Fontal Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Halloumi Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Halloumi Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Halloumi 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

Halloumi Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Halloumi Cheese is semihard and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Cyprus.

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 Halloumi Cheese?

Halloumi is a brined cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, though most modern halloumi also contains cow's milk. It has a high melting point, so it browns on the grill or in a pan without melting, and it squeaks when you chew it.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Halloumi Cheese (Cyprus)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Halloumi Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Halloumi Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Cyprus
Specific Origin	Italy	Cyprus
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially
Texture	—	Semihard
Rind	—	No rind
Aging	—	40 days
Taste	—	Mild, salty

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Halloumi Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Halloumi 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 Halloumi Cheese?

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

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Halloumi Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Halloumi 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 Halloumi Cheese made of?

Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), using mostly vegetable or microbial rennet. It's typically aged 40 days. It originates in Cyprus.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Halloumi Cheese?

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