Camembert Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Camembert Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No. Camembert 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 Camembert Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Does Camembert Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Camembert 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.

Camembert Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.

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 Camembert Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Camembert Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France	Italy
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions	—
Texture	Soft, artisan	—
Rind	Bloomy	—
Aging	Minimum 3 weeks	—
Taste	Slightly sour, stronger than brie	—

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

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

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

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

What is Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. 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, Camembert Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

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