Jarlsberg Cheese vs Toma Piemontese Cheese

Q: Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Toma Piemontese Cheese?

No. Jarlsberg Cheese and Toma Piemontese Cheese are distinct cheeses from Norway and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Toma Piemontese Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Jarlsberg Cheese for Toma Piemontese Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Toma Piemontese 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.

Jarlsberg Cheese

Toma Piemontese Cheese

Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Toma Piemontese Cheese is elastic / consistent and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.

What Is Toma Piemontese Cheese?

Toma Piemontese is a specific type of Toma from the Piedmont region, with a PDO status. It has a more defined character, ranging from mild and creamy when young to firmer and more flavorful with age. It’s excellent for eating fresh, as well as for use in cooking traditional Italian dishes.

What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Toma Piemontese Cheese?

Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Toma Piemontese Cheese (Italy)
Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Toma Piemontese Cheese (Elastic / Consistent)
Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Toma Piemontese Cheese (natural)
Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Toma Piemontese Cheese (15 days (small), 60 days (large))
Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Toma Piemontese Cheese (Mild, sweet / Savory, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Jarlsberg Cheese	Toma Piemontese Cheese
Country of Origin	Norway	Italy
Specific Origin	No Specific Location	Cuneo, Turin, Biella, Vercelli, Novara, Verbania, Parts Of Asti
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Pasteurized or whole
Texture	Semihard	Elastic / Consistent
Rind	Plastic-covered	Natural
Aging	Three months to twelve months	15 days (small), 60 days (large)
Taste	Mild, sweet, nutty	Mild, sweet / Savory, salty

Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Toma Piemontese Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Toma Piemontese Cheese brings mild, sweet / savory, salty character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Toma Piemontese Cheese leans toward dough-white or ivory-white with milk and cream characteristics / yellowish with a savory flavor. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Toma Piemontese Cheese at 15 days (small), 60 days (large).

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Toma Piemontese Cheese?

In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Toma Piemontese Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for elastic / consistent. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Toma Piemontese Cheese brings mild, sweet / savory, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Toma Piemontese Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a elastic / consistent profile, Toma Piemontese Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Toma Piemontese Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet / savory, salty.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Toma Piemontese Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Toma Piemontese Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Toma Piemontese Cheese 15 days (small), 60 days (large).

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Toma Piemontese Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Toma Piemontese Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Toma Piemontese Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Toma Piemontese Cheese is mild, sweet / savory, salty.

What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

What is Toma Piemontese Cheese made of?

Toma Piemontese Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or whole). It's typically aged 15 days (small), 60 days (large). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Toma Piemontese Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Toma Piemontese Cheese is elastic / consistent.