Fontal Cheese vs Fontina Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Fontina Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Fontina Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Fontina Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Fontina 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.

Fontal Cheese

Fontina Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Is Fontina Cheese?

Fontina is a cow's milk cheese from Italy's Aosta Valley, made there since the 12th century. It runs semisoft to hard, tastes creamy and nutty with earthy, mushroomy notes, and melts well enough to carry a fondue.

What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Fontina Cheese?

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Fontina Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Italy	Aosta Valley, Italy
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions)
Texture	—	Semi-Soft
Rind	—	Natural, Often Washed
Aging	—	Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor)
Taste	—	Mild, Buttery, Nutty

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Fontina Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Fontina Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Fontina 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 Fontal Cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Fontina Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Fontina Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Fontina Cheese?

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

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

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

What is Fontina Cheese made of?

Fontina Cheese is made from cow milk (raw (for traditional italian fontina), pasteurized (for most american versions)), using traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Fontina Cheese?

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