Spruce up your palaman options with kesong puti, and you get to have a dining experience that is both filling and warming. Aside from pan de sal, kesong puti will also go well with any meal, all thanks to its mellow flavors. You can even eat it on its own! This unique cheese will certainly do wonders for your dishes and tummy.
No matter how you like it served, kesong puti will never let you down. Our buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, and top 10 picks ought to help you in choosing the best kesong puti.
Quick List - Top Kesong Puti
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.
Here are some key points to consider:
How the cheese looks like should be at the top of your consideration. Generally, kesong puti looks like a tofu block. It is white and soft in texture. Since it doesn’t undergo an aging process, it won’t have any rinds. The absence of chemical processes results in cheese without “eyes” or holes.
Various sellers come with different ways of producing their cheese. Some mold their kesong puti like a block of tofu, while others go for thin slices so it can easily go with pandesal and other bread. Some shops also come up with a spreadable option that comes in jars.
When you receive your package, do a smell test. Fresh kesong puti shouldn’t have any particular odor. Also, watch out for signs of spoilage like mold, discoloration, and change in consistency and texture. If you're still not sure, you may want to try eating a small amount. If it tastes sour and has an unpleasant aftertaste, toss it out.
While seemingly trivial, the packaging of your cheese affects its flavor and freshness. And just like with the appearance, various shops also pack their kesong puti in different materials.
Soft cheeses like kesong puti are very perishable. The process of taking out the air in vacuum packaging prevents this by extending the cheese's shelf life and ensuring its freshness. And since this is the go-to packaging of most cheesemakers, you can readily find it in stores.
The caveat to this packaging is that some consumers complain of their package tasting "plasticky" from the material used. Additionally, its byproducts are not good for the environment. The plastic doesn't easily disintegrate and thus, just adds up to unrecyclable waste.
Banana leaf is a staple in Filipino cuisine. It's not difficult to see why considering the aroma and unique taste they impart on food. For something traditional, go for kesong puti wrapped in banana leaves. In addition to enhancing the flavor of the cheese, the banana leaf also helps in the setting process.
While banana leaves are abundant in the country, you won't readily see kesong puti in this type of packaging as sellers seldom use them. Albeit good for the environment, this type of packaging will not prevent the spoilage of the cheese. It may even speed it up if not properly stored.
As with all dairy products, you want your package to arrive in good condition and unspoiled. This is why a refrigerated shipping option is your best choice. You may want to contact the seller and ask for insulated containers full of ice packs.
Additionally, it is best to opt for express shipment. If you live in a place that doesn’t cater to this, you may want to reconsider your purchase. Usually, stores will deliver your package within 48 hours. Any time longer than this and the cheese's taste and quality may be compromised.
Do note that express shipment and refrigerated shipping will cost more. But it will be money worth spent since your cheese will arrive without any damage. And you get to enjoy it as fresh as it can be.
We understand it is tough to buy online, especially when it comes to perishable items. When in doubt, buy from reputable sellers. Go through their websites or check if they are FDA-approved. A strong social media presence and engagement with customers should also be a good sign since many people have already tried their products.
You can also look into their story or background. There, you will get to know their company and how they started. Owners who are passionate about their craft are likely to know their products well and will want to produce only the best.
