In this study, a method for discriminating natural mozzarella cheese from cheese substitutes, using fatty
acid profiles, phytosterol contents, and statistical comparison, was developed. A total of 27 cheeses were
evaluated: eight natural mozzarella cheeses (NMCs), four imitation mozzarella cheeses (IMCs), 12 processed
cheeses (PCs) and three mixed cheeses (MCs) composed of NMCs and IMCs. The fatty acid composition
of the NMC class was distinct from those of the IMC and MC classes, but statistically similar
(p < 0.05) to that of the PC class. The phytosterol content of the NMC class, determined via gas chromatography–
mass spectrometry, was distinct from the IMCs, but similar (p < 0.05) to a portion of the PCs.
Principal component analysis (eigenvalue P1) indicated that the NMCs can be differentiated from the
IMCs, but discrimination between the NMCs and the PCs could not be achieved