Is BabyCheese Healthy? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

Last Updated on June 4, 2025 by Grace Oluchi

TL;DR

Babybel cheese is a healthy snack option when eaten in moderation. It provides 4g protein, 20% daily calcium, and zero carbs per serving. Recent 2023 research shows cheese consumption has neutral to moderate health benefits, including potential cardiovascular protection. However, it’s high in saturated fat (3g per piece) and sodium. Best for: keto diets, weight management, bone health. Avoid if: heart disease risk, high blood pressure.

What Is Babybel Cheese?

Babybel cheese is that familiar small, round cheese wrapped in distinctive red wax. It’s made from Edam cheese—a semi-hard Dutch cheese crafted from pasteurized milk using traditional methods. The brand offers several varieties including Original, Light (50% less fat), and White Cheddar.

Fun fact: Each piece contains exactly 20 grams and provides portion-controlled snacking that prevents overconsumption.

Is Babybel Cheese Good for You? (The Quick Answer)

Yes, Babybel cheese can be healthy when consumed thoughtfully. Here’s what recent science tells us:

• Supports bone health with 20% daily calcium per piece
• Provides complete protein (4g per serving) for muscle maintenance
• Zero carbs and sugar making it perfect for low-carb lifestyles
• May improve heart health according to 2023 research
• High in saturated fat (3g per piece – 15% daily limit)
• Contains sodium (170mg per piece)
• Calorie-dense (70 calories in small portion)

Latest Scientific Research & Expert Insights

2024 Breakthrough Research on Cheese and Health

According to a comprehensive 2023 umbrella review published in ScienceDirect, cheese consumption shows neutral to moderate benefits for human health outcomes. The study analyzed multiple prospective research papers and challenged previous assumptions about cheese being harmful (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831323013285).

A 2022 meta-analysis published in PMC found that cheese intake showed an inverse association with cardiovascular diseases, with some studies showing up to 30% reduced risk when consumed in moderation (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9318947/).

Recent 2025 research from Mayo Clinic Press analyzed data from nearly 148,000 adults across 21 countries and found that while red meat and butter increased heart disease risk, cheese and yogurt correlated with lower cardiovascular risk (https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/dairy-health/full-fat-dairy-foods-and-cardiovascular-disease-is-there-a-connection/).

Expert Nutritionist Perspectives

Fran Susín (Certified Nutritionist) highlights Babybel as particularly nutritious due to its simple ingredient list: milk, salt, lactic ferment, and rennet. He specifically recommends Babybel Light for those monitoring fat intake.

Harvard Health Research shows that dairy fat was not associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk when compared with equal calories from carbohydrates, challenging traditional views on full-fat dairy (https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/say-cheese).

British Heart Foundation notes that while cheese should be consumed in moderation due to saturated fat content, the standard 30g portion (about 1.5 Babybel pieces) can fit into a heart-healthy diet (https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/cheese).

Per 100g (for comparison):

Based on USDA data for Edam cheese, which Babybel is made from:

• Calories: 333 kcal
• Protein: 23.8g
• Fat: 28.6g (19g saturated)
• Vitamin A: 952 IU
• Phosphorus: High content for bone health

7 Science-Backed Health Benefits

1. Bone & Dental Powerhouse

Each Babybel provides 20% of your daily calcium needs. The phosphorus content works synergistically with calcium for optimal bone mineralization. The vitamin A content (952 IU per 100g) also supports gum health and reduces plaque formation.

2. Muscle Protein Support

With 4g of complete protein per piece, Babybel provides all essential amino acids needed for muscle protein synthesis. This makes it excellent for post-workout recovery or maintaining muscle mass during weight loss.

3. Heart Health (New Research)

Contrary to old beliefs, 2024 research suggests moderate cheese consumption may actually support cardiovascular health by improving lipid profiles and reducing inflammation markers.

4. Weight Management Friend

The protein-fat combination promotes satiety hormones (GLP-1 and PYY), helping you feel full longer. Studies show high-protein snacks can reduce cravings by up to 60%.

5. Perfect for Metabolic Health

Zero carbs mean no blood sugar spikes, making it ideal for diabetes management and metabolic syndrome prevention.

6. Immune System Support

Vitamin A content supports immune function, while the fermentation process may provide beneficial probiotics (though minimal in aged cheese).

7. Brain Health Potential

The saturated fats, while needing moderation, provide building blocks for brain cell membranes and hormone production.

Winner: Babybel Light offers the best protein-to-calorie ratio while maintaining taste and convenience.

Is Babybel Good for Specific Diets?

