Anari Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Anari Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No. Anari Cheese and Fontal Cheese are distinct cheeses from Cyprus and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Anari Cheese for Fontal Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Anari Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Anari Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Anari Cheese?

Anari is a fresh, mild whey cheese from Cyprus, made mostly from the whey left over from halloumi or kefalotyri. Soft and chalk-white when young, it is eaten with carob syrup or honey, or salted and dried into a hard cheese for grating.

What Is Fontal Cheese?

Fontal is one of the names that grew out of fontina, the cow's milk cheese first produced in Italy. Cheeses under derivative names like fontal are made in other parts of Italy and in Denmark, Sweden, Quebec, France, Argentina, and the United States.

What's the Difference Between Anari Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Anari Cheese (Cyprus), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Fontal Cheese (cow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Anari Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus	Italy
Specific Origin	Cyprus	Italy
Milk Type	Goat's or sheep's milk	Cow
Milk Treatment	Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F	—
Texture	Soft, crumbly curds	—
Rind	Natural	—
Aging	Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months)	—
Taste	Very mild nutty flavor	—

Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

Anari Cheese can stand in for Fontal Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anari Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy. Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Fontal Cheese uses cow.

Is Anari Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Anari Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Anari Cheese made of?

Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (gradually heated to 149–158°f, then to 194°f). It's typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months). It originates in Cyprus.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.