Fontal Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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 is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

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 Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.

What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Raclette du Valais Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Switzerland
Specific Origin	Italy	Canton Of Valais
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk, Eringer breed
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Semisoft, smooth
Rind	—	Washed
Aging	—	Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker
Taste	—	'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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 Raclette du Valais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais 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 Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?

Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

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