Fontal Cheese vs Swaledale Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Swaledale Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Swaledale Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Swaledale Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Swaledale 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

Swaledale Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Swaledale Cheese is moist, medium firm and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in England.

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 Swaledale Cheese?

Swaledale is a full fat hard cheese from Richmond in Swaledale, North Yorkshire, made with unpasteurised cow, sheep or goat milk. It is known for its moist medium firm texture and a rind of grey-blue mould or natural wax.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Swaledale Cheese (England)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Swaledale Cheese (cow, sheep, goat)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Swaledale Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	England
Specific Origin	Italy	Swaledale, North Yorkshire
Milk Type	Cow	Cow, sheep, goat
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Moist, medium firm
Rind	—	Grey-blue mould or natural wax
Aging	—	3 to 4 weeks

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Swaledale Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Swaledale 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 Swaledale Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Swaledale Cheese comes from England. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Swaledale Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Swaledale Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Swaledale Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Swaledale 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 Swaledale Cheese made of?

Swaledale Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (raw), using rennet added after culturing rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 weeks. It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Swaledale Cheese?

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