Fontal Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in 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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Switzerland)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Jura Region, Switzerland And France |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Thermized (Swiss), raw (French) |
| Texture | — | Soft |
| Rind | — | Washed rind |
| Aging | — | At least 2 weeks |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.