Fontal Cheese vs Port Salut Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Port Salut Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Port Salut Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Fontal Cheese for Port Salut Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Port Salut Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Port Salut 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

Port Salut Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Port Salut Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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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 Port Salut Cheese?

Port Salut is a semi-soft pasteurized cow's milk cheese from Pays de la Loire, France. Trappist monks developed it in the 19th century, and it is known for its orange rind, its smooth sliceable paste and its mild flavor.

What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Port Salut Cheese?

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Port Salut Cheese (France)
Texture: Fontal Cheese (Semi-hard), Port Salut Cheese (Semi-soft)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Port Salut Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Italy	Pays De La Loire, France
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	Semi-hard	Semi-soft
Rind	—	Washed
Taste	—	Acidic, mellow

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Port Salut Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Port Salut Cheese?

In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Port Salut Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Port Salut Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Fontal Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Port Salut Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fontal Cheese the same as Port Salut Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Port Salut Cheese comes from France.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Port Salut Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Port Salut Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Port Salut 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 Port Salut Cheese made of?

Port Salut Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Port Salut Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fontal Cheese is semi-hard, while Port Salut Cheese is semi-soft.