Fontal Cheese vs Queso Nata de Cantabria
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Queso Nata de Cantabria is firm but creamy and made from cow milk.
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 Queso Nata de Cantabria?
Queso de nata de Cantabria is a soft cow's milk cheese from Cantabria in northern Spain, made from Friesian cow milk. It has held a Protected Designation of Origin since 1985 and is known for a firm but creamy body and a buttery, slightly acidic taste.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Queso Nata de Cantabria?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Queso Nata de Cantabria | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Cantabria, Spain |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Texture | — | Firm but creamy |
| Rind | — | Thin and smooth |
| Aging | — | Minimum 7 days |
| Taste | — | Buttery with slight acidity |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Queso Nata de Cantabria?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Queso Nata de Cantabria?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Queso Nata de Cantabria can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Queso Nata de Cantabria?
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 Queso Nata de Cantabria?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Queso Nata de Cantabria?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Queso Nata de Cantabria?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Queso Nata de Cantabria?
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 Queso Nata de Cantabria made of?
Queso Nata de Cantabria is made from cow milk, using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 7 days.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Queso Nata de Cantabria?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.