I’m guessing you love cheese, but does Babybel cheese need to be refrigerated?
Babybel cheese is a type of cheese often consumed by children and adults. It is a small, round cheese that is encased in red wax. The red wax protects the cheese from drying out and helps to keep the cheese fresh.
This cheese has some health benefits, such as being a good source of protein and calcium. Babybel cheese is also low in fat and calories.
So, does Babybel cheese need to be refrigerated?
Does Babybel Cheese Need Refrigeration?
Yes and no — Babybel cheese needs Refrigeration, though you can leave it at room temperature for some hours without any ill effects. The main reason to refrigerate Babybel cheese is to keep it fresh and prevent mold growth.
It is best to refrigerate if you do not plan on eating the cheese within a few days. You can store Babybel cheese in the fridge for up to two weeks, but if you do not plan on eating the cheese within that time frame, it is best to freeze it for up to six months.
When it comes to refrigerating Babybel cheese, there are a few different methods you can use. The first is to wrap the cheese in wax paper or aluminum foil, which will help to keep it fresh.
Another method is to store the cheese in a covered container, such as plastic Tupperware. Either way, label the cheese with the date you purchased it so you know when it needs to be used.
How Long Can Babybel Cheese Stay Out Of The Fridge?
Babybel cheese can stay out of the fridge for 2 to 4 hours, according to the USDA. After that, it needs refrigeration. So if you’re packing a Babybel for a picnic, put it in a cooler with ice packs.
Babybel cheese shouldn’t sit out for more than four hours because it’s soft cheese on the inside. Soft cheeses are more perishable than hard cheeses because they have higher water content. And since bacteria need water to grow, soft cheeses are more susceptible to bacterial growth.
So if you’re going to enjoy a Babybel on a hot summer day, keep it cool. And don’t forget to refrigerate it after four hours to keep it fresh.
How Long Does Babybel Cheese Last Unrefrigerated?
Babybel cheese will last unrefrigerated for two to four hours, after which it will start to go bad. The time the cheese can sit out depends on the room’s temperature; warmer temperatures will cause the cheese to spoil faster.
On the other hand, colder temperatures will keep the cheese fresh for a longer period. If you are unsure whether or not the cheese has spoiled, it is always better to throw it away.
You must take precautions if you leave your Babybel cheese at room temperature. First, make sure the cheese is in its original packaging. If the package has been opened, transferring the cheese to a clean, airtight container is best to keep the cheese fresh for as long as possible.
Avoid leaving the cheese in direct sunlight or near any heat source, as these conditions will cause the cheese to spoil even faster. If you are taking these precautions and the cheese is still unrefrigerated for more than four hours, it is best to discard it.
How to Tell If Babybel Cheese Is Bad?
There are many ways to tell if Babybel cheese has spoiled — let’s discuss some of the signs.
Check the Smell
The first and most obvious way to tell if your cheese has spoiled is by smell. If the cheese smells sour, pungent, or otherwise unpleasant, it is probably bad, and you should discard it.
The Texture of the Babybel Cheese
Another way to tell if Babybel cheese has spoiled is by texture. If the cheese is hard, brittle, or otherwise not the usual soft and pliable consistency, it has probably gone bad, and you should discard it.
Check the Expiration Date
If you’re still unsure whether your Babybel cheese has spoiled, the best way to be certain is to check the expiration date. If the cheese has expired, it is probably bad, and you should discard it.
Have a Taste of the Cheese
You could also tell that Babybel cheese has spoiled by the taste. If the cheese tastes sour, pungent, or otherwise unpleasant, it is probably bad, and you should discard it.
Check for Mold
Finally, you can tell that your Babybel cheese has spoiled when mold appears on the surface of the cheese. If you see mold, discard it immediately.
Babybel Left Out Overnight: Is It Safe To Eat?
No, Babybel cheese left overnight is not safe to eat because this cheese can only sit out for 2 to 4 hours before it needs to be refrigerated. After this time, the cheese quality will start to decline, and bacteria can start to grow. So, if you leave your Babybel cheese out overnight, it’s best to throw it away.
If you’re wondering why this is, it’s because Babybel cheese is a fresh cheese — meaning that it’s made with milk that has been pasteurized but not fermented. Because of this, the cheese doesn’t have the same shelf life as other types of cheese.
If you want to leave your Babybel cheese out overnight, it’s best to wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil, but remember that the USDA recommends not leaving food out overnight. You can try the trick (of wrapping in aluminum foil), but you’ll still need to check if it’s gone bad the following day before using it.
Can You Extend The Shelf Life of Babybel Cheese?
Yes, you can extend the shelf life of Babybel cheese in various ways — Refrigeration and freezing being the most common. Keeping Babybel cheese refrigerated can prevent bacteria from growing and extend its shelf life.
To refrigerate your Babybel cheese, simply place it in the fridge within two hours of opening the package. Also, keep the cheese in its original wax wrapper to prevent it from drying.
If you want to keep your Babybel cheese for longer, you can freeze it. However, note that frozen cheese will have a crumblier texture because of the ice crystals that form.
To freeze your Babybel cheese, wrap it tightly in cling film or aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to eat the cheese, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
If you’re not planning to refrigerate or freeze your Babybel cheese, consume it within two to four hours of opening the package. After that, the cheese quality will start to decline, and it may no longer be safe to eat.
Can You Store Babybel Cheese Without Refrigeration?
Yes, you can store Babybel cheese without Refrigeration at room temperature (of 20 degrees) for 2 to 4 hours. If the temperature is above this (up to 30 degrees), you can still store it for no more than one hour. Above that, you should store your Babybel in the fridge.
If you’re out and about with your Babybel and it gets too warm, don’t worry — just pop it in the fridge when you get home, and it will be fine to eat. Popping it in the fridge will stop the ripening process and keep it fresh for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waxed Cheese Need To Be Refrigerated?
Yes, you still need to refrigerate waxed cheese, as it can only last unrefrigerated for just 24 hours, which again exposes it to the risk of contracting bacteria. The same goes for all types of cheese, including hard cheeses like cheddar. If you choose to refrigerate your cheese, wrap it tightly in cling film or aluminum foil, as this will help keep the cheese from drying out.
Is There Any Cheese That Doesn’t Need Refrigeration?
Yes, some cheeses, such as American cheese, grated parmesan, cheddar, and block cheese, do not require Refrigeration for safety, according to the USDA. These cheeses have a low moisture content, inhibiting bacteria growth.
However, unrefrigerated cheese will spoil more quickly and develop mold. If you choose not to refrigerate your cheese, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Can You Eat The Wax On Babybel Cheese?
Yes, according to research, you can eat the wax on Babybel cheese as it does not have any health risks if ingested. The wax is made of edible paraffin and carnauba wax; both are safe to consume. However, if you’re still not comfortable eating the wax, you can easily remove it by peeling it off or using a sharp knife.
Is Waxed Cheese Shelf Stable?
Not really — according to USU Extension, waxing cheese to extend its shelf life is not safe. The FDA says that any cheese with an edible rind, whether waxed or not, needs to be refrigerated. This is because the porous nature of the rind allows bacteria to enter and contaminate the cheese. So, even though Babybel cheese is sealed in a wax coating, it still needs to be stored in the fridge.
Conclusion
So, does Babybel cheese need to be refrigerated? The answer is yes and no. If you’re planning on eating the cheese within four hours, there’s no need to refrigerate it. However, if you want the cheese to last longer, it’s best to store it in the fridge.
