It’s Not Goat or Sheep - The World’s Most Expensive Cheese Comes from Donkeys

Cheese is a beloved ingredient across the globe, found in countless dishes from creamy pastas to crispy pizzas. While most varieties are made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, there exists one rare cheese that stands apart - and it comes from a most unexpected source: donkey milk. Known as Pule Cheese , it holds the title of the world’s most expensive cheese .

Where Is Pule Cheese Made ?

Pule Cheese has its origins in Serbia, specifically at the Zasavica Special Nature Reserve. Crafted using around 60% milk from Balkan donkeys and 40% goat milk, this cheese is incredibly rare and unique. Since donkey milk is exceptionally hard to obtain, the production process is strictly limited to this region.

Why Is It So Expensive?

The extraordinary cost of Pule Cheese lies in the scarcity of its main ingredient. A Balkan donkey produces only about 300 ml of milk per day, while several litres are required to make even a small block of cheese. Add to that the meticulous and labour-intensive cheese-making process, and it’s no surprise that a kilogram of Pule Cheese costs between $1,000 and $1,500 (₹83,000 to ₹1.24 lakh). This price tag easily makes it the most exclusive cheese in the world.

What Does Pule Cheese Taste Like ?

Pule Cheese is unlike any other cheese you’ve tried. It is rich, slightly salty, and thick in texture, with a strong aroma that sets it apart from common varieties. In Serbia, it is considered a true delicacy, often reserved for special occasions and fine dining experiences.

A Culinary Luxury Few Can Afford

Pule Cheese is not just food - it’s an experience of luxury and rarity. With its limited production, high value, and distinctive flavour, it remains a symbol of exclusivity in the world of gourmet cuisine . For most people, tasting this donkey-milk cheese might remain a dream, but for connoisseurs, it’s worth every bite.