Babybel Light cheese is a popular low-fat cheese wrapped in wax and shaped like a mini wheel. But how many calories does one Babybel Light cheese contain? In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the calorie and nutrient content of Babybel Light cheese.
What is Babybel Light Cheese?
Babybel Light cheese is made by Bel Brands USA, Inc. It is a type of semi-soft cheese that originates from France. The cheese itself is made from pasteurized cow’s milk and contains less fat than regular Babybel cheese.
Each piece of Babybel Light cheese comes individually wrapped in a wax coating to preserve freshness. The cheese itself weighs 21 grams. Babybel Light has a mild, creamy, semi-soft texture and a light, tangy flavor.
In addition to having less fat than original Babybel, Babybel Light is also lower in calories and cholesterol. It contains 50% less fat than regular Babybel cheese.
Some key features of Babybel Light cheese include:
- Made from pasteurized cow’s milk
- Mild, creamy, semi-soft cheese
- Tangy, rich flavor
- 50% less fat than regular Babybel
- Lower in calories and cholesterol than regular Babybel
- Individually wrapped 21 gram cheese portions
Nutrition Facts for Babybel Light
Now let’s examine the nutrition facts and calorie content of Babybel Light cheese. Here is the nutrition information for a 21 gram piece of Babybel Light:
| Nutrition Facts | 21g Babybel Light | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 50 | 3% |
| Total Fat | 2.5g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g | 8% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 110mg | 5% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 5g |
*Based on a 2000 calorie diet
As you can see, one 21 gram piece of Babybel Light cheese contains:
- 50 calories
- 2.5g total fat
- 15mg cholesterol
- 110mg sodium
- 5g protein
So in a one Babybel Light cheese stick, there are 50 calories. This is significantly lower than the 70 calories found in regular Babybel cheese of the same size.
Babybel Light Calories per Ounce
Now let’s examine the calorie content of Babybel Light cheese per ounce. An ounce of cheese is 28 grams. Here are the nutrition facts for 28 grams (one ounce) of Babybel Light cheese:
| Nutrition Facts | 28g (1 oz) Babybel Light | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 4% |
| Total Fat | 3.5g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 150mg | 6% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 7g |
*Based on a 2000 calorie diet
An ounce of Babybel Light cheese contains 70 calories. So if you eat a 2 ounce portion, that would be 140 calories.
Calories in Different Portions of Babybel Light
Here is a breakdown of the calories in different portions of Babybel Light cheese:
- 1 Babybel Light (21g): 50 calories
- 28g (1 ounce): 70 calories
- 42g (1.5 ounces): 105 calories
- 56g (2 ounces): 140 calories
- 84g (3 ounces): 210 calories
- 112g (4 ounces): 280 calories
- 1 pound (454g): 990 calories
Comparing Babybel Light vs Regular Babybel Calories
As mentioned earlier, Babybel Light is lower in calories than regular full-fat Babybel cheese. Here is a calorie comparison:
| Cheese | Calories (21g portion) | Calories (28g/1 oz portion) |
|---|---|---|
| Babybel Light | 50 calories | 70 calories |
| Regular Babybel | 70 calories | 100 calories |
As you can see, regular Babybel contains about 30 more calories per portion than Babybel Light. So switching to the reduced fat version can help save calories.
Fat, Protein, and Carbs in Babybel Light
In addition to calories, let’s look at the fat, protein, and carb content of Babybel Light cheese.
Total fat: Babybel Light contains 2.5g of fat per 21g portion. This consists of 1.5g saturated fat. For reference, regular Babybel has 4g total fat and 2.5g saturated fat.
Protein: There are 5g of protein in each 21g piece of Babybel Light, which is a good source for such a small portion.
Carbohydrates: Babybel Light contains 0g net carbs since cheese has no carbohydrates.
Vitamins and Minerals in Babybel Light
Here are some of the key vitamins and minerals found in Babybel Light cheese:
- Calcium: 18% DV per serving
- Phosphorus: 9% DV
- Vitamin A: 6% DV
- Riboflavin: 9% DV
- Vitamin B12: 10% DV
So Babybel Light provides a good amount of important nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12 in each portion.
Health Benefits of Babybel Light Cheese
Here are some of the main health benefits associated with eating Babybel Light cheese in moderation:
- High in protein – Excellent source of filling protein with 5g per portion.
- Lower in fat than regular cheese – 50% less fat than regular Babybel.
- Calcium for bones – Contains 18% DV of calcium per serving.
- Source of vitamin B12 – Provides 10% DV of vitamin B12.
