Homemade Mozzarella vs Store Bought: Which is Better?
As one of the world’s favourite cheeses, mozzarella is incredibly common. It’s delicious and versatile, but one question always stands: should you make your own mozzarella cheese? The argument of homemade mozzarella vs store bought is nothing new. However, in today’s climate, you might be trying to think of ways to become more self-sufficient, or at least more self-reliable.
Making your own cheese can be one of these things! Even mozzarella – because it really isn’t as hard as the world makes it out to be.
So, if you have been thinking about making your own cheese, but aren’t sure if it’s actually worth it, you’re in the right place. Here, we will go through which is best – homemade or store bought mozzarella.
Homemade Mozzarella vs Store Bought: Which is Better?
Fresh mozzarella cheese – Credit: Flickr
There are a few different things to take into consideration for this argument. Which one is healthier? Which one tastes better? Is one easier than the other (of course). What about money? Is one cheaper than the other?
These are all things we will cover here – and the answers might actually surprise you. Not only that, but there is one unique element that we will mention right at the end, and it’s something you may not initially think of at all!
Homemade Mozzarella is Healthier
Like with just about anything, when you make it yourself, it is healthier. Truth is, many cheeses have preservatives added to them for obvious reasons. Companies want their products to last longer, so why wouldn’t they?
Homemade mozzarella is definitely healthier than store bought, simply because you won’t be adding all those preservatives.
Don’t get us wrong, there is a time and place for these ingredients. However, they are often unnecessary, and can even be harmful to our health. Overall, making your own cheese without these additives is a healthier option, especially if you have a sensitive system.
Using only organic ingredients to make your cheese will mean that you are eliminating potential pesticides, antibiotics, and even hormones. Not only that, but there is typically more vitamins, calcium, and protein in homemade cheese! So, you’re getting all the benefits without the other stuff.
Admittedly, Store Bought is Easier
We aren’t going to lie – hopping to the store and buying some cheese when you need it will always be the easier option. It would be delusional to think otherwise (unless you live hours away from your nearest cheese-supplying store).
However, that doesn’t mean that making your own mozzarella is actually difficult at all! We have an article outlining the whole process, which highlights just how easy it all is.
Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue with a quick ride to the store. In this case, store bought has to take the cake, because it is easier than making a fresh batch.
Homemade Can Save You Money
Depending on where you live, making your own cheese could save you a lot of money. In the UK, four pints (2.273 litres) of whole milk from Asda costs £1.65 (with prices expected to rise due to the cost of living). At the same supermarket, 125g of mozzarella costs £0.95. You will get a little over 200g of cheese from this amount of milk – depending on the overall fat content of the milk.
You freeze your cheese and keep it for up to four months, so one big batch could last a long time!
Although frozen food will technically last indefinitely, it will begin to deteriorate after some time. Because of this, you could keep your mozzarella for much longer, but the texture may be different if it stays frozen for two years straight!
The best mozzarella to freeze are either blocks, or shredded. Fresh mozzarella will form crystals when frozen due to the high water count.
You Can Use the Leftovers
The cheesemaking process gives you whey – a liquid by-product. This is often seen as a waste product, but you can do a lot with it! Not to mention, if you went and bought cheese at the store, you would miss out on this product.
We have a whole article dedicated to the uses of whey, so why not check that out? You can use it for cooking your pastas and potatoes, and so much more.
It’s a small thing, but being able to use everything from the cheesemaking process is a win. The whey is full of soluble proteins, and is more versatile than you think.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we have to say that homemade cheese is ultimately better. We may be biased, but we truly think that there’s nothing like making your own cheese at home and enjoying it. You know exactly what is going into it, and everything involved in the process.
You don’t have to worry about additives, and the end result is satisfying. There’s something special about making your own food and getting to enjoy it after, don’t you think?
Of course, making your own homemade mozzarella can take some time, but the process is easy enough. It can be something fun that the whole family can get involved in, and everyone can learn from it.
In terms of taking steps to be more self-reliant and self-sufficient, making your own mozzarella is a fantastic step. It’s perfect for beginners and professionals alike, and who wouldn’t like more mozzarella cheese?