stop buying fake cotija—this cheap imitation is destroying recipes!

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:50:49 +0000

Stop Buying Fake Cotija: The Cheap Imitation Threatening Authentic Mexican Recipes If you love authentic Mexican cuisine, you’ve probably noticed a troubling trend: synthetic, mass-produced cotija cheese labeled as “real” but far from authentic. These cheap imitations are flooding grocery stores, online markets, and even fancy restaurants—but they’re not cotija at all. And worse, they’re sabotaging real recipes and traditional cooking. ### What Is Cotija—The Real Deal? Authentic cotija cheese, originating from the state of Michoacán in Mexico, is a handcrafted, mildly salted cheese made from pasteurized or sometimes raw whole cow’s milk. Aged in cedar or oak racks, it develops a distinctive white rind, crumbly texture, and a salty yet smooth flavor essential to classic dishes like tacos ashérés, salads, and moles.