Cantal Cheese vs Fromage Frais Cheese
Cantal Cheese
Fromage Frais Cheese
Cantal Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh, originating in France.
Buy Cantal Cheese
Buy Fromage Frais Cheese
What Is Cantal Cheese?
Cantal is a firm, uncooked cow's milk cheese from the Auvergne region of central France and one of the oldest cheeses in the country. Its tangy, buttery flavor recalls Cheddar and sharpens with age, from the mild jeune to the hard, nutty vieux.
What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.
What's the Difference Between Cantal Cheese and Fromage Frais Cheese?
- Texture: Cantal Cheese (Semi-hard), Fromage Frais Cheese (Fresh)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cantal Cheese | Fromage Frais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Département Of Cantal | Northern France And Southern Belgium |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Fresh |
| Rind | Gray-white to golden | — |
| Aging | Jeune: 30-60 days, Entre-Deux: 90-210 days, Vieux: >8 months | — |
| Taste | — | Milky, smooth |
Taste Comparison: Does Cantal Cheese Taste Like Fromage Frais Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Cantal Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?
Cantal Cheese can stand in for Fromage Frais Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh.
Which Is Better, Cantal Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Cantal Cheese. For a fresh profile, Fromage Frais Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cantal Cheese the same as Fromage Frais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Cantal Cheese similar to Fromage Frais Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cantal Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cantal Cheese taste like Fromage Frais Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cantal Cheese made of?
Cantal Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months. It originates in France.
What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?
Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cantal Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cantal Cheese is semi-hard, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh.