Fontal Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow 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 Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | Several months |
| Taste | — | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Tomme de Savoie 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 Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie 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 Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?
Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.