Fontal Cheese vs Kopanisti Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Kopanisti Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Kopanisti Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Kopanisti Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Kopanisti 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

Kopanisti Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Kopanisti Cheese is spreadable and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Greece.

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 Kopanisti Cheese?

Kopanisti is a salty, spicy PDO cheese from the Cyclades, made on Mykonos for more than 300 years. Repeated kneading during ripening spreads its microbial flora through the cheese and gives it a sharp peppery bite.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Kopanisti Cheese (Greece)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Kopanisti Cheese (Whole raw cow’s, ewe’s, and goat’s milk or mixtures, adapted to the region)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Kopanisti Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Greece
Specific Origin	Italy	Cyclades Islands (Mykonos And Tinos)
Milk Type	Cow	Whole raw cow’s, ewe’s, and goat’s milk or mixtures, adapted to the region
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Spreadable
Aging	—	30 to 40 days
Taste	—	Intense salty and peppery

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Kopanisti Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Kopanisti Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Kopanisti 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 Kopanisti Cheese?

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

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Kopanisti Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Kopanisti Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Kopanisti 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 Kopanisti Cheese made of?

Kopanisti Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 30 to 40 days. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Kopanisti Cheese?

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