Gruyère is a type of Swiss cheese, but this isn't the cheese that most people think of when they simply refer to "Swiss cheese." The term Swiss cheese usually refers to an American Swiss. Both kinds of cheese are pale yellow and have holes. However, the holes in Swiss cheese are much larger than those in Gruyère. Both types of cheese are smooth, good for melting, and resistant to crumbling.  Even the flavor of Gruyère and Swiss is similar. However, Gruyère has a much stronger flavor than an American Swiss. Gruyère is slightly higher in calories and protein content. Gruyère is much higher in sodium, having nearly five times the amount of sodium that's in Swiss.