Fontal Cheese vs Tomme Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Tomme Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Tomme Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Tomme 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

Tomme Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.

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 Cheese?

Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Tomme Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France And Switzerland
Specific Origin	Italy	France, Switzerland, United States
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized or unpasteurized
Texture	—	Creamy, pliable
Rind	—	Grayish natural
Taste	—	Varied

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Tomme 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 Cheese?

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

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Tomme Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Tomme 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 Cheese made of?

Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Tomme Cheese?

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