Is it OK to eat the wax on cheese?
Emily Wilson
Published May 03, 2026
Finally, natural rinds on cheeses like parmesan are ideal for use in cooking or broths—just not eating on their own (they're just a bit too hard). Can I eat the wax on cheese? We appreciate the enthusiasm but unfortunately the wax isn't meant to be eaten.
What happens if you eat wax on cheese?
Eating wax doesnt normally enhance the flavour of the cheese, however it doesnt stick to the gut so shouldnt do you any harm unless you eat lots. If you do each too much it may cause bowel problems and wont move through the gut very well. If you do eat it it wont poison you, but why spoil your cheese.Can you eat the wax coating on cheese?
Can you eat the wax on cheese? Whilst many cheese rinds are edible, you should avoid eating the wax on cheese as this is designed to safely encase the cheese, not for consumption.Should you remove the wax from cheese?
Gently pull the rest of the wax away from the cheese before slicing up and cubing the cheese, ready to serve. Simply cut the cheese into 1cm slices and serve. Remove wax before eating.Can you eat the brown wax on cheese?
So long as the cheese coating in question was not made by man alone (like the red wax on Gouda) the rind is safe to eat. Depending on your palate, you may find that a little rind complements the cheese and enhances its flavor. You may also find it too strong, bitter, moldy or textually unpleasant.Is It Safe To Eat Cheese Rinds?
Are cheese rinds healthy?
Yes, the rind is generally safe to eatThe cultures are good for your gut health and they aren't going to hurt you," he says. "No cheesemaker would put anything on the cheese that would be harmful." Not only is the rind safe to eat, but trying it out will actually better appreciate your cheese.
Can you eat the wax on Babybel?
The wax we use to coat our products is made of a blend of paraffin and microcrystalline waxes and colouring, which specifically contains no Bisphenol A. It's “food safe” and meets very strict regulatory standards. It poses no health risk if accidentally ingested.How do you clean cheese wax?
Cleaning Up Cheese WaxIf you have to clean them, use boiling water to melt the wax and wipe it off with old cloths or paper towels. Once the wax has been removed, use turpentine to remove any remaining wax. Waxing cheese can get messy as you can see from this cheese-making room.