Quick Answer: The real thing: Fontina Val d'Aosta DOP (about $20 to $30/lb). At the supermarket: BelGioioso Aged Fontina (about $7 for 8 oz). Mild and melty: Danish red-wax fontina.
Our top picks
Most cheese labeled fontina in the US is a mild copy. The Italian original tastes earthy and mushroomy; the copies taste buttery. Both have a place on a board.
All 4 picks
Prices are store listings checked November 2026; supermarket prices vary by store.
Best overall
Fontina Val d'Aosta DOP
- From
- Aosta Valley, Italy
- Milk
- Cow, traditionally raw
- Aged
- 3+ months
Why it's here: America's Test Kitchen tasted the Mitica-imported Val d'Aosta and found it complex, savory and earthy with a nutty sweetness: a different cheese from the supermarket versions.
Watch out: Strong aroma and a pricey wedge. Look for the consortium stamp and a brownish natural rind.
Why we picked it (sources)
America’s Test Kitchen; Gourmet Food Store lists $30.20 a pound (Gourmet Food Store); The Kitchn found it for $17.50 to $19.50 a pound (The Kitchn).
Best at the supermarket
BelGioioso Aged Fontina
- From
- Wisconsin
- Flavor
- Nutty, earthy undertones
- Where
- Walmart, most supermarkets
Why it's here: The aged version of BelGioioso's fontina has more flavor than standard deli fontina, so it holds its own on a board and still melts well.
Watch out: Nowhere near as complex as Val d'Aosta.
Why we picked it (sources)
Walmart lists $6.99 for 8 oz (Walmart).
Best mild
Danish Red-Wax Fontina
- From
- Denmark
- Rind
- Red wax (peel it)
- Flavor
- Mild, buttery, slightly sweet
Why it's here: Shorter-aged and soft, closer to young Gouda: the fontina kids and picky eaters like, and a great melter for leftovers.
Watch out: Bland next to Italian fontina; peel the wax before serving.
Why we picked it (sources)
Best budget Italian
Italian Fontal
- From
- Lombardy, Italy
- Style
- Fontina-style
- Texture
- Firm, buttery
Why it's here: Made in Italy in the fontina style but outside the Aosta Valley, so it can't use the name. Buttery and cheaper than Val d'Aosta.
Watch out: Milder than true fontina.
Why we picked it (sources)
Real fontina vs the copies, and how to serve it
- Real Fontina Val d'Aosta has a stamped, brownish natural rind and an earthy, mushroomy taste.
- Red wax means Danish or Swedish style: milder, sweeter and softer.
- Fontal or fontinella are fontina-style cheeses made outside the Aosta Valley.
- Pair it with prosciutto, marinated mushrooms, walnuts, roasted grapes and honey.
- Drink: Barbera, Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir.
- Serve it at room temperature, out of the fridge 45 minutes ahead. About 1 oz per person; melt leftovers into grilled cheese.
Similar cheeses: the best Gruyère, the best Havarti and the best truffle cheese.
Fontina questions
What is the best fontina cheese?
Fontina Val d'Aosta DOP from Italy. At the supermarket, BelGioioso Aged Fontina; for a mild crowd-pleaser, Danish red-wax fontina.
Is Danish fontina real fontina?
It's a milder, sweeter cheese inspired by the Italian original. Only cheese from the Aosta Valley can be called Fontina Val d'Aosta.
Is fontina good on a charcuterie board?
Yes. Real fontina is earthy and nutty; the mild styles are buttery and kid-friendly.
Fontina vs Gruyère?
Both are nutty Alpine-style cheeses. Fontina is softer and milder; Gruyère is firmer and sharper.
How can I tell real Fontina Val d'Aosta?
Look for the DOP seal, the consortium stamp and a natural brownish rind, not red wax.
How we picked these, and sources
This is an unscored buyer's guide. America's Test Kitchen tasted eight fontinas, but its full ranking is for members only, so we use its public notes, a Kitchn feature, a Co+op cheese guide and retailer listings for price. Checked November 2, 2026.
- America's Test Kitchen: the best fontina (8 tasted, Jul 2019)
- America's Test Kitchen: getting to know supermarket Italian cheeses
- The Kitchn: in praise of fontina
- Co+op: fontina, Italian vs Swedish vs Danish
- Walmart: BelGioioso Aged Fontina, 8 oz
- Gourmet Food Store: Fontina Val d'Aosta
- Gourmet Food Store: fontina and Italian fontal
- Wine Library: red wax Danish fontina
For the meats, see the best prosciutto brands. Every guide is on our charcuterie buying guides page.
