, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Fromage Frais Cheese vs Mascarpone Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Fromage Frais Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Fromage Frais Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese?"
- "Is Fromage Frais Cheese and Mascarpone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Fromage Frais Cheese compare to Mascarpone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Fromage Frais Cheese compare to Mascarpone Cheese?"
- "Is Fromage Frais Cheese or Mascarpone Cheese better?"
Fromage Frais Cheese Overview
Fromage Frais is a soft, fresh cheese similar to fromage blanc but even creamier and richer. It is made from whole or skimmed milk with cream, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. This cheese is commonly used in France for desserts or simply enjoyed with fruit or honey.
Mascarpone Cheese Overview
Mascarpone is a creamy, soft Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated by the addition of citric acid or acetic acid. It has a very rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. Mascarpone is a key ingredient in desserts like tiramisu and can also be used in dips, spreads, and sauces.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Fromage Frais Cheese comes from France. Mascarpone Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Information on the milk type and treatment for Fromage Frais Cheese is not available. Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Fromage Frais's texture can be described as "fresh soft". Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable".
Taste and Aroma
Fromage Frais Cheese has a milky, smooth taste. Fromage Frais's aroma can be described as "mild". Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy taste. Mascarpone's aroma can be described as "fresh".
Appearance and Aging
Fromage Frais Cheese's appearance is colored white . Mascarpone Cheese has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mascarpone Cheese's rind is described as rindless .
Ranking
Fromage Frais is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Mascarpone is ranked #37 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Fromage Frais | Mascarpone | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Asti Spumante, Fruit Compote, Kiwi, Mangoes, Prosecco, Raspberry, Strawberries |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Fromage Frais and Mascarpone pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Fromage Frais Cheese | Mascarpone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Lombardy |
| Milk Type | Not Specified | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Heated |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | 60 to 75 percent |
| Rind | Not Specified | Rindless |
| Texture | Fresh soft | Soft, spreadable |
| Taste | Milky, smooth | Buttery to slightly tangy |
| Aroma | Mild | Fresh |
| Colors | White | White |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a fresh soft cheese, go for Fromage Frais. But if you enjoy a soft, spreadable consistency, Mascarpone might be the better pick. Fromage Frais has a milky, smooth taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Mascarpone offers a buttery to slightly tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
