Brunost Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Brunost Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No. Brunost Cheese and Fontal Cheese are distinct cheeses from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Does Brunost Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Brunost 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.

Brunost Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Brunost Cheese?

Brunost is a Norwegian whey product made by boiling whey with milk and cream until the milk sugars caramelize. It is brown, sweet and firm enough to slice, and it is eaten like cheese on sandwiches, crispbread and waffles.

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 Brunost Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Fontal Cheese (cow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Brunost Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden	Italy
Specific Origin	Gudbrandsdalen, Norway	Italy
Milk Type	Cow's and goat's milk	Cow
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized or unpasteurized	—
Texture	Semi-soft, whey	—
Rind	Natural	—
Aging	Unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated	—
Taste	Caramel, sweet	—

Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

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

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Fontal Cheese uses cow.

Is Brunost Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Does Brunost Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated. It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

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