Babybel Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Q: Is Babybel Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No. Babybel Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Norway respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Babybel Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Does Babybel Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

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 Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

Origin: Babybel Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
Texture: Babybel Cheese (semi-hard), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Babybel Cheese	Jarlsberg Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Norway
Specific Origin	France	Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Semi-hard	Semihard
Rind	Waxed	Plastic-covered
Aging	—	Three months to twelve months
Taste	—	Mild, sweet, nutty

Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Jarlsberg 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 semihard.

Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Jarlsberg 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 semihard profile, Jarlsberg 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 Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Babybel Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway.

Is Babybel Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Babybel Cheese taste like Jarlsberg 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 Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.