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Can You Freeze Babybel Cheese: How Long Does It Last

Babybel original cheese has been a popular snack enjoyed by many for a long time for its taste, creamy texture, and convenient packaging. Here’s the scoop on can you freeze Babybel cheese!

babybel cheeses with red wax wrapper

These small, individually wrapped in red wax coverings of natural cheese rounds boast a flavor that compliments crackers, fruits, cayenne pepper, bread crumbs, cheese straws, a hot dog and other foods.

Leading cheese lovers to wonder upon a common question if they can preserve this delightful treat by freezing it.

The answer is yes, you can freeze Babybel cheese. However, it is crucial to understand that freezing cheese products may alter their taste, texture.

It may even cause freezer burn. 

Even though you can store your long Babybel cheese in the freezer for up to two months, ensure that it’s properly wrapped in cling film, aluminum foil, parchment paper, freezer bag or an airtight container to maintain its quality. 

Keep in mind that the texture of the cheese may become crumblier after being frozen due to the formation of ice crystals.

Knowing that you can freeze Babybel products provides an added layer of flexibility for those who want to keep their favorite Babybel cheese snacks on hand for longer periods without worrying about the shelf life of cheese or wasting it. 

Wax Coating and Its Role

holding babybel cheese in front of cheeses on counter

Wax Types and Composition

According to the Babybel website, their cheese is great for its distinctive red wax seal. Plus distinct plastic bag cover design. 

This coating is made from a combination of two types of wax: paraffin and microcrystalline wax. 

Both of these waxes are from petroleum, and they are widely in the food industry for their protective properties.

Paraffin wax:

  • Most commonly used wax in the food industry
  • Solid at room temperature
  • Odorless and tasteless

Microcrystalline wax:

  • Has a higher melting point than paraffin
  • More flexible and less brittle
  • Provides additional strength to the coating

Purpose of Wax Coating

The best part of the wax coating on Babybel cheese is to provide protection and ensure the cheese remains fresh for longer periods. 

The wax coating serves multiple functions and a number of factors in preserving the quality of the cheese:

  1. Retaining moisture: The wax acts as a barrier which is the best way to prevent the cheese from drying out and losing its moisture content.
  2. Preventing mold: Creating an airtight seal, the wax prevents exposure to air and bacteria. Ensuring that no mold forms on the cheese.
  3. Prolonging shelf life: As a result of the above protective properties, Babybel cheese can last up to six months in the refrigerator. Or at room temperature without going bad.

The red wax coating on Babybel cheese plays a crucial role in maintaining the cheese’s freshness, quality, and taste. 

The combination of paraffin and microcrystalline wax provides an excellent barrier against moisture loss and mold.

Extending the cheese’s shelf life to a long shelf life and making it a versatile and nice snack option.

Freezing Babybel Cheese

babybel cheeses in fridge

Freezing Babybel cheese can be a viable option for extending its shelf life. But it’s important to consider the potential changes in texture and taste.

To freeze Babybel cheese, start by removing the individual wax-coated portions from their packaging.

Place each piece in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Ensure that the packaging is airtight to prevent freezer burn.

Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. When you’re ready to use the frozen Babybel cheese, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Remember that the texture may become slightly crumbly or softer after thawing, but it should still be safe to eat. It’s worth noting that freezing may alter the taste and texture, so it’s best to use the frozen

Babybel cheese in cooked dishes like casseroles or melted on sandwiches rather than enjoying it in its original form.

Experiment with different recipes and find the most suitable way to enjoy the frozen Babybel cheese based on personal preferences.

Refrigeration and Shelf Life

holding babybel cheeses in hand in front of the fridge

Refrigerating Babybel Cheese

Refrigerating Babybel cheese can help extend its shelf life and prevent bacteria from growing. 

It is a great way to place the cheese in the refrigerator within two hours of opening the package to ensure optimal preservation. 

Keeping Babybel cheese in the fridge can make it last up to two weeks. Although this may vary depending on storage conditions and whether the cheese has been opened.

If you want to further extend the shelf life of Babybel cheese, freezing it is another viable option. 

You can store Babybel cheese in the freezer to prolong its expiration date, without removing the outer wax coating. 

The cheese will still taste great after defrosting, as long as you follow proper storage measures while it is frozen.

Babybel cheese is in the United States from high-quality cow’s milk and fresh milk. Which is the reason for its extra cost compared to other brands of cheese.

Some qualities for the bel group  include the fact that they are plant-based products, dairy-based Babybel, lactose-free cheese, vegetarian cheese, and vegetarian rennet.

Unrefrigerated Babybel Cheese

Babybel real cheese come from animal products that can still last for several hours when unrefrigerated, thanks to its wax coating and the natural bacteria found in the cultured product. 

