese options on the market! These are made out of plant oils, soy, and nuts such as almonds and cashews. Some even use flours from cassava or arrowroot.
It also uses bacterial cultures and follows similar steps to traditional cheese making, so it is minimally processed. However, don't expect to achieve the same gooey and melty consistency as dairy cheese, as it doesn't quite melt the same.
When we talk of mozzarella, almost always, it is the one on top of pizza that comes to mind. But there are actually different kinds - from fresh to smoked and even varying sizes! It's high time you sampled these varieties as they are all equally delicious!
Made from cow’s milk, fresh mozzarella is pulled and stretched after its curdling process, which gives it that stretchiness or elasticity. It is usually suspended in brine, water, or whey to keep it fresh. Also known as Fior di Mozzarella in Italy, which means flower of milk.
It has a light and creamy flavor and is rather delicate. It could be salted or unsalted. Keep in mind that fresh mozzarella must be consumed after a few days of opening; otherwise, you’d risk spoiling it. So, do not purchase more than what you could consume.
Fresh mozzarella is generally shaped into a ball and sold in several sizes. The regular one is about the size of a small orange, the bocconcini are about the size of an egg, and there are even varieties that are bite-sized such as Perlini. These are great to toss in salads or marinated!
There's mozzarella, and there's mozzarella di bufala. If you're aiming for quality mozzarella, you can't go wrong with this. Made from the milk of water buffalo, which gives a rich and velvety taste that's creamier and sweeter than cow's milk. You also get a hint of gaminess. This is great for salads or eaten on its own.
Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, in particular, hails from the region of Campania, Italy, where it is protected by the DOP label. It translates to Protected Designation of Origin. This means that the cheese production must adhere to traditional and high-quality standards and be certified by the Italian government.
Only certain regions in Italy are granted that status. It is similar to how Champagne must originate from France to be called Champagne. Other countries cannot claim the mozzarella di Bufala title even if they have used buffalo milk.
Also known as loaf mozzarella, this type is the most common type of mozzarella cheese found in most groceries, where it is often processed and mass-produced. If cheese is simply labeled mozzarella, chances are it is the low moisture kind.
It is characterized by its rather rubbery and firmer texture, which isn’t as delicate as fresh mozzarella. It is also less creamy, albeit rather salty. And it has a longer shelf life as well.
Because of its low moisture content, it is able to melt well without becoming watery – it mostly becomes stringy. This is what you’d probably picture mozzarella to be. This makes it the go-to choice for homemade pizzas and baked goods such as lasagnas!
Upon first glance, burrata resembles a regular fresh mozzarella ball. However, upon slicing it open, you will notice it is filled with cream and mozzarella curds!
It is ideal if you want an extra creamy treat as burrata literally translates to buttered. It has a rich mouthfeel, almost akin to dessert, so you can swap it for your usual mozzarella if you want something more decadent.
For the ultimate treat, burrata is best eaten on its own with a spoon! But it is also paired with a drizzle of olive oil or slathered onto bread! Once you’ve opened the burrata, you have to finish it, as it doesn’t stay fresh. Though with its delicious taste, we’re sure it won’t be a problem!
This is best described as the filling inside the burrata. It consists of leftover curds from making mozzarella balls, which are then heated until it comes together but not quite, just until it resembles shredded rags.
These bits are then dropped into cream, which gives it a luscious and smooth taste. It can be encased in shells, but it is mostly sold on its own. It is best for pairing with toast, and as a topping for pasta, which definitely tastes as good it sounds!
Yes, any mozzarella can be smoked regardless of the composition – including low moisture ones. This is done by chilling the mozzarella and smoking it at a low temperature, so it doesn’t melt.
The process is done until the mozzarella reaches a golden brown hue. Different wood chips can be used, though the most popular ones are hickory and cherry. Smoking mozzarella provides an added layer of flavor by imparting an earthy taste to the cheese.
Scamorza is a commonly used variety, and it is drier than its fresh counterpart. It is also easily distinguishable by its pear shape. Altogether, smoked mozzarella is great to use on pizzas and vegetables to bring out its earthy flavor!
In buying mozzarella cheese, you may be confused by the packaging as it comes in different forms. For starters, fresh mozzarella is shaped into balls and often submerged in liquids to preserve its freshness. It is also packaged in fewer quantities than processed mozzarella because of its shorter shelf life. In addition, it costs just a little bit more.
Conversely, processed or low moisture mozzarella is often tightly wrapped in plastic and sold dry. It is usually sold in bricks, shredded toppings, or even sticks or string cheese. It is more economical as you can even buy it in bulk as it is less likely to spoil.
It does not automatically make one superior over the other, but you should also consider which of these you prefer. Perhaps you are the type who values the freshness of a product and don't mind spending more. Maybe you consume a lot of cheese on the regular and prefer a more practical option!
Nothing is more frustrating than having to find out a store carries limited supplies or varieties of what you’re looking for. To make sure you can get what you need, consider looking into specialty cheese shops and deli shops, so there are a plethora of options to choose from.
Mozzarellaーthat is fresh mozzarellaーcan be a little hard to source out in most groceries. But it holds a steady stream of low moisture ones suitable for everyday use.
And while imported goods are great, don’t forget to check out our very own local dairy farms! These homegrown brands have stepped up their game in producing high-quality milk and have extended their line to cheese products if you want to sample local creations. It is also a great way of supporting their businesses!
From ₱570
There’s mozzarella and there's buffalo mozzarella, ideal if you want to up your cheese game. Fattorie’s Mozzarella di latte di bufala comes from Italian water buffalo’s milk. It contains more fat and protein content compared to cow’s milk, which gives this cheese a silkier and creamier texture, while the protein provides it a more decadent flavor!
It can also change its state from a soft solid like cottage cheese to a more viscous liquid like heavy cream consistency. Despite having a robust gamey flavor, the cheese pairs well with Caprese salad, wines, and even beer! The cheese can also be drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil to balance the flavors all throughout!
From ₱395
This Trufflata will have you coming back for seconds and even thirds after you've had a taste. This features fresh and milky burrata stuffed with La Petite Fromagerie's signature Truffle Cream Cheese Spread. Each bite boasts of the creaminess of the cheese, along with a subtle earthiness from the truffles.
The truffle isn't overpowering but only serves to enhance the cheese's linamnam. If you're in search of an indulgent cheese, then this one is for you. You can add it to your charcuterie board, pair it with crackers, or just eat with a spoon! It is also made in collaboration with Gino's Brick Oven, should you wish to experience it in pizza.
From ₱425
Marinella's mozzarella cheese carries the mozzarella di bufala trademark, and it is noted for its DOP and DOC status, which protects and controls its origin, so you know they mean business. Being made from buffalo milk ensures you get a richer and creamier mouthfeel than those from cow's milk.
This is rather versatile as you can enjoy it with both sweet and savory dishes. You can drizzle olive oil and toss it in salads, or you can pair it with balsamic vinegar and strawberries for a simple dessert. This proves that you don't need complicated recipes in order to enjoy their taste!
From ₱450
Caprese salad is one of the most popular dishes for fresh mozzarella. And now it's yours to savor in La Petite Fromagerie's Caprese in a Bottle. It consists of fresh cherry mozzarella and roasted cherry tomatoes that have been soaked in pesto. It gives off a refreshing taste in each mouthful.
Take note that they take it a step further by using a queso de bola pesto. It has a balanced sweet and savory flavor that perfectly complements the mozzarella balls. This jar makes an excellent topping for open-faced sandwiches, but it is deliciously eaten on its own as well!
