Fontal Cheese vs Wagashi Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Wagashi Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Wagashi 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 Wagashi Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Wagashi Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Wagashi 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

Wagashi Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Wagashi Cheese is compact and made from cow milk.

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 Wagashi Cheese?

Wagashi is a soft cow's milk cheese from northern Benin, sold in quantity in Parakou and across the West African savanna. It is mild in flavor and almost always cooked, usually in a sauce eaten with pounded yams or millet or maize pâte.

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Wagashi Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	—
Specific Origin	Italy	Sahel Region
Milk Type	Cow	Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment	—	Heated
Texture	—	Compact
Rind	—	Red wax coating
Aging	—	Fresh or dried
Taste	—	Mild

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Wagashi Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Wagashi Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Wagashi 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 Wagashi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Wagashi Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Wagashi Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Wagashi 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 Wagashi Cheese made of?

Wagashi Cheese is made from cow milk (heated), using calotropis procera latex rennet. It's typically aged fresh or dried.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Wagashi Cheese?

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