Fontina Nutrition Benefits and Facts

Nutritional summary

Fontina is a significant source of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that are well-established as essential for the formation and maintenance of peak bone mass .
This cheese provides a concentrated source of zinc, with research on Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Italian cheeses showing that Fontina contains levels comparable to other semi-hard varieties like Asiago .
As a traditional Italian dairy product, Fontina fits into the Mediterranean dietary pattern when consumed in moderation; this pattern is consistently linked by systematic reviews to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality .
Because it is a dense dairy product, Fontina contributes dietary fat and sodium, which are key factors monitored in systematic reviews used to develop national dietary guidelines for heart health .

Interesting fact

Authentic Fontina Val d'Aosta is traditionally aged in caves carved into the mountainsides of the Italian Alps, where the naturally cool, humid environment develops its distinct earthy aroma.

Standout nutrients

EPIC

SOURCE

Calcium

SUPER

SOURCE

Protein

SUPER

SOURCE

Sodium

SUPER

SOURCE

Phosphorus

389

kcal per 100g

Protein25.6g

Fat31.1g

Sugar1.55g

Fat breakdown

Polyunsat1.65g

Monounsat8.69g

Saturated19.2g

Seasonality

Not available

Diet

VegetarianPescatarianGluten FreeKeto

Sustainability

Moderate

Dairy production has a moderate carbon footprint compared to plant-based proteins but lower than red meat.

Confidencemedium

Storage

Refrigerate

2–4 weeks

Wrap in parchment paper to allow the cheese to breathe.

Flavour

Data & Sources

Harmonized from 1 validated source

USDA

USDA FoodData Central

1 contributing source food

Claim citations

What is the relationship between dietary patterns consumed and risk of cardiovascular disease? | Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review

[2]nesr.usda.gov

Perspective: USDA Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review Methodology: Grading the Strength of Evidence in Nutrition- and Public Health-Related Systematic Reviews - PubMed

[4]pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Content and Nutritional Evaluation of Zinc in PDO and Traditional Italian Cheeses - PMC

[8]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[PDF] INtRoouctloN - USDA ARS

[9]www.ars.usda.govars.usda.gov

2025 National Guidelines on the Mediterranean Diet: Executive Summary of a Joint Report by Italian Scientific Societies and the National Institute of Health Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines - PubMed

[10]pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Evidence-Based, Multidimensional Definition of the Mediterranean Diet Within the Italian National Guidelines "La Dieta Mediterranea" - PubMed

[12]pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coverage

Nutrients

FoodCompass

32.3

Version

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