Emmental Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Emmental Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Emmental Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
• "Is Emmental Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
• "How does Emmental Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Emmental Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
• "Is Emmental Cheese or Swiss Cheese better?"

Emmental Cheese Overview

Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004). Swiss is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of none. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste. Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Emmental and Swiss pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard or medium-hard cheese, go for Emmental. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick. Emmental has a nutty, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses