Fontal Cheese vs Havarti Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Havarti 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

Havarti Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Havarti Cheese is smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.

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 Havarti Cheese?

Havarti is a semisoft Danish cow's milk cheese, mild and buttery with very small irregular eyes running through a rindless, cream to yellow paste. It slices, grills, and melts, and the EU reserved the name for Denmark in 2019.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Havarti Cheese (Denmark)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Havarti Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Denmark
Specific Origin	Italy	Denmark
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Smooth
Rind	—	Rindless
Aging	—	About 3 months
Taste	—	Mild, buttery

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Havarti Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Havarti 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 Havarti Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Havarti Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Havarti 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 Havarti Cheese made of?

Havarti Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Denmark.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Havarti Cheese?

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