Of course, checking reviews can help you decide. These are usually available on Google and the site or page of the shop. You can also look for reviews on social media sites. See what others have to say about the product and what it looks like in actuality.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mama Jessie's Kesong Puti Kesong Puti | ![]() | Delicious Kesong Puti Made From 100% Carabao's Milk | |
2 | Pinkie's Farm Kesong Puti | ![]() | All-Natural Creamy Goodness from a Single-Origin Farm | |
3 | Holly's Milk Quesong Puti | ![]() | Kesong Puti Made the Traditional Way | |
4 | Mr. Moo's Carabao's Cheese Dahon | ![]() | Kesong Puti From Farm to Your Table | |
5 | Primo's Farm Fresh Kesong Puti Farm Fresh Kesong Puti | ![]() | Fluffy Cheese With Nostalgic Notes | |
6 | Rizal Dairy Farms Kesong Puti | ![]() | Kesong Puti Made From High-Class Standards | |
7 | Milka Krem Kesong Puti | ![]() | The Best of What Carabao’s Milk Has to Offer | |
8 | Sweet Bulakenya Foods Kesong Puti | ![]() | A Unique Take on Kesong Puti | |
9 | Gil's Kesong Puti Kesong Puti | ![]() | A Dedicated Cheesemaker’s Ode to White Cheese | |
10 | DVF Dairy Farm Kesong Puti | ![]() | Carefully-Made, Fresh Kesong Puti |
This crowd-favorite cheese started in a tiny kitchen from Nueva Ecija. A woman named Mama Jessie learned how to make white cheese from her grandmother. Since then, she had passed the recipe to her daughter, who started making cheese for their family and friends. In 2000, the hobby turned into a business.
Two decades later, the cheese has become a staple in bazaars and deli stores, and esteemed restaurants in Manila. It’s not difficult to see why considering it’s made with 100% fresh carabao’s milk. The taste is also well-balanced, making it the perfect partner for hot pandesal or any dish.
If you're conscious about your food intake, you need not worry. Mama Jessie's Kesong Puti is all-natural as it can be. It only contains three ingredients- carabao's milk, vinegar, and salt. This shop just proves that food can taste so good even without any additives.
Worrying about what goes in on your food and what processes it underwent shouldn’t be a concern with Pinkie’s Farm. This Lipa-based farm boasts all-natural milk from their very own grass-fed cows. That’s right; this shop only sells what their farm produces!
The farm controls every process of cheese production. This way, they can assure their customers that their products are carefully handled and are of the best quality. The cows and carabaos are also well taken care of. You can even book a Zoom meeting with them!
Aside from kesong puti, they also offer various dairy products like milk, yogurt, and butter. And if you’re near them, you can try their farm tour. You’ll get to see firsthand how the products are made. They’ll even give you a shot in making them. Of course, the best part is, you’ll get to try samples!
If you’re from the province of Laguna, chances are you may have heard of this farm. If not, the media buzz it’s been getting ought to tell you that this shop is very serious about producing its dairy products and helping local farmers.
Their kesong puti is prepared the traditional way with all the natural nutrients intact, ensuring a yummy and nutritious addition to your diet. Their formula consists of humane treatment of the farm animals and sustainable practices.
Holly's Milk’s Kesong Puti comes from the 27-hectare dairy farm along the foothills of Mt. Makiling. It is home to cattle and cows exported from New Zealand and taken care of with the help of experts from the Dairy Training and Research Institute of the University of the Philippines—Los Banos (DTRI-UPLB).
Mr. Moo’s owners are all about offering their customers fresh and 100% natural dairy products. Their milk is unadulterated, non-manipulated, and non-homogenized. In simpler terms, there are no additives and preservatives. They are even safe for pregnant mothers and cancer patients!
You don’t have to worry about what went into the cheese because its source, carabaos, only eat organic feedings such as rice straw, monggo leaves, and corn. This results in a delightful cheese that can be used for spreads, salads, and pasta sauces.
If you'd like a more malinamnam flavor, try combining their kesong puti with their butter. This enhances their flavor and brings out their milky taste for a more indulgent treat!
Primo’s Kesong Puti is the product of quarantine from two men who felt nostalgic for their childhood favorite— kesong puti. Time dedicated to experimenting with cheese successfully brought them the "kesong puti of their dreams.” It’s delicately soft, fresh, and creamy.
In connecting with their childhood memories, the owners of this shop were able to sustain the livelihood of local farmers in Bulacan. From these farmers, the kesong puti is delivered to buyers the same day it is made.
The packaging of this cheese gives a homey and traditional feel with the banana leaves and brown paper. And if you’re up for something sweet, why not throw in another product made from their freshest carabao milk— Pastillas in a jar!
Another staple in bazaars, Rizal Dairy Farms' Kesong Puti is something you don’t want to miss out on. RDF is a pioneer in dairy processing since 1992, making it the most established shop on our list. And many years later, they remain true to their goal of producing products that are good for their consumers and for the planet.
Their Kesong Puti's delectable taste can be attributed to the shop’s dedication to following Swiss standards and techniques. Because of this, several hotels and restaurants in the country take pride in serving it to their customers. Aside from its taste, it’s also a good addition to the Keto diet, making it a favorite in Keto bazaars.
Nueve Ecija is home to many agricultural products, making it the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines.” It’s no wonder they also have the best-tasting dairy products. Among these is Milka Krem’s Carabao-based products. Their Kesong Puti is a favorite among locals and even those in the city.
It is operated by the Philippine Carabao Center; thus, you can rest assured that the products are of top-notch quality and the carabaos are well taken care of. In addition to getting a taste of this mild & creamy kesong puti, you also get to help the local farmer cooperatives when you purchase their products!
If you want something new, Sweet Bulakenya has got just the right products for you! The shop is founded by a woman who is all about making a homemade and all-natural kesong puti, directly sourced from Bulacan carabao farmers. From this, she expanded her white cheese venture into other variants.
With its expansion, customers get to experience kesong puti in a spread, cream cheese, nuggets, quesadilla, empanadas, and pimiento. All of these stemmed from the owner’s aspiration of boosting the sales of farmers during the pandemic. It’s definitely a win-win! You get to enjoy kesong puti, support local products, and help our farmers.
If you happen to be in Laguna, make sure to stop by and buy Gil's Kesong Puti. This cheese is proudly made by Gil del Mundo, one of the biggest cheesemakers in the area. He learned the painstaking process of making it from his mom. Now, he continues this legacy that locals enjoy and take pride in.
What sets his kesong puti apart is the use of halabing. These are round molds made of banana leaves. They shape the cheese and securely package it. Since the cheese stays in the leaves for a longer time, it results in a unique taste and flavor that will surely satisfy your taste buds!
DVF aims to bring its customers fresh milk products from their family farm straight to your home. Its products are sourced and processed in Nueva Ecija. For those who have sensitive tummies, this one is for you. DVF carefully tests its batches by its in-house microbiologists and food technologists.
Aside from being tummy-safe, its carabao’s milk is all-natural and free from additives and other preservatives. After being checked by quality control, it is then safely transported to outlets all over the country, waiting for consumers to enjoy it. The best part about this product is that it is readily available in major supermarkets!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Kesong puti or white cheese is made using a fresh batch of unskimmed carabao's milk. It has a mild flavor with a slightly tangy and salty taste as a result of curdling with salt and either vinegar or rennet. Because of its taste profile and texture, it can be a substitute for ricotta or mozzarella.
It is essentially a fresh mozzarella cheese, however, they still differ in taste and texture. Kesong puti is cheese packed in water with a salty taste and creamy texture even when melted, while mozzarella is a low moisture cheese with a slightly blander taste and gets stretchy when melted.
Aside from purchasing kesong puti in markets and groceries, kesong puti can now be conveniently bought online on e-commerce sites like Lazada and Shopee. You may also check Facebook and Instagram for specialty stores.
If you can’t get enough of Kesong Puti, don’t worry, because same! But grazing into another pasture will also be good for variety. And we got just the right products for you. Check out these dairy goods for your daily dose of creamy goodness.
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Author: J. Ausa
Editor: Justine 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.
No. 1: Mama Jessie's Kesong Puti|Kesong Puti
No. 2: Pinkie's Farm|Kesong Puti
No. 3: Holly's Milk|Quesong Puti
No. 4: Mr. Moo's|Carabao's Cheese Dahon
No. 5: Primo's Farm Fresh Kesong Puti|Farm Fresh Kesong Puti
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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