Babybel Cheese vs Camembert Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan 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 Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Camembert Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions)
- Texture: Babybel Cheese (semi-hard), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Camembert Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | France | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Waxed | Bloomy |
| Aging | — | Minimum 3 weeks |
| Taste | — | Slightly sour, stronger than brie |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Camembert 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, artisan.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Camembert 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, artisan profile, Camembert 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 Camembert Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Camembert 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 Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.