Fontal Cheese vs Mascarpone Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Mascarpone Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Mascarpone Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Mascarpone 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

Mascarpone Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Mascarpone Cheese is soft, spreadable and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone is a soft Italian dairy product made by coagulating cream with acid and heat, without rennet and without aging. Milky white and easy to spread, it is best known as the base of tiramisu.

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Mascarpone Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Italy	Lombardy
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Heated
Texture	—	Soft, spreadable
Rind	—	Rindless
Aging	—	Not aged
Taste	—	Buttery to slightly tangy

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Mascarpone Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Mascarpone 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 Mascarpone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Mascarpone Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Mascarpone 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 Mascarpone Cheese made of?

Mascarpone Cheese is made from cow milk (heated), using none rennet. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Mascarpone Cheese?

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