Queso de bola is popular amongst Filipinos all year round, especially during the holidays. The Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world, and some already start preparing their decor as soon as September rolls around. Why not check out the best Edam cheeses or queso de bolas, the cheese ball with red wax coating, as early as now?
It has come to be considered a good omen—the round shape symbolizes money, and the red color stands for good luck. In this article, we will help you choose the best queso de bola with our buying guide reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales and a list of recommended products.
Quick List - Top Queso de Bola
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Thanks to the thick, red paraffin wax coating, queso de bola has a long shelf life since it stays protected from molds and bacteria that can cause contamination. Generally, it only hardens when the wax coating is removed and the cheese is left out in the open. It won't spoil quickly, as long as it's stored properly and not exposed to direct sunlight or warmer temperature.
When purchasing a queso de bola, look for the manufacturing date on the label or the product description. The more recent the date is, the fresher and better your product will be. An excellent queso de bola can last up to 4 months in the fridge or 8 months in the freezer without losing the aroma, taste, and texture.
If you think that queso de bola is a one-note experience, you're in for a surprise. Some brands of queso de bola have a sweet and almost fruity hint. Others are on the nutty and fragrant side. With this in mind, we recommend checking out different reviews regarding the product as a basis to decide.
On rare occasions, you can find free tastings of cheese in supermarkets and malls. But if you prefer to order online, you can see the flavor profiles on the product descriptions of the company websites or article features in online publications. You can also watch online product review videos to have a better assessment.
Queso de bola is typically classified as a semi-hard cheese. But in reality, the texture can vary and change depending on the length of the aging process. The older the cheese is, the harder it gets. Keep reading for more information about queso de bola textures.
If you want a soft type of queso de bola, purchase one that is labeled as "soft" or "fresh." It is light-flavored and pretty easy to melt, perfect as a topping. It is also great on its own as a cocktail appetizer or bread filling. However, this type is more difficult to find and is usually available only in specialty stores.
Most, if not all, of the queso de bola, sold in stores during the holiday season, come with a semi-hard texture. They are not as quick-melting as the fresh queso de bola, but on the upside, they are not as challenging to handle as the hard ones. This texture is perfect for sandwiches, as they can add a bit of a unique texture.
Lastly, you can get your queso de bola in the form of hard cheese. This kind is almost crumbly when sliced. This provides another layer of texture and is great as a topping as it provides a concentrated punch of intense aroma. In addition, you can mix it into other sauce dishes like spaghetti or caldereta.
Unfortunately, a slice of hard Edam cheese is difficult to soften, even in high temperatures. So, it is best to cut it into bite-size pieces for your grazing platter along with other cold cuts and wine. Alternatively, you can grate them to melt them quickly as a pizza topping or mix it with mayonnaise for a flavorful spread.
All aged cheeses have their respective unique aromas. The smell can range from funky to almost fruity, depending on the length of the aging process. Remember that the shorter the aging period, the lighter the flavor.
Queso de bola usually has a sharper taste compared to regular cheeses. As a result, more people prefer aged cheese on grazing platters and cheeseboards, served with cold cuts and wines. However, some still opt to add them to their recipes in smaller quantities.
As mentioned earlier, queso de bola is typically available in the market during the Yuletide season. However, these ball-shaped cheeses become more difficult to find once the holidays are over. But don't worry! You can still get a taste of queso de bola because several companies offer Edam cheese blocks and slices that you can order even after the Christmas season.
