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Home arrow Nutrition arrow Healthy Eating arrow Is Babybel Cheese Healthy? 5 Benefits and Nutrition Facts

Is Babybel Cheese Healthy? 5 Benefits and Nutrition Facts

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Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
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Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: August 22, 2023
7 min read 1296 Views 0 Comments
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Babybel cheese makes a fun snack for kids and adults alike. However, you might wonder whether this cheese is a healthy snack worth including in your diet. Should you swap Babybel cheese for alternative cheese products? Keep reading as we discuss this food.

is babybel cheese healthy

Babybel cheese is bound to make your snack list. It’s the most convenient cheese product to enjoy on the go, as it doesn’t require any preparation. You can simply unwrap and enjoy it no matter where you are. When food is so easy, it makes you wonder if there’s a catch.

The Babybel Original version is full of nutrients, but is it a suitable choice for your diet? Whether you’re trying to lose weight, improve your cholesterol levels, or strengthen your heart, it’s important to assess which foods are good for you and which are best to exclude.

This article shares the nutritional content of Babybel cheese to conclude if it’s healthy.

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What Is Babybel Cheese?

Babybel cheese is small, round cheese with a mild, sweet taste. It comes individually wrapped in portions with a distinctive red wax coating. The original Babybel cheese is made from Edam cheese, a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized milk. Several varieties are available, including Babybel Light and Babybel White Cheddar Cheese.

Is Babybel Cheese Healthy?

Yes, Babybel cheese is a healthy snack because it contains various vitamins and minerals that are good for your overall health. It has a particularly high calcium and protein content – two essential nutrients for keeping your bones strong and maintaining normal muscle function.

As Mini Babybel cheese comes in individual portions, it makes it easy to keep track of how much you eat. It also helps you monitor your intake of calories and macronutrients. So, you can enjoy this cheese as part of a well-balanced diet without risking your health.

Still, you should try to avoid consuming copious amounts of Babybel cheese. Like any cheese, it does contain saturated fat. It’s important to be mindful of your saturated fat intake as it can raise your bad cholesterol levels, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and weight gain.

Is Babybel Cheese Healthy

5 Health Benefits of Babybel Cheese

Eating Babybel cheese has several advantages for your general health. You can expect to maintain strong bones, teeth, muscles, and eyes if you don’t overeat this snacking cheese. If you need more clarification on including this cheese in your diet, read on for more information.

Here are 5 benefits of consuming Babybel:

#1 Supports bone health

Babybel has lots of calcium. Calcium is an essential element for the structural integrity of bones. Proper calcium intake is necessary for bone development, and while the exact requirements vary in the different stages of life, it is vital for bone health in all age groups.

#2 Good for your teeth

The high amounts of calcium will aid a healthy smile as it helps fortify teeth and protects the tooth enamel. It also supports the gums, decreasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, a higher calcium intake is associated with reduced dental plaque.

#3 Keeps the muscles strong

This high-quality cheese has lots of protein to aid muscle growth and maintenance. It is particularly important during strength training as it helps keep your muscles functioning. Eating plenty of protein-rich foods can help improve your overall body composition.

#4 Promotes good vision

100g of Babybel has 952 IU of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for your eyes and plays a significant role in vision. If you don’t get enough, a vitamin A deficiency can trigger vision loss or blindness. It can also impair your immune function and make you more prone to infections.

#5 May support weight loss

In controlled amounts, cheese can contribute to a weight loss diet. While eating cheese will not make you lose weight fast, it might help you keep your appetite in check. It comprises protein and fat, both of which promote satiety and may help you quit snacking unnecessarily.

Just remember only to eat a small amount as it is high in calories.

Nutrition Facts of Babybel Cheese

To determine how nutritious Babybel cheese is, let’s look at its nutritional content to see what it offers your body. The below information is taken from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) database for 100g of Babybel Original cheese.

Nutritional value (per 100g)

Calories/Nutrient (per 100g)Amount
Calories (kcal)333
Net Carbs (g)0
Fiber (g)0
Sugar (g)0
Fats (Total)28.6
Protein (g)23.8
Cholesterol (mg)95

Source: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1869803/nutrients 

High in calories and fats

Edam cheese is high in calories, with 333kcal per 100g serving. Consuming too many calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and excess body fat. Furthermore, it has a high total fat content of 28.6g. More than half of this (19g) comes from saturated fat – the unhealthy kind.

High in proteins

Eating this protein-rich food will help keep your body in good working order. Protein makes and repairs cells, coordinates bodily functions, and builds and repairs muscles and bones. You can have different cheeses to fuel your body with protein, including string cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella.

Zero carbohydrates and sugars

This cheese has 0g of total carbohydrates, making it perfect for a diet low in carbs. Cheese is one of the best keto snacks if you are following the keto diet to shed some pounds. There are wide varieties of keto-friendly cheese to enjoy without kicking your body out of ketosis.

Babybel does not contain any sugar, either. Foods with added sugar can increase your risk of chronic disease, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. It’s always best to choose foods without added sugar to maintain good health.

Rich in vitamins and minerals

Babybel contains certain nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamin A. Your body needs nutritious foods to function at optimal levels. Without enough vitamins and minerals, you risk developing a deficiency, resulting in low energy, irritability, and fatigue.

High in cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy-type substance produced by the liver and obtained from certain foods. Excess of some high-cholesterol foods, such as processed meats, is harmful to your health. However, foods like Babybel cheese are safe and beneficial if eaten in moderate amounts.

Babybel vs. Babybel Light

In the table below, we compare Babybel Original with Babybel Light. The main difference is that the mini Babybel Light uses skimmed milk and has reduced fat content and fewer calories than the original version. Here are the pros and cons of these two cheese products.

ProductBabybelBabybel Light
BenefitsConvenient, a calcium-rich snack to eat on the goAll the benefits of Babybel Original but with lower fat content
ProsHigh in protein;
Zero carbohydrates;
Zero sugar;
Contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A;
Supports healthy bones and teeth;
Supports eye health;
May aid in weight loss.
Made from lower-fat skimmed milk;
Almost 50% less fat;
Fewer calories;
High in protein;
High in calcium;
Supports healthy bones and teeth;
Supports eye health;
May aid in weight loss.
ConsHigh in calories
High in fats
High in cholesterol
Less creamy in taste

Healthy Babybel Cheese Recipe

Babybel mini cheese is usually eaten on its own as a snack. Additionally, people might pair it with other tasty snacks such as whole-grain crackers, raw vegetables, or fruit like olives and apples. However, you can get creative and use mini Babybel cheese in delicious recipes.

Here is a simple and tasty recipe you can make at home:

Air-Fried Babybel Cheese

Ingredients

  • 10 Babybel pieces of cheese (unwrapped with wax removed)
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, add the flour.
  3. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder and combine.
  4. Add the Babybel cheese to the flour and coat evenly.
  5. Coat each Babybel cheese in the egg mixture, ensuring you cover both sides.
  6. Next, add the cheese to the breadcrumb and flavors and coat both sides fully.
  7. Redip the cheese in the egg and breadcrumb mixtures so it has a double coating.
  8. Then, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF and place each breaded Babybel cheese into the air fryer basket. Air-fry for approximately 5 minutes.

FAQs

Is Babybel cheese good for diabetes?

Mini Babybel cheese can make a good snack for people with diabetes. In moderation and in the right serving size, cheese and other dairy products are healthy and deliver vital nutrients to the body. You can add Babybel to your diabetes food list, but you must monitor your saturated fat intake.

Is Babybel cheese fattening?

Babybel cheese is high in calories and saturated fat, which may contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. In moderation, it can promote appetite control and keep you full between meals to prevent further snacking. Try mini Babybel Light for less fat and fewer calories.

Is Babybel cheese good or bad for weight loss?

Babybel cheese can support your weight loss if you remain mindful of how much you eat. These snacks are good for keeping track of your caloric intake because they come as a single serving. Eat them as part of a balanced diet to aid weight loss and management.

A Word From a Nutritionist

The high calcium content of the mini Babybel Original makes it a nutritious choice. Calcium is an essential element that plays many important roles. It helps strengthen your bones, supports healthy blood clotting, aids muscle contraction, and regulates nerve function.

It’s a zero-carb food, which makes it appealing to those following a low-carb diet. It’s also free from sugar, so it is immediately healthier than other popular snacks, such as popcorn, biscuits, chips, and candy. Pair it with other nutritious foods like grapes and walnuts for extra benefits.

Unlike most cheese, mini Babybel is lactose-free. Lactose is removed during the draining and fermentation processes, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance. According to the website, it’s also safe for pregnant women as it is made with pasteurized cow’s milk.

Conclusion

So, is Babybel cheese healthy?

Yes, in moderation. These mini cheese bites are full of nutrients to keep your body healthy. They have zero carbs or sugar, and they taste great. Furthermore, they’re conveniently packed in small portions to make portion control easier. Just don’t go wild and eat the whole pack!

For a healthier choice, opt for the mini Babybel Light variety. It may be the best cheese as it has less fat and calories.

Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel’s goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.
The article was fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
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HR_author_photo_Edibel
Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: August 22, 2023
7 min read 1296 Views 0 Comments
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