juustoja

Juustoja is the Finnish plural form of juusto, meaning cheeses. In Finland, juustot range from fresh and mild to aged and robust, and they are produced from cow, sheep, goat, and sometimes reindeer milk. The Finnish cheese landscape reflects a mix of traditional craft and modern dairy production, with many varieties marketed domestically and a smaller number exported abroad. Flavor profiles are often milder on average than those of many continental cheeses, though stronger blue and aged cheeses are also made.

A notable Finnish cheese is Leipäjuusto, commonly called bread cheese. It is traditionally baked or fried until its surface browns and the interior remains soft. Leipäjuusto has a squeaky texture when chewed and is frequently served warm with cloudberry jam or coffee. Another well-known cheese is Aura, a blue cheese produced by Valio. Aura is matured with blue mold and presents a range of flavors from mild to pronounced depending on aging. Oltermanni is a widely consumed semi-soft cheese used for slicing and melting, popular in everyday Finnish meals and sandwiches.

Production in Finland is industrially developed, with standardized processes and pasteurized milk standard for many products, though traditional and small-scale makers also produce artisanal cheeses. Juustoja are commonly used on open-faced sandwiches, melted in dishes, or served as a cheese course. The category encompasses both everyday table cheeses and more distinctive specialty cheeses, reflecting Finland’s dairy heritage and contemporary food culture.