Boursin Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Boursin Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Boursin Cheese for Fontal Cheese, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Boursin Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Boursin 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.

Boursin Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Boursin Cheese is a soft and creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Boursin Cheese?

Boursin is a French brand of soft, fresh Gournay-style cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk and cream with herbs mixed in. It spreads easily, crumbles a little, and is best known for its original garlic and fine herbs flavour.

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 Boursin Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Boursin Cheese (France), Fontal Cheese (Italy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Boursin Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Normandy	Italy
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Soft and creamy	—
Rind	None	—
Aging	Fresh (not aged)	—
Taste	Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive	—

Taste Comparison: Does Boursin Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

In most recipes, Boursin Cheese and Fontal Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.

Which Is Better, Boursin 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 Boursin Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursin Cheese originates in France, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

What is Boursin Cheese made of?

Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh (not aged). It originates in France.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Boursin Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

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