Alternatively, some independent online shops offer queso de bola spreads that are available all year round! You can usually find them as creamed Edam cheese in a bottle jar, usually mixed with mayonnaise, finely chopped pimiento peppers, and seasoned with spices. Say goodbye to slicing because these are easy to spread on bread!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flavor Profile | Texture | Aged | Form | Net Weight | |||||
1 | President Edam | ![]() | Nutritious And Versatile Edam Cheese | Mild、Creamy、Slightly Nutty | Smooth、Firm、Semi-Hard | 2-3 months | Block、Ball | 2 kg | |
2 | Nanay Luisa’s Queso de Bola Spread | ![]() | Creamy Queso de Bola Spread Ideal in Filipino Dishes | Rich、Salty、Creamy | Smooth、Spreadable | Spread | 0.2 kg | ||
3 | Marca Piña Queso de Bola | ![]() | Classic Queso de Bola in Convenient 600 g Size | Mild、Salty、Buttery | Firm、Smooth | 1-2 months | Ball | 0.6 kg | |
4 | Marca Pato Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese | ![]() | Traditional Edam Cheese Ball in 600 g Pack | Mild、Salty、Buttery | Smooth、Firm | 3+ months | Ball | 0.6 kg | |
5 | Magnolia Queso de Bola | ![]() | Classic Filipino Holiday Edam Cheese | Mild、Creamy, Slightly Salty | Smooth、Semi-Hard | 1-2 months | Ball | 0.6 kg | |
6 | Lactima Gouda Cheese 8-slices | ![]() | Pre-Sliced Gouda Cheese Easy to Use | Mild、Creamy、Slightly Nutty | Smooth, Semi-Soft | 1-3 months | Sliced | 0.14 kg | |
7 | Joyce's Queso de Bola | ![]() | Rich and Creamy Queso de Bola Spread | Rich、Salty、Creamy | Smooth、Spreadable | Spread | 0.283 kg | ||
8 | Isabel's Truffle de Bola 200 g | ![]() | Queso de Bola With Unique Truffle Flavor | Salty、Truffle Aroma | Creamy、Spreadable | Spread | 0.2 kg | ||
9 | Hungry Cow Gouda Cheese | ![]() | Authentic Gouda Cheese With Mildly Nutty Flavor | Mild、Nutty | Smooth、Semi-Hard | 2-6 months | Block、Sliced | 0.25 kg | |
10 | Grand'Or Young Sliced Gouda 160 g | ![]() | Pre-Sliced Gouda Cheese Ready to Serve | Mild、Creamy | Smooth, Semi-Soft | 1-3 months | Sliced | 0.16 kg |
Users enjoy its mild taste and smooth texture, making it versatile for meals and snacks. Many recommend consuming it soon after opening and storing it well sealed in a cool place to preserve freshness. Some note it pairs well with salads and sandwiches, valued for its consistent quality and flavor.
Flavor Profile | Mild、Creamy、Slightly Nutty |
---|---|
Texture | Smooth、Firm、Semi-Hard |
Aged | 2-3 months |
Form | Block、Ball |
Net Weight | 2 kg |
Reviews mention:
Customers praise the creamy texture and authentic queso de bola flavor that complements traditional Filipino holiday dishes such as ensaymada and pasta. The spread’s smoothness makes it easy to use on bread or as an ingredient. Some users note its richness and suggest moderate use, but it’s widely appreciated as a versatile pantry staple.
Flavor Profile | Rich、Salty、Creamy |
---|---|
Texture | Smooth、Spreadable |
Aged | |
Form | Spread |
Net Weight | 0.2 kg |
Reviews mention:
Users enjoy the traditional queso de bola taste that fits well with Filipino celebrations. The size is convenient, reducing wastage while providing enough quantity for various dishes. It consistently holds freshness when stored properly, making it a dependable favorite in many kitchens.
Flavor Profile | Mild、Salty、Buttery |
---|---|
Texture | Firm、Smooth |
Aged | 1-2 months |
Form | Ball |
Net Weight | 0.6 kg |
Reviews mention:
Customers appreciate the flavor quality and meltability that suit festive bread and holiday recipes. Many consider it a reliable cheese ball option, noting that it pairs well with sweet breads. Proper sealing to preserve flavor is a common suggestion.
