Cheddar Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No. Cheddar Cheese and Fontal Cheese are distinct cheeses from England and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Cheddar 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.

Cheddar Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Cheddar Cheese?

Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.

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 Cheddar Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Fontal Cheese (Italy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Cheddar Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	England	Italy
Specific Origin	Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester)	Italy
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow
Milk Treatment	Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized	—
Texture	Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)	—
Rind	Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)	—
Aging	A few months to several years	—
Taste	Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory	—

Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

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

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

Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

What is Cheddar Cheese made of?

Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

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