The feta everyone overlooked, but experts loved—and it’s under $3 a pack

Standing in the supermarket cheese aisle can feel like a puzzle that never ends.

Shelves are stacked with blocks, crumbles, and tubs that all promise creamy perfection.

But which feta—or fetta—is really worth your money?

Before you grab the most expensive pack, it helps to understand what you’re actually buying.

True feta comes from Greece, made with sheep and goat milk, and has a protected designation of origin.

Everything else in Australian supermarkets is technically ‘fetta’, usually cow’s milk-based, milder, and smoother.

Feta vs fetta: the basics

Feta (Greek) is made from sheep and goat milk, aged in brine, and has a tangy, crumbly texture.

Fetta (Australian) is usually cow’s milk-based, milder in flavour, and smoother in texture.

Persian is an Australian invention—very soft, heavily salted, and best used as a spread.

Danish feta is typically whiter, milder, and smoother than Greek-style.

Blind taste test surprises

A blind tasting of 22 products by five cheese experts, including judges from the Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show, revealed some unexpected results.

The standout value winner was ALDI’s Emporium Selection Greek Style Fetta at $2.89 for 200g ($1.45 per 100g), scoring 7 out of 10.

It was slightly dry with a subtle fermented aftertaste, but at less than half the price of premium options, it delivered remarkable quality for money.

Why feta matters for seniors

Cheese is the second most important source of calcium in the Australian diet, helping address shortfalls seen in half the population.

For seniors, calcium is vital for maintaining bone health as we age.

Australians consumed an average of 13.34kg of cheese per person annually, making smart purchases even more important for health and household budgets.

Top performers

Best overall: Dodoni Feta Authentic Greek (150g, $7.50) scored 8.5/10 and ‘does everything you need it to do and doing it well’.

Best value runner-up: South Cape Greek Style Fetta (200g, $6.50) earned 7.5/10, creamy, salty, and lemony despite packaging that looked like ‘just-add-water camp meals’.

Solid middle ground: Lemnos Fetta Traditional (180g, $6.50) scored 7.5/10—‘perfectly pleasant’ but not exciting.

Riverina Dairy Co Greek Style (200g, $4.70) scored 6.5/10; tangy and yogurt-like, better suited for melting into dishes.

Disappointments: Alba Cheese Fetta (175g, $6.99) scored 4/10—‘Horrible, tastes like plastic’. Evrofarma Authentic Feta (200g, $6.99) earned 5/10, described as tasting like ‘compost’.

Smart shopping tips

Everyday uses for seniors

Crumble feta over roasted vegetables for extra calcium and flavour.

Mix into scrambled eggs for a protein boost.

Add to homemade soups for richness without cream.

Spread softer varieties on wholegrain crackers for a healthy snack.

Keep feta in brine and use within a few days of opening; if the brine gets cloudy, make your own by dissolving two tablespoons of salt in a cup of water.

The bigger picture

The rise in plant-based, organic, and artisanal cheeses means more choice but also higher prices.

The good news? You don’t need to overspend to enjoy quality feta.

Sometimes the best value hides on discount shelves in simple packaging, delivering flavour and savings where it counts.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight salad or hosting the grandchildren for dinner, knowing which feta delivers the best bang for your buck takes the guesswork out of shopping.

What’s your go-to feta brand, and have you been surprised by any budget buys that turned out to be gems?