Camembert Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Q: Is Camembert Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Camembert Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Jarlsberg 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

Jarlsberg Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

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 Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Camembert Cheese	Jarlsberg Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Norway
Specific Origin	Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France	Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions	Pasteurized
Texture	Soft, artisan	Semihard
Rind	Bloomy	Plastic-covered
Aging	Minimum 3 weeks	Three months to twelve months
Taste	Slightly sour, stronger than brie	Mild, sweet, nutty

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.

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 Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.