The main difference between Fontina and Fontinella is that Fontina is a cow’s milk cheese with Italian origins, while Fontinella is a cow’s milk cheese made in the US.
Although the two names sound similar, these are two distinct types of cheese. Fontina is a type of cheese, while Fontinella is a brand of cheese. They are also different in terms of their appearance and flavor.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Fontina
– Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Fontinella
– Definition, Features, Uses
3. Difference Between Fontina and Fontinella
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Fontina, Fontinella, Cheese
What is Fontina
Fontina is cheese made from cow’s milk. It originated in Italy, using the unpasteurized milk from cows in the Aosta Valley, in the Alpine region. But now, it’s production is now spread worldwide, including the United States, France, Denmark, and Argentina.
Since Fontina is made from whole cow’s milk, it has a fat content of around 45%. It has a creamy light-yellow interior with small holes. Traditional Fontina has a thin, pale orange rind. It has a mild and nutty flavor whose intensity will depend on its age. We often use younger Fontina as a table cheese. It melts well and goes well with recipes that require smooth and melty cheese, like cheese sauces. Young Fontina is also ideal for food like pizza, mac and cheese, and frittatas, which require cheese that melts well. Older Fontina, on the other hand, is harder and often grated over soups, salads, pasta dishes, etc.
There are different variations of Fontina in the market. But authentic Fontina has the label “Fontina Val d’Aosta DOP.” The Italian-style Fontina is closely similar to the original Fontina and uses raw milk. But it has a lower moisture level. Danish or Swedish-style Fontina has a milder flavor, while American-style Fontina tastes even milder and uses pasteurized milk.
What is Fontinella
Fontinella is a cow’s milk cheese with American origins. It is a product by Stella/Suputo Cheese Company in the US. Most people often confuse it with Fontina, but there is a difference between these two types of cheese. Fontinella has a smooth creamy texture and is distinctively sweet with just a hint of sharpness. It is white in color and made in a round shape.
We can use Fontinella in many ways. Since it has a tangy flavor, it can be served just as is or can be paired with other cheeses and food items on a cheese plate. We can even add it on top of pizzas or on salads. Moreover, Fontinella is a good substitute for cheese like Parmesan and Romano.
Difference Between Fontina and Fontinella
Definition
Fontina is a cow’s milk cheese with Italian origins, while Fontinella is a cow’s milk cheese with American origins.
Origins
While Fontina has an Italian origin, Fontinella is a US brand.
Nature
Fontina is a type of cheese, but Fontinella is a brand of cheese.
Milk
Traditional Fontina is made from unpasteurized milk, while Fontinella is made from pasteurized milk.
Flavor
Fontinella has a milder flavor than Fontina.
Appearance
Moreover, Fontina is creamy and light-yellow with small holes, while Fontinella is white in color and does not have small holes inside.
Conclusion
The main difference between Fontina and Fontinella is that Fontina is a cow’s milk cheese with Italian origins, while Fontinella is a cow’s milk cheese with US origin. In terms of their appearance, Fontina is light yellow with small holes, while Fontinella is white in color and does not have small holes inside.
Reference:
1. Alfaro, Danilo. “What Is Fontina Cheese?” The Spruce Eats, 8 Mar. 2022.
2. “Fontinella Cheese/Cut & Wrapped by Igourmet/Cheese.” Igourmet.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Fontina-val-d-aosta-cheese” (CC0) via Pixabay
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