Fontal Cheese vs Manouri Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Manouri Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Manouri 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 Manouri Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Manouri Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Manouri 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

Manouri Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Manouri Cheese is smooth, dense and made from goat or 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 Manouri Cheese?

Manouri is a Greek semi-soft fresh whey cheese made from goat or sheep milk as a by-product of feta production. Cream added to the whey makes it richer and far less salty than feta.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Manouri Cheese (Greece)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Manouri Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Manouri Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Greece
Specific Origin	Italy	Central And Western Macedonia, Thessaly
Milk Type	Cow	Goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Smooth, dense
Rind	—	None
Aging	—	Typically eaten young, can be aged for grating
Taste	—	Rich, milky, tangy, slightly citrusy

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Manouri Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Manouri Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Manouri 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 Manouri Cheese?

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

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Manouri Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Manouri Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Manouri 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 Manouri Cheese made of?

Manouri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged typically eaten young, can be aged for grating. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Manouri Cheese?

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