Babybel Original Semisoft Cheese: 5g Protein per Wheel, Labelgrade C
C 62 / 100 — Three-ingredient cheese (pasteurized cultured milk, salt, microbial enzymes) with strong protein density per 100 g (24 g) and zero sugar. Higher fat-to-protein ratio than string cheese (mozzarella) because Babybel is closer to a Dutch-style semi-hard cheese. The sodium load (760 mg per 100 g) is high but typical for cured cheese; per-wheel sodium (160 mg) is moderate.
🛒 Buy on Amazon →The short answer
Mini Babybel Original delivers 5 g of protein and 70 calories per 21 g wheel (USDA FDC 1869803) — about 24 g of protein per 100 g, tied with string cheese for the densest mass-market portable cheese on the US market. The 3-ingredient formulation (pasteurized cultured milk, salt, microbial enzymes) is genuinely clean. The Labelgrade is C (62 / 100): strong on protein density and ingredient simplicity, zero sugar, dinged on sodium load.
Why this Labelgrade
| Dimension | Grade | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein density | A- | 86 / 100 | 24 g of protein per 100 g — tied with string cheese for densest portable cheese |
| Ingredient quality | B+ | 82 / 100 | Three ingredients: pasteurized cultured milk, salt, microbial enzymes (non-animal rennet). About as clean as packaged cheese gets |
| Sugar load | A+ | 100 / 100 | 0 g sugar — perfect |
| Sodium load | F | 27 / 100 | 760 mg per 100 g — high. Per single wheel (160 mg) it’s moderate; eating multiple wheels stacks the sodium quickly |
| Fiber | F | 30 / 100 | 0 g, expected for cheese |
| Saturated fat load | F | 22 / 100 | 19 g per 100 g — very high — a single serving uses a large share of the 20 g FDA daily limit |
| Overall | C | 62 / 100 | One of the cleanest portable cheese snacks on the US market. Per-wheel portion keeps sodium and calorie load reasonable; 1-2 wheels as a snack is well-formulated |
How it compares
| Product | Protein per 100 g | Calories per 100 g | Sodium per 100 g | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babybel Mini Original (this product) | 24 g | 333 | 760 mg | 3 |
| Kraft Mozzarella String Cheese | 25 g | 250 | 750 mg | 5 |
| Sargento Mozzarella String Cheese | 25 g | 292 | ~670 mg | 4 |
| Plain cooked chicken breast | 31 g | 165 | ~75 mg | 1 |
Babybel and string cheese sit at the top of the portable-cheese category for protein density. Babybel’s edge: shorter ingredient list (3 vs 4-5). String cheese’s edge: lower fat-to-protein ratio (more lean protein per calorie). Choose by texture preference and per-piece serving size — Babybel wheels (21 g) are smaller than string cheese sticks (24 g).
Whole-food equivalent
One Babybel mini wheel (5 g protein) equals roughly:
- 16 g of cooked chicken breast (a small bite)
- About 1 large egg’s worth of protein (6 g)
- 28 g of Fage Total 0% Greek yogurt (about 1.5 tablespoons)
The advantage over chicken or yogurt is shelf-stability (unopened wheels keep at room temperature for weeks) and zero prep.
Scope
This page covers Babybel Original Semisoft Cheese (mini format) in the 7.5 oz / 213 g multi-pack (UPC 041757059200, USDA FDC 1869803). Babybel sells multiple flavors (white cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, plus a plant-based vegan line), several pack sizes (4-count, 6-count, 12-count, party size 14-count), and a “Babybel Light” version with reduced fat. Per-wheel protein is consistent across the dairy line at 5 g; calories vary slightly with fat content. Always check the actual package label.
Ingredients (from the USDA Branded Foods entry)
Pasteurized cultured milk, salt, microbial enzymes.
Where to buy
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The Labelgrade score is independent of affiliate relationships. More.
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Quick Facts
Per serving · 1 wheel (21 g)
041757059200Full nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 wheel (21 g)) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 0g |
| Added Sugars | 0g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
Scope: This page applies specifically to Babybel Original Semisoft Cheese (Mini) (7.5 oz (213 g) — 12-wheel multi-pack) · UPC 041757059200. Other sizes, flavors, or formulations may differ.
How this fits each diet
Each score is computed from the same USDA nutrition + ingredient data, against the published rules of each diet. They tell you "does this food fit this diet" — not whether the diet is right for you.
contains animal-derived ingredients
contains no listed meat or fish
no wheat, barley, rye, or malt detected in USDA ingredient list
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein is in a Babybel mini wheel?
5 grams of protein per 21 g wheel (USDA FDC 1869803). The 7.5 oz multi-pack contains 12 wheels (60 g of protein total).
How many calories per wheel?
70 calories per wheel — higher than string cheese (60 cal per 24g Kraft stick) because Babybel has more fat (mozzarella is leaner than Dutch-style cheese).
What's in a Babybel?
Three ingredients: pasteurized cultured milk, salt, and microbial enzymes (non-animal rennet). About as clean as a packaged cheese gets.
How does Babybel compare to string cheese?
Babybel has slightly less protein per piece (5 g vs 6 g for Kraft or Sargento string cheese) and higher fat (6 g vs 3.5-4.5 g). Calories are similar. Texture and flavor are different — Babybel is a Dutch-style semi-soft, string cheese is mozzarella. Per 100 g, Babybel has 24 g protein vs string cheese's 25 g (essentially tied).
Is Babybel keto-friendly?
Yes. 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 6 g fat, 5 g protein per wheel fits all ketogenic protocols.
Are the wheels really individually wrapped in wax?
Yes — the red wax shell is the iconic Babybel packaging. The wax is food-grade paraffin and is not edible (some people think it is).
What about the sodium?
160 mg per wheel is about 7% of the FDA daily limit, comparable to a slice of bread. Per 100 g (760 mg) it's high, but the per-wheel portion is small enough that 1-2 wheels is a moderate sodium addition to most days.
Is it 'high in protein' under FDA rules?
Per wheel, 5 g of protein is 10% of the 50 g Daily Value — meeting the threshold for 'good source of protein.' Two wheels qualify for the 'high in protein' claim at 10 g.