Keto & Low-Carb Diets

Verdict: Excellent choice

• Zero carbs fit perfectly into ketogenic macros
• High fat content supports ketosis
• Pair with nuts, avocado, or leafy greens for complete keto meals

Weight Loss

Verdict: Helpful when portioned

• Pre-portioned size prevents overeating
• High satiety factor reduces between-meal snacking
• Pro tip: Pair with vegetables to add volume and fiber

Heart Health

Verdict: Moderate consumption okay

• New research suggests neutral to positive effects
• Choose Babybel Light to reduce saturated fat
• Monitor total daily saturated fat intake (stay under 20g)

Bone Health

Verdict: Highly beneficial

• 20% daily calcium per piece
• Phosphorus aids calcium absorption
• Vitamin K2 (from fermentation) supports bone formation

Lactose Intolerance

Verdict: Usually tolerated

• Contains less than 0.1g lactose per serving
• Fermentation process reduces lactose content
• Start with small amounts to test tolerance

Potential Drawbacks & Who Should Limit Consumption

High Saturated Fat Content

Each piece contains 3g saturated fat (15% daily limit). People with heart disease should choose Light version or limit to 1-2 pieces daily.

Sodium Concerns

At 170mg per piece, consuming multiple pieces can quickly add up. Those with hypertension should monitor total daily sodium.

Calorie Density

While small, each piece packs 70 calories. Mindless snacking on multiple pieces can derail weight loss efforts.

Environmental Impact

Dairy production has higher carbon footprint than plant-based alternatives. Consider this if environmental sustainability is important to you.

Smart Ways to Include Babybel in Your Diet

For Weight Loss:

• Limit to 1-2 pieces daily
• Pair with raw vegetables (carrots, bell peppers)
• Use as pre-meal appetite control

For Muscle Building:

• Post-workout snack with fruit
• Add to salads for extra protein
• Combine with whole grain crackers

For Kids:

• Perfect lunch box addition
• Pair with apple slices
• Teaching tool for portion control

For Keto:

• Combine with macadamia nuts
• Add to spinach salads
• Pair with avocado slices

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Babybel processed cheese?

No, Babybel is natural cheese made using traditional methods. It’s simply Edam cheese in a convenient format.

Why is Babybel wrapped in wax?

The food-grade wax preserves freshness, prevents contamination, and eliminates packaging waste. Don’t eat the wax!

Can pregnant women eat Babybel?

Yes, it’s made from pasteurized milk, making it safe during pregnancy.

How long does Babybel last?

Unopened, it lasts several weeks refrigerated. Check the “best by” date on packaging.

Is Babybel suitable for vegetarians?

Original Babybel contains microbial (not animal) rennet, making it vegetarian-friendly.

The Bottom Line: Should You Eat Babybel?

Babybel cheese earned its place as a healthy snack when consumed mindfully. The 2024 research shift showing cheese’s neutral to positive health effects, combined with its convenience and nutritional density, makes it a smart choice for most people.

Choose Babybel if you want:

• Convenient, portion-controlled protein
• Bone-supporting calcium
• Zero-carb snacking option
• Kid-friendly healthy snack

Choose alternatives if you have:

• Severe lactose intolerance
• Very strict low-sodium diet
• Environmental sustainability concerns
• Budget constraints (it’s pricier per gram than block cheese)

Final recommendation: 1-2 pieces daily as part of a balanced diet provides benefits without overdoing saturated fat or calories. The Light version offers even better nutritional bang for your caloric buck.

References & Scientific Sources

1. ScienceDirect (2023). “Cheese consumption and multiple health outcomes: umbrella review and updated meta-analysis of prospective studies.” Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831323013285
2. PMC – National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). “Effect of Cheese Intake on Cardiovascular Diseases and Cardiovascular Biomarkers.” Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9318947/
3. Mayo Clinic Press (2025). “Full-fat dairy foods and cardiovascular disease: Is there a connection?” Available at: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/dairy-health/full-fat-dairy-foods-and-cardiovascular-disease-is-there-a-connection/
4. Harvard Health (2017). “Say cheese? – Harvard Health Publishing.” Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/say-cheese
5. British Heart Foundation (2024). “7 cheese facts that will surprise you.” Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/cheese
6. Babybel Official Website (2024). “Babybel Original Cheese Snack – Nutrition Facts.” Available at: https://babybel.com/product/babybel-original-cheese/
7. Nutrition Advance (2023). “Is Babybel Cheese a Nutritious Choice?” Available at: https://www.nutritionadvance.com/babybel-cheese-nutrition/
8. Cheese Scientist (2024). “Babybel Nutrition Facts (Is Babybel Bad For Your Health?)” Available at: https://cheesescientist.com/science/babybel-nutrition-facts/
9. Medical News Today (2025). “Cheese: Types, health benefits, and risks.” Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/299147
10. PubMed (2016). “Cheese consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease: meta-analysis of prospective studies.” Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27517544/
11. Curex Health Blog (2025). “Is Babybel Cheese Actually Healthy: Nutrition Facts.” Available at: https://getcurex.com/weight-loss-blog/is-babybel-cheese-actually-healthy-nutrition-facts

About the Author: Grace Oluchi is a certified nutritionist specializing in evidence-based dietary analysis. She holds certifications in clinical nutrition and regularly reviews the latest research on dairy consumption and metabolic health.