How Many Calories Babybel Cheese

Babybel cheese is a familiar snack for many — small, round, and wrapped in iconic red wax, it’s become a popular lunchbox and on-the-go choice. But how many calories does one Babybel really contain? And how does it fit into a balanced diet? Whether you’re reaching for the classic red version, the lighter alternative, or a plant-based option, it’s worth understanding the calorie count and nutritional profile before adding it to your routine.

Calories in Babybel Cheese by Type

The standard Mini Babybel Original — the one wrapped in red wax — contains approximately 61 calories per piece (20g). This version is made from pasteurised cow’s milk and delivers a creamy, mild flavour with a good dose of protein and fat.

The Mini Babybel Light version contains fewer calories, offering around 42 calories per piece, due to a reduced fat content. This makes it a popular choice for those watching their overall calorie or fat intake.

The plant-based Mini Babybel (wrapped in green wax) contains roughly 50 to 60 calories per piece, depending on the formulation. Made from coconut oil and starch-based ingredients, the vegan version often has a different nutritional balance compared to the dairy-based ones, with slightly lower protein and higher saturated fat.

Nutritional Breakdown of Babybel Cheese

A standard 20g Mini Babybel Original contains around 5g of fat, including 3.5g of saturated fat, and delivers 4.8g of protein. Carbohydrates are negligible, typically under 0.1g, with virtually no sugar. It also provides around 150–160mg of calcium, making it a compact source of this essential mineral. Sodium is present at around 0.25g per piece.

The light version contains less fat — about 3g per portion — but still offers a solid protein profile, which helps keep you full for longer. Plant-based Babybels, on the other hand, tend to be lower in protein (often under 1g) and higher in saturated fat due to the coconut oil base, making them less nutritionally robust, though suitable for vegan diets.

How Babybel Is Made

Babybel is essentially a semi-hard cheese, similar in texture to Edam. It’s made from pasteurised cow’s milk, with added cultures, enzymes, and salt. After curdling and pressing, the cheese is formed into small rounds, coated in a protective wax shell to seal in freshness and flavour. The wax is food-safe but not edible, and it keeps the cheese from spoiling without refrigeration for short periods.

The vegan version is made by emulsifying starch, coconut oil, and flavourings, then forming it into the familiar shape before sealing it in wax. While it mimics the texture of cheese, it lacks the dairy protein found in the original.

Benefits of Babybel Cheese

One of the biggest benefits of Babybel is portion control. Each piece is individually wrapped and pre-measured, making it easy to know exactly how many calories you’re consuming. It’s also rich in calcium and protein, both of which are important for bone health and satiety. Because it's low in carbs, Babybel fits well into low-carb or ketogenic diets, and the light version caters to those managing fat intake.

As a snack, it’s convenient, portable, and shelf-stable for a few hours, making it ideal for lunchboxes, office desks, or post-gym recovery. The fat and protein combination provides slow-digesting energy and helps control hunger between meals.

Downsides of Babybel Cheese

The downsides are relatively minor, but worth noting. The saturated fat content in the original version may be a concern for those managing cholesterol or heart health, though recent research suggests full-fat dairy in moderation may not be harmful for most people. The plant-based Babybel lacks protein and may rely on refined oils and starches, making it a less balanced option nutritionally.

For people watching sodium, even one or two Babybels can make up a noticeable chunk of your daily salt allowance, especially if paired with other processed foods. Overeating is unlikely due to the packaging, but portion discipline is still key.

Impact on Your Diet

Babybel cheese can be a smart addition to your diet when used strategically. Thanks to its protein and calcium content, it supports muscle maintenance, bone strength and satiety. It’s especially helpful as a mid-morning or afternoon snack, where it can prevent blood sugar dips and reduce cravings for sweets or refined carbs.

If you’re managing calories, the light version offers the same convenience and taste at a lower energy cost. If you’re following a vegan diet, the plant-based option works as a replacement, though it’s not as nutrient-dense as the original.