From ₱230
Whether you’re a vegan diet practitioner or just someone with a curious tongue, this cheese won’t fail your tastebuds. This cheese proudly comes from cashew and coconut milk - it gives you that creaminess found in traditional mozzarella cheese while staying true to its vegan core, so you get the best of both worlds!
It also contains nutritional yeast, which gives it that profound earthy and savory flavor that can easily be paired with sandwiches, pasta, and even as toppings! Reviews say that the cheese melts just like dairy mozzarella! It also has a distinct nutty flavor with sweetness and bitterness from the coconut.
From ₱999
Mozzarella is well-loved by most people. And if you're one of those who can't get enough of it, then Arla's mozzarella block ought to fulfill your cheese cravings! It comes in a whopping 2.3-kilogram block, which is perfect for sharing with your entire family, plus this will last you through countless uses!
It has a mild and creamy flavor that pairs well with most dishes. Why not use it to make homemade pizzas, grilled cheese, or lasagnas? The possibilities are quite endless when you've got a supply as big as this. It certainly adds extra oomph to family meals. Having extra also means more servings!
From ₱400
You might’ve heard of Pinkie’s Farm, but in case you haven’t, they are a local creamery that proudly offers everything that their farm makes. Their cows are grass-fed which gives their products a robust and creamier flavor - for linamnam that you can taste in every bite or sip!
Their Smoked Scamorza is proudly made from natural ingredients. Scamorza is a cheese made from cow’s milk that is then formed into curds before being stretched. The cheese is also smoked which gives it a new dimension of flavor. The process also hardens the exterior of the cheese that helps hold the creamy curds inside!
From ₱280
As their name suggests, In A Nutshell produces their cheese from nuts using traditional methods from the old age and reviving them to make something new. Their mozzarella cheese is hand-crafted, gourmet, dairy-free, and even gluten-free! Having to omit cheese in your diet can become a thing of the past!
Their mozzarella cheese is made out of cashew nuts and carrageenan, which helps the cheese emulsify and form it into the cheese block we know and love. It also contains different herbs and fruits that give it a light tang, perfect for pairing with crackers and biscuits!
From ₱340
If you're ever in need of a cheese fix, look no further than One More Slice, they are a homegrown catering service specializing in cheeses. You could find an array of both local and imported selections of cheese on their website. This stracciatella, in particular, is locally sourced!
It is the filling inside the burrata, which means it is made of curds and cream—making this an ultra-creamy and luscious treat! Smear it all over freshly toasted bread to get a nice contrast between the softness of the cheese and the crunchiness of the toast. You could even top it on pasta dishes for a more malinamnam taste!
From ₱199
Pizzas are a delight to eat. It is always fun to see how far you could stretch the cheese. With Emborg's shredded mozzarella, making homemade pizzas has never been easier! It is noted to create that perfect mozzarella stretch, so you can achieve that satisfying pull with each bite.
This particular variety is perfect for grilling, baking, and heating, which adds a creamy taste to your meals! A pre-shredded version is convenient as it takes the hassle out of preparation, so you can just sprinkle it on top of your desired food. This is ideal for picnics and outdoor barbecues!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Mozzarella cheese can be bought at most groceries and e-commerce sites like Lazada and Shopee. You may also want to check out delis or other specialty stores, as these stores carry different types of mozzarella cheese!
The price of mozzarella cheese in the Philippines usually depends on its brand, size, packaging, and net weight. It may range from a few hundred to a thousand pesos.
The answer lies in its production process, pasta filata, also known as spun paste or stretched curd. The curds are then put into hot and salty water where it is stretched, just like salt water taffy, or even caramel and sugar candies. The stretching process gives it pliability and melting capability. After stretching, they are then placed in cold water before they are shaped into a ball, knots, or braid.
Now that you've got the lowdown on mozzarella cheese, why not make your own pizzas at home? It is certainly a fun way to bond with your family members or keep your little ones occupied. Check out these ingredients to see if you have anything missing from your pantry!
Author: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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