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Queso de bolaHelping You Find the Best
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Queso de bolaHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Queso de Bola in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 1
  • 10 Best Queso de Bola in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 2
  • 10 Best Queso de Bola in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 3
  • 10 Best Queso de Bola in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 4
  • 10 Best Queso de Bola in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 5

10 Best Queso de Bola in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

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.

Last updated 07/14/2023

Quick List - Top Queso de Bola

1

Marca Piña

Queso de Bola
Queso de Bola

Get Into the Christmas Mood With This Dutch-Made Cheese

2

Marca Pato

Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese
Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese

A Creamy and Buttery Pasteurized Cheese Ball

3

Danubia

Edamer Cheese
Edamer Cheese

Celebrate the Holidays Everyday With This Cheese Block

4

Nanay Luisa’s

Queso de Bola Spread
Queso de Bola Spread

A Cheesy Spread With a Great Combination of Flavors

5

Emborg

Edam Cheese Slices
Edam Cheese Slices

Queso de Bola Slices for Easy Preparation

Samantha Morales
Expert
Nutritionist-Dietitian
Samantha Morales

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.

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Editorial Team
Guide
mybest
Editorial Team

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.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Queso de Bola - Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Check the manufacturing date to get a fresher product.
  2. Select the flavor profile that suits your taste.
  3. Pick your preferred texture of queso de bola.
  4. Go for aged queso de bola if you prefer a strong smell and taste.
  5. Check out other forms of queso de bola like spreads, blocks, and slices.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
1

Check the Manufacturing Date to Get a Fresher Product

Check the Manufacturing Date to Get a Fresher Product

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.

2

Select the Flavor Profile That Suits Your Taste

Select the Flavor Profile That Suits Your Taste

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.

3

Pick Your Preferred Texture of Queso de Bola

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.

Soft Queso de Bola if You Want Something Easier to Melt

Soft Queso de Bola if You Want Something Easier to Melt

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.  

Semi-Hard Queso de Bola Is Perfect for Slices and Shredding

Semi-Hard Queso de Bola Is Perfect for Slices and Shredding

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. 

Hard Queso de Bola for Snacking and Topping Dishes

Hard Queso de Bola for Snacking and Topping Dishes

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.

4

Go for Aged Queso de Bola if You Prefer a Strong Smell and Taste

Go for Aged Queso de Bola if You Prefer a Strong Smell and Taste

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.

5

Check Out Other Forms of Queso de Bola Like Spreads, Blocks, and Slices

Check Out Other Forms of Queso de Bola Like Spreads, Blocks, and Slices

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!

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10 Best Queso de Bola to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Marca Piña

Queso de Bola

Marca Piña  Queso de Bola 1

Get Into the Christmas Mood With This Dutch-Made Cheese

2

Marca Pato

Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese

Marca Pato  Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese 1

A Creamy and Buttery Pasteurized Cheese Ball

3

Danubia

Edamer Cheese

Danubia Edamer Cheese 1

Celebrate the Holidays Everyday With This Cheese Block

4

Nanay Luisa’s

Queso de Bola Spread

Nanay Luisa’s  Queso de Bola Spread 1

A Cheesy Spread With a Great Combination of Flavors

5

Emborg

Edam Cheese Slices

Emborg Edam Cheese Slices 1

Queso de Bola Slices for Easy Preparation

6

Grand'Or Premium Edam Cheese Loaf

Edam Cheese

Grand'Or Premium Edam Cheese Loaf Edam Cheese 1

Classic Edam Cheese in Block Form

7

Solenn Manila x Nanay Luisa’s

Truffle Queso de Bola Spread

Solenn Manila x Nanay Luisa’s Truffle Queso de Bola Spread 1

A Luxurious Combination of Black Truffles and Edam Cheese

8

Magnolia

Queso de Bola

Magnolia  Queso de Bola 1

A Creamy Holiday Staple from a Trusted Brand

9

Ammerländ

Edam Cheese Wedge

Ammerländ Edam Cheese Wedge 1

A Wedge of Your Favorite Holiday Cheese

10

Ava's Kitchen

Queso de Bola Pimiento Lactation Spread

Ava's Kitchen  Queso de Bola Pimiento Lactation Spread 1

A Preservative-Free Queso de Bola for Lactating Moms

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Marca Piña
Queso de Bola

Queso de Bola 1
Source:lazada.com.ph
Reference price
₱979.75
High Mid
Reference price
₱979.75
High Mid

