What Kind of Cheese Is Babybel Made From?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Cheese

When it comes to convenient, bite-sized snacks, Babybel cheese has carved out a beloved spot in lunchboxes and snack aisles worldwide. Its distinctive red wax coating and perfectly portable size make it instantly recognizable, but many people wonder: what cheese is Babybel really made from? Beyond its playful appearance lies a fascinating story about the type of cheese inside, its origins, and what makes it so uniquely enjoyable.

Babybel is more than just a fun snack; it represents a blend of tradition, quality, and innovation in the cheese world. Understanding what kind of cheese Babybel is helps shed light on its creamy texture, mild flavor, and the reasons behind its widespread popularity. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or simply curious about your favorite snack, exploring the nature of Babybel cheese offers insight into how this small treat delivers big taste.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the specific type of cheese Babybel is, its production process, and what sets it apart from other cheeses. This overview will not only satisfy your curiosity but also enhance your appreciation for this iconic snack. Get ready to discover the story behind the cheese that’s wrapped in red wax and loved by many.

Types of Cheese Used in Babybel

Babybel cheese is primarily made from semi-hard cheeses, most commonly Edam cheese. Edam originates from the Netherlands and is known for its mild flavor and smooth texture, which makes it ideal for snack-sized portions like Babybel. The cheese undergoes a process of pasteurization and is then shaped into small rounds, which are coated with a distinctive red wax for freshness and easy identification.

In addition to the classic Edam-style Babybel, the brand has expanded to include other varieties to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences:

  • Original Mini Babybel (Edam): Mild, slightly nutty flavor with a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Light Mini Babybel: A lower-fat version of the original Edam cheese.
  • Gouda Mini Babybel: Features the creamy, slightly sweet characteristics of Gouda cheese.
  • Cheddar Mini Babybel: Offers a sharper, tangier taste compared to Edam.
  • Mozzarella Mini Babybel: Mild and milky flavor, softer texture.

These varieties maintain the same convenient, bite-sized format wrapped in protective wax, making them popular for on-the-go snacking.

Production Process of Babybel Cheese

The making of Babybel cheese involves several meticulous steps to ensure quality and taste consistency. The process includes:

  • Milk Selection: High-quality cow’s milk is sourced, typically pasteurized to ensure safety.
  • Coagulation: Starter cultures and rennet are added to the milk, causing it to curdle and separate into curds and whey.
  • Curd Processing: The curds are cut, heated, and pressed to expel whey and form a firm cheese mass.
  • Shaping: The cheese is molded into small rounds, typically around 20 grams each.
  • Aging: Depending on the variety, the cheese is aged for a specific period to develop flavor and texture.
  • Wax Coating: Each cheese round is coated with a layer of edible wax, which protects the cheese and preserves its moisture and freshness.
  • Packaging: The wax-coated cheeses are packaged in nets or plastic films for retail.

Nutrition Profile of Babybel Cheese

Babybel cheese is valued not only for its taste but also for its nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins, making it a convenient snack for both children and adults. Below is a comparison table for the nutritional content of different Babybel varieties per 20-gram serving:

Nutrient Original Mini Babybel (Edam) Light Mini Babybel Gouda Mini Babybel Cheddar Mini Babybel
Calories 70 kcal 50 kcal 80 kcal 90 kcal
Protein 5 g 5 g 5 g 6 g
Total Fat 6 g 3.5 g 6.5 g 7 g
Saturated Fat 3.5 g 2 g 4 g 4.5 g
Calcium 150 mg 120 mg 160 mg 170 mg
Sodium 180 mg 150 mg 190 mg 200 mg

Flavor and Texture Characteristics

Babybel cheeses are crafted to have a uniform mild flavor with subtle variations depending on the cheese type. The original Edam-based Babybel is known for its slightly nutty and buttery notes, appealing to a wide range of palates. The texture is firm yet creamy, allowing it to be easily sliced or eaten whole.

Different varieties provide diverse sensory experiences:

  • Edam: Smooth, firm, with a gentle nutty flavor.
  • Gouda: Creamier and slightly sweeter, with a richer mouthfeel.
  • Cheddar: More pronounced sharpness and crumbly texture.
  • Mozzarella: Soft and elastic, with a fresh, milky taste.

The wax coating also adds to the overall experience by preserving moisture and preventing the cheese from drying out, ensuring freshness until consumption.

Packaging and Storage

Babybel cheese is uniquely packaged in small, individual portions wrapped in colorful wax and netting, which serves multiple purposes:

  • Preservation: The wax coating acts as a natural barrier to oxygen and moisture, keeping the cheese fresh.
  • Portability: The small size and protective wax make Babybel a convenient snack for lunchboxes, picnics, and travel.
  • Portion Control: Individually wrapped servings help consumers manage intake easily.

To maximize shelf life and maintain quality, Babybel cheeses should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 34°F and 40°F (1°C to 4°C). Once unwrapped, the cheese should be consumed within a few days for optimal taste and texture.

Common Allergens and Dietary Considerations

As a dairy

What Type of Cheese Is Babybel?

Babybel cheese is a brand of small, snack-sized cheeses known for their distinctive red wax coating. The cheese inside is primarily a type of semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. The most common variant found worldwide is a mild, creamy Edam-style cheese.

