When it comes to fine cheese, most people think of Parmigiano Reggiano, Roquefort, or aged Gouda. But there’s one cheese that stands far above the rest in price, rarity, and curiosity: Griffin cheese, better known as Pule cheese. Made from donkey milk and produced in Serbia, this elusive delicacy has earned the title of the most expensive cheese in the world.

What Is Griffin Cheese?

Griffin cheese is a rare white cheese made exclusively from the milk of Balkan donkeys. It originates from the Zasavica Special Nature Reserve in Serbia, where only around 100 jennies (female donkeys) are milked by hand to produce this cheese.

It is also called Pule cheese, but “Griffin cheese” is sometimes used in gourmet circles as a luxury alias, especially in Western marketing.

Why Is Griffin Cheese So Expensive?

Griffin cheese sells for up to $600 to $1,000 per pound. Several factors contribute to this high cost:

• Low milk yield: Donkeys produce very little milk — about 0.3 liters per day.
• High milk requirement: It takes around 25 liters of milk to produce 1 kilogram of cheese.
• Manual milking: There is no industrial method for milking donkeys, so everything is done by hand.
• Limited supply: Only a few hundred pounds of this cheese are made each year.

All of these factors create a perfect storm of rarity, labor intensity, and exclusivity.

What Does Griffin Cheese Taste Like?

Griffin (Pule) cheese has a mild, earthy flavor with a slightly crumbly texture. It’s low in fat and high in protein, which gives it a light, delicate mouthfeel compared to cow or sheep’s milk cheese.

Some describe the taste as a cross between Manchego and fresh goat cheese, but much subtler. Because it’s unaged and made from such unique milk, the flavor is unlike any other cheese in the world.

Health Benefits of Donkey Milk Cheese

Donkey milk is prized not just for cheese, but for its nutritional and medicinal value:

• High in vitamin C and omega-3s
• Low in fat and cholesterol
• Easily digestible
• Traditionally believed to boost immunity and improve skin health

Griffin cheese, made purely from this milk, is both a gourmet food and a nutritional powerhouse.

Where Can You Buy Griffin CheeseBecause of its rarity, Griffin cheese is not available in regular markets. It is typically sold by direct order from the Zasavica Nature Reserve or through high-end gourmet brokers. Some exclusive restaurants and luxury hotels may carry it on specialty tasting menus.

Expect a waitlist, high prices, and strict availability.

Final Thoughts

Griffin cheese isn’t just food — it’s a conversation piece, a luxury item, and a symbol of craftsmanship and rarity. Whether you’re a culinary explorer or simply curious about the world’s most exclusive ingredients, this cheese offers a one-of-a-kind story and flavor.