Get Into the Christmas Mood With This Dutch-Made Cheese

Experience a special Noche Buena with Marca Pina's queso de bola! Originally known in the country for its soy sauce, the brand has ventured into a partnership with Dutch dairy farms to produce these authentic Edam cheese balls that many Filipinos crave during the Yuletide season.


The flavor profile is on the nutty and savory-salty side with a hint of buttery sweetness, and the smell is mildly pungent. With regards to texture, it is a hard cheese that can get crumbly when sliced. Weighing more than one kilogram, this product offers great value for your money.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Marca Pato
Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese

Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese 1
Source:landers.ph
Reference price
₱1,139.75
High Mid
Reference price
₱1,139.75
High Mid

A Creamy and Buttery Pasteurized Cheese Ball

Another famous brand in the Philippines, Marca Pato is also known for its premium queso de bola that will make your Noche Buena spread extra special. Imported from Holland, it is notable for its thinner rind and consistent pale yellow color throughout the cheese. It also has a creamier texture compared to other hard cheeses.


Taste-wise, it has the trademark nuttiness and saltiness of the Edam cheeseballs but with a less intense mushroom-like aroma than other brands. What makes it unique, though, is that it also has a caramel-like, milky sweetness with strong buttery notes, perfect for pairing with biscuits, bread, and deli-style meats!

No.3

Danubia
Edamer Cheese

Reference price
₱269
Mid

Celebrate the Holidays Everyday With This Cheese Block

When the Christmas season is over, the typical queso de bola is a rare find. But don't worry, you can still get this delectable Edam cheese, only in a different shape. Danubia offers queso de bola in a block all year round. It has a semi-hard texture, but you will appreciate its creaminess in every bite.


It is nutty and slightly salty with a mild tangy aroma, ideal for appetizers, dishes, and even desserts. Grate or slice it and add to your canapes and charcuterie boards, and for sure, everyone will surely love it. With Danubia Edamer cheese, you can celebrate Christmas every day!

No.4

Nanay Luisa’s
Queso de Bola Spread

Reference price
₱160
Low Mid

A Cheesy Spread With a Great Combination of Flavors

If you want to enjoy queso de bola without the extra effort of grating or slicing, Nanay Luisa's queso de bola spread is worth a try! It contains authentic nutty, rich, and aromatic grated queso de bola mixed with mayonnaise, pickle relish, and red pimiento peppers. The result is a beautiful play of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.


Its creamy taste works well with pandesal or any bread. You can also add chopped ham, bacon, or tuna for a more tummy-filling sandwich. Alternatively, you can incorporate them into your salads to take your homemade recipes to the next level.

No.5

Emborg
Edam Cheese Slices

Edam Cheese Slices 1
Source:landers.ph
Reference price
₱152.75
Low Mid

Queso de Bola Slices for Easy Preparation

You don't need to wait for December just to enjoy queso de bola! Emborg's Edam cheese is available year-round to add a savory touch to hot or cold sandwiches. Each pack contains 8 natural Edam slices made from aged and pasteurized cow's milk.


This semi-hard cheese has a mild nutty flavor with a subtle note of sweetness, just like regular queso de bola. And, since they are already sliced, you would need less time to prepare them, whether as palaman or for cheese boards. This is a great option for when you're craving for queso de bola any time of the year. 