However, it is essential to note that the quality of the cheese may start to decline after five days of opening the package if left at room temperature.

Independent tests have shown that Babybel cheese need to be kept in a cold, dark place, and dry place in order to keep their freshness and taste.

To get the most out of your Babybel fresh cheese, it is still best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Even though it does not strictly need to be in the refrigerator. 

This will ensure that you’re enjoying the cheese at its best quality and minimize any potential wastage.

While Babybel cheese does not require compulsory refrigeration, it is best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer to prolong its shelf life and maintain its quality. 

A good condition is to remember to follow proper storage guidelines to enjoy the tasty cheese treat for an extended period!

Cheese Types and Texture After Freezing

mesh bag of babybel cheeses

When it comes to freezing cheese, there are different outcomes based on the types of cheese and variety of flavors. 

Typically, these are a hard cheese, semi-hard cheese, and soft cheese.

Hard Cheeses is a kind of cheese that includes cheddar cheese, Swiss, white cheese, white cheddar, mozzarella sticks, and Parmesan. 

Freezing these hard cheeses may change their texture after thawing. 

They often become crumbly and mealy and may be harder to slice. However, their taste remains mostly unaffected. 

These types of cheeses are suitable for cooking after freezing, as the texture changes become less noticeable when melted.

Semi-hard Cheeses such as Gouda, baby Swiss, and Emmental are somewhat similar to hard cheeses in their response to freezing. 

The Babybel Gouda is wrapped in a golden brown packaging.

As mentioned here, it can be frozen cheese but may experience a similar crumbly texture upon thawing. 

Regardless, taste preservation is quite good, and these types of cheeses can still be used for various dishes.

Soft Cheeses usually refer to cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or even cream cheese. 

While it is found that Babybel cheese can be frozen, it is not generally advised to freeze soft cheeses due to their high moisture content. 

Freezing would cause the cheese’s texture to alter drastically. It may not be suitable for any type of consumption afterwards.

When freezing cheese, the type of cheese you are planning to freeze plays a crucial role in determining the outcome. 

Hard and semi-hard cheeses tend to keep their taste after freezing, though their texture will change. 

Soft cheeses often experience significant alterations in both taste and texture after freezing, making them less ideal for the process.

Proper Storage and Handling

babybel cheeses on counter top

Packaging and Preservation

To ensure your Mini Babybel cheese stays fresh and delicious, it is important to know how to properly store and handle it. 

Mini Babybel cheese comes in a distinctive red wax coating which serves not only as its packaging but also as a protective layer to avoid bacteria and contamination. 

This wax layer keeps the cheese safe from the external elements, making it easy to bring on picnics or pack as the perfect snack

There’s no need to use plastic wrap or foil paper for this cheese.

Temperature Guidelines

While the wax coating allows Mini Babybel cheese to be kept at room temperature for short periods of time, like 2 to 4 hours, it is still best to store them in the refrigerator when you aren’t eating.

The ideal temperature range for storing Mini Babybel cheese is between 34-38°F (1-3°C), as this will help prevent the growth of bacteria and preserve the quality of the cheese. 

Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme heat to maintain the integrity of the cheese.

Recommendations

Pay attention to the “best used by date” on the package, as Mini Babybel cheese is best enjoyed by this date to ensure optimal flavors and freshness. 

Though, some sources suggest you can keep the cheese in the refrigerator for up to six months, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. 

If you have opened a cheese pack, consume it within a few weeks to enjoy its maximum potential.

The nutritional value and nutritional information of the cheese ensures that they are a good source of calcium. 

For a traditional cheese-making process, you will need milk, a little salt, lactic ferments, and naturally-occurring lactose.

If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, dairy alternative options include nuts such as cashews, almonds, and macadamias.

If you see any white spots on the curds, the cheese has started to spoil, and you should throw it away.

Inorder to enhance the cheese flavor, you can submerge them in olive oil or coconut oil for a couple of months.

Mold Growth and Prevention

a bag of babybel cheeses

Mold growth on cheese is a common concern for many people. 

In the case of Babybel cheese, the outer wax layer provides some protection against mold. 

This wax coating effectively seals off the cheese, hindering mold growth by inhibiting exposure to air and moisture.

To prevent mold growth on Babybel cheese, proper storage is essential. 

You should keep these cheeses in a cool and dry environment, preferably in the refrigerator with temperatures between 35°F and 40°F (2°C to 4°C). 

This temperature range helps to slow down bacterial growth and mold development.

It’s important to handle Babybel cheese with clean hands, utensils, and surfaces. 

Since mold can easily spread through contact, unnecessary touching of the cheese should be avoided. 

