Babybel Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese
Babybel Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmesan Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Babybel Cheese
Buy Parmesan 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 Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?
- Origin: Babybel Cheese (France), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Babybel Cheese (Semi-hard), Parmesan Cheese (Hard)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Parmesan Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | France | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Hard |
| Rind | Waxed | Natural |
| Aging | — | Minimum 12 months, average 2 years |
| Taste | — | Salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?
In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Parmesan 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 hard.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Parmesan 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 hard profile, Parmesan 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 Parmesan Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Babybel Cheese originates in France, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Parmesan 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 Parmesan Cheese made of?
Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Parmesan Cheese is hard.