Fontal Cheese vs Grana Padano Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Grana Padano Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Grana Padano Cheese is crumbly 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 Grana Padano Cheese?
Grana Padano is a hard, grainy cheese from Italy's Po Valley, made with semi-skimmed unpasteurized cow's milk and ripened at least nine months. It is made much like Parmesan but under looser rules, and young wheels taste milder and less crumbly.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Grana Padano Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Grana Padano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Po River Valley |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Crumbly |
| Rind | — | Thin, pale yellow |
| Aging | — | 9–16 months+ |
| Taste | — | Nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Grana Padano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Grana Padano Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Grana Padano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Grana Padano 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 Grana Padano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Grana Padano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Grana Padano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Grana Padano 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 Grana Padano Cheese made of?
Grana Padano Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 9–16 months+. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Grana Padano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.