Babybel Cheese vs Edam Cheese
Babybel Cheese
Edam Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
Buy Babybel Cheese
Buy Edam Cheese
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 Edam Cheese?
Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Edam Cheese?
- Origin: Babybel Cheese (France), Edam Cheese (Netherlands)
- Texture: Babybel Cheese (Semi-hard), Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Edam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | France | North Of Holland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-hard, elastic |
| Rind | Waxed | Smooth, waxed |
| Aging | — | 3 months to longer |
| Taste | — | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Edam Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Edam Cheese?
In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Edam 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 semi-hard, elastic.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Edam 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 semi-hard, elastic profile, Edam 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 Edam Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Babybel Cheese originates in France, while Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Edam Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Edam Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Edam 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 Edam Cheese made of?
Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Edam Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic.