Fontal Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Swiss Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Swiss Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Swiss Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Swiss 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

Swiss Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Swiss Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

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 Swiss Cheese?

Swiss cheese is the North American name for any cheese made in the style of Emmental, the yellow, medium-hard cheese from the Emmental region of Switzerland. Most versions carry the round holes called eyes and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Swiss Cheese (United States)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Swiss Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	United States
Specific Origin	Italy	Emmental, Switzerland; Now Widely Made In The U.S.
Milk Type	Cow	Cow
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Semi-Firm
Rind	—	None
Aging	—	Typically 1-3 months
Taste	—	Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Swiss Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Swiss Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Swiss 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 Swiss Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Swiss Cheese comes from United States.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Swiss Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Swiss Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Swiss 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 Swiss Cheese made of?

Swiss Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged typically 1-3 months. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Swiss Cheese?

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