No.6

Grand'Or Premium Edam Cheese Loaf
Edam Cheese

Edam Cheese 1
Source:grand-or.com
Reference price
₱2,399
High
Reference price
₱2,399
High

Classic Edam Cheese in Block Form

Want a queso de bola that is easier to slice and store? This offering from European cheese giant Grand'Or allows you to enjoy Edam cheese in a more convenient way. This one comes in plastic packaging instead of the usual red rind so there's no more difficulty in slicing through hard wax or paraffin.


Made of pasteurized cow's milk with a high-fat percentage, this does not compromise on both taste and quality. This comes in a huge 3-kilogram block, which can surely last you through the holidays and beyond. Use this on pizza, pasta, and even burgers for a different but nevertheless, delicious experience!

No.7

Solenn Manila x Nanay Luisa’s
Truffle Queso de Bola Spread

Reference price
₱850
High Mid

A Luxurious Combination of Black Truffles and Edam Cheese

From a special collaboration between Solenn Manila x Nanay Luisa's Truffle Queso de Bola Spread,  this queso de bola spread is one that you won't be able to resist! It combines Edam cheese with rich black truffle mushroom, giving you an earthy and luxurious flavor on top of the cheese's savory, salty, and mild nutty taste.


A combination of tangy mayonnaise, herbs, and spices binds all of these flavors together for an amazing spread that you can slather on toast, use with salads, or pair with prosciutto ham and other cold cuts. If you're looking for a unique twist on the traditional queso de bola, you can't go wrong with this! 

No.8

Magnolia
Queso de Bola

Queso de Bola 1
Source:mmart.com.ph
Reference price
₱204.75
Low Mid
Reference price
₱204.75
Low Mid

A Creamy Holiday Staple from a Trusted Brand

We can't have a queso de bola list without Magnolia in it. This trusted brand offers a budget-friendly queso de bola that doesn't scrimp on quality. Coming in a traditional Dutch cheese ball form, it has a savory and creamy taste and a light aroma that suits the Filipino palate just right. 


You'll find this queso de bola not just on many Filipino dinner tables every Christmas season, but in balikbayan boxes or care packages as well! Because it's such a homegrown taste, it is frequently bought as a pasalubong for Filipino friends and family abroad

No.9

Ammerländ
Edam Cheese Wedge

Reference price
₱154
Low Mid

A Wedge of Your Favorite Holiday Cheese

While this cheese may not be in the classic ball shape covered with red wax, its great taste and essence are the same. This cheese from Ammerland is a big wedge of Edam, perfect for easier slicing during busy days when you just need to add something to your bread.


This has a mild and pure taste, is low fat, and has no artificial colors and preservatives. The best part is this is more on the affordable side, letting you add great cheese to your holiday charcuterie board. 

No.10

Ava's Kitchen
Queso de Bola Pimiento Lactation Spread

Queso de Bola Pimiento Lactation Spread 1
Source:instagram.com
Reference price
₱390
Mid
Reference price
₱390
Mid

A Preservative-Free Queso de Bola for Lactating Moms

This queso de bola spread is a perfect blend of Edam cheese and pimiento. Specially formulated for breastfeeding moms, it is free of preservatives and enriched with galactagogues to boost breastmilk supply without compromising the flavors of aged Edam cheese. 


It has pimiento tidbits to add a dash of color and a sweet taste to the cheese spread. And if you're not a nursing mom, no worries! It is safe to eat, even for kids! The creamy flavor makes it perfect for sandwiches with salami, ham, and other cold cuts or for drizzling on salads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.

What Kind of Cheese Is Queso de Bola?

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.

How to Eat Queso de Bola?

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.

How to Store Queso de Bola?

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.

Author: Roel Pillas Malubay

Editor & Re-editor: R. Umlas, B. Fajardo

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

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.

Top 5 Queso de Bola

No. 1: Marca Piña Queso de Bola

No. 2: Marca Pato Baby Matured Aged Edam Cheese

No. 3: DanubiaEdamer Cheese

No. 4: Nanay Luisa’s Queso de Bola Spread

No. 5: EmborgEdam Cheese Slices

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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