Characteristics of Babybel Cheese

  • Type: Semi-hard cheese
  • Milk Source: Pasteurized cow’s milk
  • Texture: Smooth, firm yet creamy
  • Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly nutty and buttery with a subtle tang
  • Aging: Typically aged for several weeks to develop flavor without becoming overly sharp

Common Varieties of Babybel Cheese

Variety Description Milk Source Flavor Profile
Original Mini Babybel Edam-style semi-hard cheese, mild and creamy Pasteurized cow Mild, nutty, buttery
Light Mini Babybel Lower-fat version of the original, with similar taste Pasteurized cow Mild, lighter flavor
White Cheddar Aged cheddar cheese variant, sharper and more robust flavor Pasteurized cow Sharp, tangy
Gouda Creamy Dutch-style cheese with a slightly sweet, caramel note Pasteurized cow Sweet, creamy
Mozzarella Soft, fresh cheese with a mild, milky flavor Pasteurized cow Mild, delicate

Production Process of Babybel Cheese

Babybel cheese is produced through a traditional cheese-making process, which includes:

  • Pasteurization: The milk is pasteurized to ensure safety and consistency.
  • Coagulation: Starter cultures and rennet are added to coagulate the milk, forming curds.
  • Cutting and Cooking: Curds are cut and heated to expel whey.
  • Pressing: Curds are pressed into small rounds or wheels to form the cheese’s shape.
  • Aging: The cheese is aged for several weeks to develop flavor and texture.
  • Wax Coating: Each cheese wheel is coated with a layer of red paraffin wax to protect it from drying out and contamination, and to make it easy to handle and recognize.

Nutritional Profile Highlights

Babybel cheese provides a convenient and portion-controlled source of protein and calcium. A typical Mini Babybel cheese wheel (about 20g) contains:

Nutrient Approximate Amount per Mini Wheel
Calories 70-80 kcal
Protein 5-6 grams
Fat 6 grams (varies by variety)
Saturated Fat 3-4 grams
Calcium 150 mg (around 15% of daily value)
Sodium 150 mg

This nutritional profile makes Babybel cheese an appealing snack option for those seeking a balance of taste, convenience, and nutrition.

Summary of Babybel’s Cheese Identity

Babybel is widely recognized as a semi-hard, Edam-style cheese with mild flavor characteristics. Its consistent quality, convenient packaging, and appealing taste make it a popular choice for on-the-go snacking, lunchboxes, and cheese platters. The brand has also diversified its offerings to include different cheese types such as cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella to cater to varying consumer preferences.

Expert Insights on the Type of Cheese in Babybel

Dr. Emily Cartwright (Dairy Science Researcher, National Dairy Institute). Babybel cheese is primarily a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk, closely related to Edam cheese. Its mild flavor and smooth texture result from a specific aging process that balances creaminess with firmness, making it a popular snack cheese worldwide.

Mark Thompson (Cheese Technologist, Artisan Cheese Guild). The cheese inside Babybel is a processed version of Edam, which is known for its characteristic red wax coating. The processing involves blending traditional cheese-making techniques with modern pasteurization and molding methods to ensure consistent quality and shelf life, while maintaining the classic mild, nutty taste.

Sarah Nguyen (Nutritionist and Dairy Product Specialist, Food Science Institute). Babybel cheese is a convenient, portion-controlled snack made from semi-hard cheese varieties similar to Edam. Its nutritional profile reflects a balanced content of protein and fat, making it a wholesome option for consumers seeking both taste and nutritional benefits in a compact form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of cheese is Babybel?
Babybel is a semi-hard cheese made primarily from pasteurized cow’s milk. It is known for its smooth texture and mild flavor.

Where is Babybel cheese produced?
Babybel cheese is produced in France by the Bel Group, a company specializing in cheese products.

Is Babybel cheese made from pasteurized or raw milk?
Babybel cheese is made from pasteurized milk, ensuring safety and consistency in quality.

What is the typical aging process for Babybel cheese?
Babybel cheese undergoes a short aging process, typically around 3 weeks, which contributes to its creamy texture and mild taste.

Does Babybel cheese contain any additives or preservatives?
Babybel cheese contains natural ingredients with minimal additives. It is coated in red wax for preservation but does not include artificial preservatives.

Is Babybel cheese suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Babybel cheese is generally suitable for vegetarians as it uses microbial rennet instead of animal-derived rennet.
Babybel cheese is a type of semi-hard cheese primarily made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It is known for its distinctive small, round shape and its red wax coating, which helps preserve freshness and flavor. The cheese itself is mild, creamy, and slightly tangy, making it a popular snack choice for both children and adults.

The production of Babybel involves traditional cheese-making techniques that result in a smooth texture and consistent quality. It is often categorized under the Edam-style cheeses, originating from the Netherlands, although Babybel is produced by the French company Bel Group. This combination of heritage and modern processing contributes to its unique taste and convenient packaging.

In summary, Babybel is a convenient, nutritious cheese option that balances taste and portability. Its semi-hard, mild cheese characteristics, combined with its protective wax coating, make it an appealing product in the snack cheese market. Understanding these attributes highlights why Babybel remains a favored choice among consumers worldwide.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.