Babybel Cheese vs Brie Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Brie Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Babybel Cheese?
Mini Babybel is a small Edam-style snack cheese from Le Groupe Bel of France, sold as individually waxed wheels in a netted bag. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, and it is naturally lactose-free.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Brie Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized)
- Texture: Babybel Cheese (semi-hard), Brie Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Brie Cheese (Bloomy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Brie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | France | Brie |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw, Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Soft |
| Rind | Waxed | Bloomy |
| Aging | — | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir |
| Taste | — | Nutty, Mushroom |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Brie Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Brie Cheese?
In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Brie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Brie Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Babybel Cheese. For a soft profile, Brie Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babybel Cheese the same as Brie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Brie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Brie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Brie Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Babybel Cheese made of?
Babybel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetable rennet. It originates in France.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Brie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Brie Cheese is soft.