Flavor Profile | Mild、Salty、Buttery |
---|---|
Texture | Smooth、Firm |
Aged | 3+ months |
Form | Ball |
Net Weight | 0.6 kg |
Reviews mention:
Users love its rich, creamy flavor that is perfect for traditional Filipino celebrations like Christmas. Many appreciate its versatility, using it for snacks with pan de sal or on cheese platters. Some advise storing it well sealed to maintain freshness after opening. Overall, it’s praised for consistent quality and nostalgic taste.
Flavor Profile | Mild、Creamy, Slightly Salty |
---|---|
Texture | Smooth、Semi-Hard |
Aged | 1-2 months |
Form | Ball |
Net Weight | 0.6 kg |
Users appreciate the convenience of ready-to-use slices for quick meals. The cheese’s flavor is noted as pleasant and mild, pairing well with breads and cold cuts. Packaging is also commended for maintaining freshness, making it a go-to for snacks or lunchboxes.
Flavor Profile | Mild、Creamy、Slightly Nutty |
---|---|
Texture | Smooth, Semi-Soft |
Aged | 1-3 months |
Form | Sliced |
Net Weight | 0.14 kg |
Customers recommend this spread for intensifying the taste of festive meals, especially during Christmas. Its creamy consistency spreads easily and blends in cooking. Portability and reusability of the container add to its convenience, with many noting its balanced flavor.
Flavor Profile | Rich、Salty、Creamy |
---|---|
Texture | Smooth、Spreadable |
Aged | |
Form | Spread |
Net Weight | 0.283 kg |
Loved for introducing luxury to a traditional cheese, it appeals to those seeking a richer flavor experience. Reviewers note its truffle aroma enhances cheese platters and party dishes. Some point out its richness requires smaller servings but consider it a prized gourmet choice.
Flavor Profile | Salty、Truffle Aroma |
---|---|
Texture | Creamy、Spreadable |
Aged | |
Form | Spread |
Net Weight | 0.2 kg |
Users appreciate the authentic taste and versatility across cooking and casual eating. The range of sizes caters to different household requirements, reducing waste. Many comment on its smooth texture and balanced flavor profile, suitable for cheese boards and sandwiches.
Flavor Profile | Mild、Nutty |
---|---|
Texture | Smooth、Semi-Hard |
Aged | 2-6 months |
Form | Block、Sliced |
Net Weight | 0.25 kg |
Customers commonly highlight convenience and mild flavor that is versatile for snacks and sandwiches. Its authentic taste is trusted thanks to the reputable source, with many users recommending it despite occasional stock issues. The product is praised for maintaining freshness and quality.
Flavor Profile | Mild、Creamy |
---|---|
Texture | Smooth, Semi-Soft |
Aged | 1-3 months |
Form | Sliced |
Net Weight | 0.16 kg |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Queso de bola is made of Edam cheese, a semi-hard aged cheese from the Netherlands, wrapped in red wax or sometimes parrafin. However, the ones manufactured for the Philippines are the saltier kind.
There are many ways to eat queso de bola. It can be used as an alternative to parmesan cheese, incorporated into dips and cheese sauces, or simply paired with crackers.
It's best to store queso de bola by keeping the red wax on the cheese for added protection. Before placing it in the refrigerator, wrap it in foil and then plastic wrap. If you have grated cheese, put it in an airtight container before storing it in the freezer.
Complete your Noche Buena grocery shopping list with our article reviews below. We have a list of recommendations for exceptional Christmas hams, spaghetti noodles, and sauces that you can save in your pantry as early as now!
10 Best Christmas Hams in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Spaghetti Sauces in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Pesto Sauces in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Spaghetti Noodles in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Editor & Re-editor: R. Umlas, B. Fajardo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: President|Edam
No. 2: Nanay Luisa’s |Queso de Bola Spread
No. 3: Marca Piña |Queso de Bola
No. 4: Marca Pato |Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese
No. 5: Magnolia |Queso de Bola
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others