If, however, mold does appear on Babybel cheese, follow these steps to minimize contamination:

  1. With a clean knife, cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) around and below the moldy spot.
  2. Discard the moldy portion.
  3. In order to avoid cross-contamination, make sure the knife does not come into contact with the mold.

As for the nutritional aspect of Babybel cheese, it contains calcium, an essential mineral for maintaining bone health. 

Calcium has no direct relation to mold growth on cheese, so your concern should be solely on proper storage and handling techniques.

The key to preventing mold growth on Babybel cheese is proper storage, handling, and temperature control. 

Maintaining a clean environment and promptly addressing any mold occurrence will help ensure the cheese stays fresh and safe to consume.

Snacking and Usage Tips

single babybel cheeses on counter top

Babybel cheese is a versatile and delicious snack that can be enjoyed in various contexts, like easy appetizers.

Lunchbox Essential

Babybel cheese is perfect for packing in lunchboxes, as it provides a tasty and nutritious addition to your meal. 

Simply remove the wax coating, and you’ve got a healthy, protein-rich cheese snack ready to eat. 

The manufacturer states that Babybel can be safely consumed up to two hours after removal from the refrigerator (if stored at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

Making it ideal for daily packed lunches.

Backpacking Snack

Babybel cheese is an excellent option for backpackers who want a lightweight, portable, and energy-dense snack. 

Due to its compact packaging and the protective wax layer, Babybel cheese can be conveniently carried without fearing damage or spoilage. 

It’s the perfect companion for fueling you on those long hikes.

MRE Component

Babybel cheese can also make a tasty component of an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) or camping meal. 

Its self-preservation, due to the wax coating, makes it a low-maintenance food item. 

Since it can be consumed without refrigeration for short durations, it’s well-suited for outdoor adventures where access to refrigeration is limited.

These are a few ways to enjoy Babybel cheese:

  • Pack it in lunchboxes as a protein-rich, healthy snack.
  • Bring it on backpacking trips for a lightweight and convenient refueling option.
  • Include it in MREs or camping meals for its easy-to-carry and low-maintenance qualities.

So, the next time you’re looking for a versatile and satisfying snack, consider Babybel cheese as a delicious and practical option.

Environmental Impact and Recyclability

stacked babybel cheese in refrigerator

Babybel cheese, like most products in the food industry, has an environmental impact. 

Specifically, its packaging has raised concerns about recyclability. 

In a report by The Guardian, Babybel cheese was mentioned as one of the worst offenders for recyclable packaging. 

In order to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact, it’s important for manufacturers and consumers to consider packaging alternatives and recycling options.

One notable environmental organization addressing packaging waste is TerraCycle. 

TerraCycle partners with companies to provide recycling solutions for difficult-to-recycle materials, turning them into new products. 

By offering recycling programs for various materials, TerraCycle helps reduce landfill waste and encourages the use of sustainable packaging alternatives.

For Babybel cheese, a potential packaging alternative could be cellophane. 

Cellophane is a thin, transparent material derived from cellulose. 

Unlike some plastic materials, cellophane can be biodegradable and even compostable under the right conditions. 

By using cellophane or other eco-friendly packaging materials, Babybel could reduce its environmental impact and make it easier for consumers to dispose of the packaging responsibly.

Compostable packaging, which breaks down into natural elements and can be used to enrich soil, is another option for reducing environmental impact. 

Ensuring that packaging materials are both biodegradable and compostable can contribute to a sustainable food industry and promote responsible waste management practices.

Despite the current concerns about Babybel packaging, being aware of recycling options and sustainable alternatives is an essential step in moving towards a more environmentally friendly future. 

By considering options like TerraCycle programs, cellophane, and compostable materials, both manufacturers and consumers can contribute to reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of products like Babybel cheese.

Final Thoughts

babybel cheeses on top of ice in fridge

When it comes to freezing Babybel cheese, it is essential to consider several factors and individual dietary needs.

Babybel cheese, known for its distinct red wax coating, is a popular choice for snacking and lunches.

While freezing Babybel cheese is possible, it is important to note that the texture and taste may be affected.

Additionally, certain variations of Babybel cheese, such as the Laughing Cow brand, offer dairy-free options like the Dairy-Free Boursin.

These alternatives may have different freezing properties. It is always recommended to refer to the specific packaging instructions and consult with the manufacturer or certified halal guidelines for freezing recommendations.

Furthermore, pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider regarding any dietary concerns, including the consumption of frozen Babybel cheese.

While YouTube videos may offer anecdotal experiences, it is crucial to prioritize trusted sources and individualized advice.

By considering these factors and seeking appropriate guidance, individuals can make informed decisions about freezing Babybel cheese and ensure its suitability for their dietary needs.

can you freeze babybel cheese Pinterest image

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