Camembert Cheese vs Latteria Navel Cheese

Q: Is Camembert Cheese the same as Latteria Navel Cheese?

No. Camembert Cheese and Latteria Navel 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 Latteria Navel Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Latteria Navel 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 is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Latteria Navel Cheese is hard, soft-ripened and made from cow milk, 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 Latteria Navel Cheese?

Latteria Navel is a cheese from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of Italy. Made from pasteurized cow's milk, it features a hard, soft-ripened texture. The cheese has a straw-colored interior and a natural rind. It is known for its full-flavored taste and aromatic scent. This cheese is traditionally enjoyed as part of an antipasto platter or paired with crusty bread and a glass of wine. Its rich flavors make it a popular choice among cheese enthusiasts looking for something flavorful and aromatic.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Latteria Navel Cheese?

Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Latteria Navel Cheese (Italy)
Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Latteria Navel Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Latteria Navel Cheese (hard, soft-ripened)
Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Latteria Navel Cheese (natural)
Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Latteria Navel Cheese (full-flavored)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Camembert Cheese	Latteria Navel Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France	Friuli-Venezia Giulia And The Veneto
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	Hard, soft-ripened
Rind	Bloomy	Natural
Aging	Minimum 3 weeks	—
Taste	Slightly sour, stronger than brie	Full-flavored

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Latteria Navel Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Latteria Navel Cheese brings full-flavored character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Latteria Navel Cheese's aromatic.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Latteria Navel Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Latteria Navel 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 hard, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Latteria Navel Cheese brings full-flavored notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Latteria Navel 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 hard, soft-ripened profile, Latteria Navel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Latteria Navel Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Latteria Navel Cheese?

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

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Latteria Navel Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Latteria Navel Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Latteria Navel Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Latteria Navel Cheese is full-flavored. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Latteria Navel Cheese is closer to aromatic.

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 Latteria Navel Cheese made of?

Latteria Navel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Latteria Navel Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Latteria Navel Cheese is hard, soft-ripened.