Where It Falls on the GI Index

Babybel cheese has a glycaemic index (GI) of zero, as it contains no carbohydrates or sugars. This makes it a low-GI food, ideal for people with diabetes, insulin resistance or those on blood sugar management plans. It does not cause a rise in blood glucose and can actually help blunt the effect of higher-GI foods when eaten together.

The fat and protein slow digestion and promote more stable energy levels, making Babybel a smart pairing with fruit, crackers or other carb-based snacks.

Healthier Alternatives or Pairings

If you’re looking for variety or slightly different nutritional benefits, other portion-controlled cheeses like string cheese, low-fat cheddar sticks, or Greek yoghurt with added calcium can offer a similar experience with different macros. Pairing Babybel with apple slices, cherry tomatoes, or wholegrain crackers can round it out into a mini-meal, offering fibre and added nutrients.

For plant-based eaters, nut-based cheeses with cleaner ingredients or tofu slices may provide better protein content than coconut oil-based versions.

The Wax Shell: No Calories, But Influences Perception

Although Babybel’s red wax shell is not edible and contributes zero calories, it plays a subtle role in how people perceive portion size and satisfaction. The process of unwrapping and peeling the wax slows you down, adding a small ritual that encourages more mindful eating. This physical barrier may help reduce mindless snacking, compared to other cheeses that are pre-sliced or easily consumed in bulk.

However, it’s also important to remember that once the wax is removed, the cheese inside is only 20g — a relatively small serving. This can sometimes lead to people eating two or three in one go, especially if they’re hungry or pairing it with other snacks, which increases the calorie intake accordingly.

Babybel Compared to Other Snack Cheeses

When comparing Babybel to other cheese snacks, it holds up well on calorie control. A standard cheese string or cheese triangle typically contains between 45 and 70 calories, similar to a Mini Babybel. However, Babybel tends to have a firmer texture and higher protein content, making it more satisfying for some.

Creamier cheeses like spreadable portions or soft cheese triangles are often lower in protein and higher in additives, though they may appear "lighter" due to texture. Babybel offers real cheese in whole form, rather than processed cheese spreads, which can make it a more natural and filling option despite a slightly higher calorie count.

How Babybel Fits into Children's Diets

Babybel is widely used in children’s lunchboxes, partly due to its convenience, mild taste and calcium content. For growing children, its 61 calories per portion provides a nutrient-dense source of fat, protein and calcium that supports bone development and sustained energy.

However, it’s worth noting that the salt content, while acceptable in small quantities, can add up if children consume multiple salty snacks throughout the day. Pairing Babybel with fresh fruit or veg sticks instead of processed items can help strike a better balance.

Babybel as a Pre-Workout or Recovery Snack

The protein and fat combination in Babybel makes it a decent option for a pre- or post-workout snack, especially if paired with carbohydrates like fruit or wholegrain toast. The original version offers around 5g of protein, which can help maintain muscle and support recovery. While it won’t provide enough energy alone for intense workouts, it works well in a balanced snack where portability and convenience are key.

For athletes or active individuals looking to increase protein intake without adding too many calories, Babybel Light may offer a better balance, especially when combined with lean carbs or other protein sources.

Is Babybel Cheese Ultra-Processed?

While Babybel is a processed food, it is not considered ultra-processed in the same category as packaged sweets, crisps or ready meals. The original version is made from pasteurised milk, salt, cultures and enzymes, with no added sugars, starches or artificial flavourings. It sits somewhere in the middle of the processing scale — more processed than fresh cheese cut from a block, but less processed than cheese-flavoured spreads or snacks.

This distinction matters for people trying to reduce ultra-processed food intake. Babybel can fit comfortably into a whole-food-focused diet when consumed in moderation and combined with less processed items.

Summary

A Mini Babybel cheese contains between 42 and 61 calories, depending on whether you choose the original, light, or plant-based version. It’s a low-carb, protein-rich snack that offers good calcium content and strong portion control. With a glycaemic index of zero, it supports stable energy and satiety, especially when paired with other whole foods. Though high in saturated fat, particularly in the original and vegan versions, Babybel can be a smart, convenient snack choice — as long as it’s part of a balanced and varied diet.