- Convenient portions – Easy to grab on-the-go portion controlled snacks.
- Provides probiotics – Made with live and active cultures.
Who is Babybel Light Good For?
Here are some of the people who may benefit from eating Babybel Light cheese:
- Dieters – Lower in calories and fat than regular cheese, making it a smart choice for weight management.
- Children – Fun, kid-friendly cheese due to the small size and wax wrapping.
- Athletes – Good portable protein source before or after workouts.
- Older adults – Provides calcium and protein important for aging bodies.
- Pregnant women – Useful for extra calcium intake needed during pregnancy.
- Vegans – There is a dairy-free Babybel Light option made with plant-based ingredients.
How Does Babybel Light Taste?
Babybel Light has a creamy, smooth, semi-soft texture. The cheese is mildly tangy and salty, with a flavor profile similar to Gouda or Edam cheese.
Most people find the taste pleasant and enjoyable. The wax coating gives the cheese a nice firm bite instead of being overly soft. The lighter fat content means it does not coat the mouth as heavily as full-fat cheese.
Overall, Babybel Light offers an appetizing light cheese alternative without too many calories or saturated fat. The smaller portions make it easy to enjoy the taste of cheese without overdoing your intake.
How to Eat Babybel Light Cheese
Here are some serving suggestions for how to eat Babybel Light cheese:
- Pack as a snack on-the-go
- Add to a cheese board
- Pair with fruit, nuts, or whole grain crackers
- Use in a salad topping
- Melt on top of cooked vegetables, potatoes, or chicken
- Add to omelets or breakfast sandwiches
- Blend into dips, spreads, soups
Babybel Light is very versatile to use for snacking, recipes, and cheese boards. The mini wheel shape and wax coating makes it convenient to take anywhere.
Storing Babybel Light Cheese
To maintain freshness and prevent mold growth, properly store Babybel Light cheese:
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below until ready to eat
- Leave cheese sealed in original wax wrapping until opened
- Use within 10 days of opening for best quality
- Avoid freezing the cheese
- Do not store in direct sunlight or hot conditions
Properly stored, unopened Babybel Light will keep refrigerated for up to 6 weeks past the sell-by date printed on the wax.
Where to Buy Babybel Light
Babybel Light cheese can be purchased from these locations:
- Grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, etc
- Warehouse stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club
- Online retailers like Instacart and Amazon
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven
- Drugstores or superstores like Walgreens and Target
- Specialty cheese shops
- Gas station food marts
It is usually in stock year round along with regular Babybel. Look for it in the specialty cheese section or deli department refrigerated area.
Babybel Light often comes in multi-pack options for the best value. These include 8, 12, or 24 count packs of the individual 21g cheese portions.
Babybel Light Recipe Ideas
Babybel Light is very versatile in recipes. Here are some recipe ideas:
- Breakfast – Add to egg bakes or breakfast sandwiches
- Lunch – Use in tuna melts, grilled cheese, or quesadillas
- Dinner – Melt over chicken, steak, or fish before serving
- Snacks – Pair with fruit, nuts, crackers or veggie sticks
- Desserts – Mix into cheesecake filling
- Dips – Blend into spinach or artichoke dip
Get creative with Babybel Light cheese in your favorite recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babybel Light healthy?
Babybel Light can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. It is made from natural ingredients with 50% less fat than regular Babybel. The portions are small at only 50 calories each, making it easy to control your intake.
Is Babybel Light good for weight loss?
Babybel Light can aid in weight loss or maintenance since it is lower in calories and fat than regular cheese. The protein also helps keep you feeling fuller. Just be sure to stick to portioned amounts.
What is the difference between Babybel Light and regular Babybel?
Babybel Light contains 50% less fat and 30 fewer calories than regular full-fat Babybel cheese. They differ in their nutrition profiles but have a similar taste.
Is Babybel Light pasteurized?
Yes, Babybel Light cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk. This heating process kills harmful bacteria, making it safe to eat.
Can you freeze Babybel Light cheese?
It is not recommended to freeze Babybel Light. Freezing can negatively impact the texture. Store refrigerated instead.
Is Babybel Light gluten-free?
Yes, Babybel Light cheese is certified gluten-free. It is made from just cow’s milk, salt, and bacterial cultures.
Conclusion
Babybel Light cheese is delightfully light alternative to regular cheese with just 50 calories per 21g portion. It offers plenty of protein, calcium, and other nutrients with less fat and calories than regular Babybel.
Enjoy Babybel Light as a portable snack, in recipes, or for a nutrient boost to any meal while maintaining your healthy diet goals.