Fontal Cheese vs Limburger Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Limburger Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Limburger Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Limburger Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Limburger 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

Limburger Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Limburger Cheese is firm to spreadable and made from cow milk, originating in Belgium.

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 Limburger Cheese?

Limburger is a washed-rind cow's milk cheese from the Herve area of the old Duchy of Limburg, now part of Belgium. It is known for the powerful smell it develops after about three months of ripening.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Limburger Cheese (Belgium)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Limburger Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Belgium
Specific Origin	Italy	Limburg, Allgäu
Milk Type	Cow	Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Firm to spreadable
Rind	—	Sticky, orange-brown
Aging	—	3 months
Taste	—	Meaty, farmyard

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Limburger Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Limburger Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Limburger 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 Limburger Cheese?

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

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Limburger Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Limburger Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Limburger 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 Limburger Cheese made of?

Limburger Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Belgium.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Limburger Cheese?

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