Babybel Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) and made from cow milk, originating in England.
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 Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?
- Origin: Babybel Cheese (France), Cheddar Cheese (England)
- Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized)
- Texture: Babybel Cheese (semi-hard), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline))
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic))
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | France | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Rind | Waxed | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Aging | — | A few months to several years |
| Taste | — | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Cheddar 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 varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Cheddar 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 varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) profile, Cheddar 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 Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Babybel Cheese originates in France, while Cheddar Cheese comes from England.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Cheddar 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 Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).