Fontal Cheese vs Ġbejna Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Ġbejna Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Ġbejna Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Fontal Cheese for Ġbejna Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Ġbejna Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Ġbejna 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

Ġbejna Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Ġbejna Cheese is soft and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Malta.

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 Ġbejna Cheese?

Ġbejna is a small round cheese from Malta made with sheep milk, salt and rennet. It is sold fresh in its own whey, sundried, salt cured, or coated in crushed black pepper, and it shows up in Maltese soups, pasta and ħobż biż-żejt.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Ġbejna Cheese (Malta)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Ġbejna Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Ġbejna Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Malta
Specific Origin	Italy	Maltese Islands
Milk Type	Cow	Goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Soft
Rind	—	None
Aging	—	Fresh within 24 hours
Taste	—	Savory

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Ġbejna Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Ġbejna Cheese?

Fontal Cheese can stand in for Ġbejna Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Ġbejna 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 Ġbejna Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Ġbejna Cheese comes from Malta. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Ġbejna Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Ġbejna Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Ġbejna Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Ġbejna 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 Ġbejna Cheese made of?

Ġbejna Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using natural animal rennet. It's typically aged fresh within 24 hours. It originates in Malta.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Ġbejna Cheese?

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