Fontal Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Roquefort Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Roquefort 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 Roquefort Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Roquefort Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Roquefort 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

Roquefort Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

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 Roquefort Cheese?

Roquefort is a blue cheese made from raw Lacaune sheep's milk in southern France. Only cheese ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may carry the name. It is tangy and creamy, with no rind and a sharp bite from the blue veins.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Roquefort Cheese (France)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Roquefort Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Italy	Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France
Milk Type	Cow	Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Unpasteurized
Texture	—	Moist, very creamy
Rind	—	None
Aging	—	Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months
Taste	—	Mild to strong

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Roquefort Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Roquefort 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 Roquefort Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Roquefort Cheese comes from France. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Roquefort Cheese uses sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Roquefort Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Roquefort 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 Roquefort Cheese made of?

Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Roquefort Cheese?

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