Is Babybel ok to eat? A comprehensive guide to the popular snack cheese

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the manufacturer, all Babybel mini cheeses are made with pasteurized milk, a critical step that eliminates harmful bacteria and makes them safe for most consumers, including pregnant women. This fact is reassuring for anyone wondering, is Babybel ok to eat?

Quick Summary

Babybel cheese, made from pasteurized milk, is a safe and nutritious snack for most people, including pregnant women. The wax casing is non-toxic if accidentally ingested, but should not be eaten. It provides protein and calcium, and the original is lactose-free.

Key Points

Pasteurization for safety: All Babybel cheeses are made from pasteurized milk, which kills harmful bacteria and makes them safe for most people, including pregnant women.
Wax is non-toxic: The outer wax coating is made from food-safe paraffin, which is not meant to be eaten but poses no health risk if accidentally swallowed.
Nutrient-rich snack: Babybel provides a good source of calcium and protein, contributing to strong bones and muscle health.
Suitable for vegetarians: The cheese is made with microbial rennet, not animal rennet, so it is a suitable snack for lacto-vegetarians.
Naturally lactose-free: The Original Mini Babybel and other varieties are naturally lactose-free due to the production process, making them suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Variety and moderation: Several varieties are available, offering different flavors and nutritional profiles. Enjoying them in moderation as part of a balanced diet is recommended.

Your Guide to Safely Eating Babybel Cheese

For many, the little round of cheese encased in red wax is a nostalgic snack from childhood lunchboxes. But beyond the fun, many adults—especially pregnant women, parents, or those with dietary restrictions—often have questions about its safety and nutritional value. The good news is that for the vast majority of people, Babybel cheese is a perfectly safe and healthy option. By understanding its ingredients, processing, and varieties, you can confidently enjoy this convenient cheese snack.

The Pasteurization Process: Why Babybel Is Safe

The primary concern regarding cheese safety, especially for pregnant women, is the risk of listeriosis, an infection caused by the Listeria bacteria found in unpasteurized dairy. Fortunately, the Bel Group, which produces Babybel, confirms that all its mini cheeses are made using pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is a heat-treatment process that effectively kills harmful bacteria, making the cheese safe for consumption. This process and the semi-hard nature of the cheese create a low-moisture environment that is inhospitable to bacterial growth.

The Edible Cheese Within: Nutritional Benefits

Each small, individually portioned Babybel is more than just a tasty morsel; it offers genuine nutritional benefits. The cheese is a good source of both calcium and protein, both essential nutrients for maintaining strong bones and promoting muscle health. A single portion is also relatively low in calories, making it a satisfying and guilt-free snack option. While it does contain saturated fat, moderation is key, and it can be a part of a balanced diet.

Understanding the Wax Coating: What to Know About the Outer Layer

One of Babybel's most recognizable features is its vibrant wax shell. The wax is a blend of food-safe paraffin and microcrystalline waxes and coloring. While it's not designed for consumption, it poses no health risk if accidentally swallowed. The wax serves two primary purposes: it protects the cheese from contaminants and seals in freshness, giving it an impressive shelf life. Always peel the wax entirely before eating the cheese inside. The easy-to-peel tab makes this a simple and mess-free process.

Dietary Suitability and Variations

Babybel has expanded its product line to cater to various dietary needs and preferences beyond the classic Edam-style flavor. The Original Mini Babybel, for example, is naturally lactose-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Furthermore, the company uses microbial rennet rather than animal-derived rennet, ensuring that its original cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

Here is a comparison of some popular Babybel varieties:


Feature	Mini Babybel Original	Mini Babybel Light	Mini Babybel Gouda
Cheese Type	Edam-style, semi-soft	Lower-fat Edam-style	Gouda-style
Calories (per 20g)	Approx. 70	Approx. 42	Approx. 60
Fat (per 20g)	5g	3.5g (approx. 47% less)	5g
Protein (per 20g)	5g	High in protein	Information not specified
Key Characteristic	Mild, creamy, nutty flavor	Less fat, still has classic Babybel taste	Rich, buttery flavor
Lactose-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes

Enjoying Your Babybel

Babybel's versatility makes it a perfect addition to many meals and snacks. Its individual portioning makes it a fantastic on-the-go snack for work, school lunches, or picnics. You can also:

Pair it with crackers and fruit for a quick snack platter.
Melt it onto mini sliders or grilled cheese sandwiches for a creamy texture.
Add small, diced pieces to salads for a boost of flavor and protein.
Explore the different flavors in a variety pack for a fun taste test.

For more product details, you can visit the official Babybel website's FAQ.

Conclusion: A Safe and Nutritious Choice

In conclusion, Babybel is indeed safe and ok to eat for most people, offering a convenient and nutritious option. Its production from pasteurized milk ensures it is safe even for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, while its lactose-free and vegetarian credentials cater to specific dietary requirements. By understanding the product's safety measures, nutritional profile, and proper consumption (eating the cheese, not the wax), you can confidently enjoy Babybel as a delightful part of a balanced diet. Whether you prefer the classic Original or one of its newer varieties, Babybel remains a reliable and tasty snack for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Babybel cheese is safe for pregnant women to eat. It is made from pasteurized milk, which eliminates harmful bacteria like listeria, a primary concern during pregnancy.

No, you should not eat the wax. The wax is a food-safe blend of paraffin, but it is not intended for human consumption. It is, however, non-toxic if accidentally swallowed.

Yes, the Original Mini Babybel cheese is suitable for vegetarians. It is made with microbial enzymes (rennet), not animal-based rennet.

No, the Original Mini Babybel is naturally lactose-free. The lactose is removed during the fermentation and draining stages of cheese production.

Babybel is a nutritious snack that is a good source of calcium and protein. While it contains some saturated fat, it is also relatively low in calories and can be part of a healthy, balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Babybel cheese is made from simple, natural ingredients, including pasteurized milk, salt, and microbial enzymes. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Babybel is semi-hard cheese designed for on-the-go snacking. While it should be refrigerated, it can be kept outside the fridge for several hours, such as in a lunchbox, without compromising its safety due to the protective wax coating.