Fontal Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Jarlsberg 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

Jarlsberg Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

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 Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Jarlsberg Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Norway
Specific Origin	Italy	Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Semihard
Rind	—	Plastic-covered
Aging	—	Three months to twelve months
Taste	—	Mild, sweet, nutty

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Jarlsberg 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 Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Jarlsberg 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 Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

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