Fontal Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Taleggio Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Taleggio Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Taleggio Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Taleggio 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

Taleggio Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Taleggio Cheese?

Taleggio is a semisoft Italian cheese with a washed, smear-ripened rind and a strong smell. The taste is milder than the aroma suggests, creamy and pale yellow inside, with an unusual fruity tang.

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Italy	Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Heated to 90–95°F
Texture	—	Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Rind	—	Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Aging	—	At least 35 (up to 50) days
Taste	—	Sweet, delicate, slightly sour

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Taleggio Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Taleggio 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 Taleggio Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Taleggio Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Taleggio 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 Taleggio Cheese made of?

Taleggio Cheese is made from cow milk (heated to 90–95°f), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 35 (up to 50) days. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Taleggio Cheese?

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