Patrick Oconnell
Babybel cheese is famous for its red wax coating, which is not unique to the brand, with other hard and semi-hard cheeses also using brightly coloured wax. The wax is made from a blend of paraffin and microcrystalline waxes and colouring, with no Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound often used in plastic food packaging. The wax is food safe, meeting strict regulatory standards and poses no health risk if ingested, although Babybel does not recommend eating it. The wax is soft and pliable, preventing the cheese from drying out and protecting it from airborne bacteria and mould growth while it ages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax Composition | Paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and colouring |
| Wax Function | Protects cheese from airborne bacteria, mold growth, and drying |
| Wax Safety | Food-safe, poses no health risk if accidentally ingested, not meant to be eaten |
| Wax Benefits | Extends cheese shelf life, enhances freshness and taste, provides shiny coating |
| Cheese Type | Semi-soft, 100% real cow's milk, suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets |
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What You'll Learn
- Babybel wax is made from paraffin, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring
- The wax is food-safe, but not meant to be eaten
- It acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria, mould, and drying
- The wax is soft and pliable, unlike pure paraffin wax
- Wax is used on other cheeses and foods for preservation and shine
Babybel wax is made from paraffin, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring
Babybel cheese is famous for its wax coating, which is typically red (green for its vegan cheese). The wax is made from paraffin wax, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring. It is soft and pliable, preventing it from cracking easily, unlike pure paraffin wax. The wax is "food safe", meeting strict regulatory standards, and poses no health risk if accidentally ingested.
The wax coating has a protective function, acting as a barrier to preserve the cheese and prevent unwanted mould growth and drying. It also helps the cheese last longer when stored in the refrigerator. The wax is also used to make the cheese visually appealing, giving it a shiny coating.
The wax is not meant to be eaten and is designed to be peeled off before consumption. It is recommended to pull on the two tabs to remove the wax casing. The wax can be used for other purposes, such as creating wax seals or moulding it into shapes, but it is not compostable due to the paraffin content.
Babybel's wax coating is not unique, and other cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, Parmesan, and brie are also commonly coated in wax. The wax helps to preserve these cheeses and enhance their shelf life.
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The wax is food-safe, but not meant to be eaten
Babybel cheese is famous for its red wax coating, which is not unique to the brand. The wax is made from paraffin wax, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring. The wax is soft and pliable, unlike pure paraffin wax, which becomes brittle and cracks easily. This wax blend is "food-safe", meeting strict regulatory standards and posing no health risk if accidentally ingested. It is designed to protect the cheese from airborne bacteria, mould growth, and drying while ageing, as well as enhancing its shelf life.
While the wax is technically edible and safe for consumption, Babybel does not recommend eating it. It is not meant to be eaten and is intended to be peeled off before consuming the cheese. The wax functions as a protective barrier, similar to a crust, and its removal improves the taste of the cheese.
The wax coating is an essential component of Babybel's packaging, providing a protective shell that allows the cheese to be stored unrefrigerated for a few hours. It is also used for other hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as Gouda and Cheddar, and has been employed since the 1100s to preserve foods like oranges.
The wax has multiple domestic uses, including resealing jars and bottles, creating wax seals, and even making candles or playdough-like shapes. However, it is not compostable due to the paraffin content and should be recycled through appropriate channels.
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It acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria, mould, and drying
Babybel cheese is famous for its red wax coating, which is not unique to the brand. The wax coating is made of a blend of paraffin wax, microcrystalline waxes, and colouring. It is soft and pliable, preventing it from cracking easily. The wax is "food safe", meeting strict regulatory standards and posing no health risk if accidentally ingested.
The wax on Babybel cheese acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria, mould, and drying. The wax protects the cheese from airborne bacteria and mould growth while retaining its moisture and preventing it from drying out. This helps to extend the shelf life of the cheese, keeping it fresh for longer.
The wax coating also serves as a protective shell, allowing the cheese to be stored unrefrigerated at room temperature for several hours. This makes it convenient for consumers to take the cheese on the go without needing constant refrigeration.
The wax coating on Babybel cheese is an effective way to preserve the quality and freshness of the cheese. By creating a protective barrier, the wax helps to maintain the optimal conditions for the cheese, ensuring it remains safe and tasty for consumption.
While the wax is safe to ingest, it is not meant to be eaten and should be peeled off before consuming the cheese. The wax coating provides a functional purpose and also contributes to the unique unwrapping experience associated with Babybel cheese.
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The wax is soft and pliable, unlike pure paraffin wax
Babybel cheese is famous for its red wax coating, which is not unique to the brand. The wax is used to protect the cheese from airborne bacteria, mould growth, and drying while it ages. This wax is soft and pliable, unlike pure paraffin wax, which becomes brittle and cracks easily. The wax is made from a blend of paraffin and microcrystalline waxes, with added colouring. It is "food safe", meeting strict regulatory standards, and poses no health risk if accidentally ingested. The wax helps to retain moisture in the cheese, preventing it from drying out and prolonging its freshness.
The wax coating on Babybel cheese serves as a protective barrier, functioning similarly to a crust. It is designed to be soft and pliable, allowing for easy removal when the cheese is ready to be consumed. This soft wax ensures that the cheese remains intact and protected during production, transportation, and storage.
The soft and pliable nature of the wax is a crucial factor in the cheese's overall functionality and consumer experience. It ensures that the cheese can be easily removed from the wax without leaving behind residue or causing damage to the cheese's surface. This softness also contributes to the convenience and enjoyment of consuming Babybel cheese, as it can be quickly and effortlessly peeled away, revealing the fresh cheese beneath.
The wax's composition, including paraffin and microcrystalline waxes, is carefully formulated to achieve the desired softness. This blend of waxes and the absence of Bisphenol A (BPA) contribute to the wax's flexibility and safety for food contact. The soft wax also enhances the overall sensory experience of Babybel cheese, providing a smooth and satisfying tactile sensation when handled by consumers.
In summary, the soft and pliable nature of Babybel cheese's wax coating is a deliberate feature that ensures the protection, preservation, and enjoyment of the cheese. Its unique composition and physical properties set it apart from pure paraffin wax, making it an effective and safe food-grade wax.
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Wax is used on other cheeses and foods for preservation and shine
In addition to its preservative qualities, wax also gives food a shiny, appealing coating. Wax is used on fruit snacks, Skittles, M&Ms, fruits, and vegetables to keep them looking and tasting fresh. Wax is particularly useful for fruits like apples because it helps them retain moisture, enhances firmness, and slows down the natural degradation process.
Wax can be applied to cheese and other foods through brushing or dipping techniques. The brushing technique uses low heat and a brush to apply the wax, while the dipping technique involves dipping the food directly into melted wax at a higher temperature. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages in terms of safety, ease of application, and effectiveness in killing mold spores.
Wax is also used for sealing jars and bottles, creating distinctive wax seals on envelopes, and making candles. It is important to note that not all waxes are compostable, and some may contain chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA). Natural wax items can be recycled, and food-grade waxes are considered safe for consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
The wax coating on Babybel cheese is made of a blend of paraffin and microcrystalline waxes and colouring. It is soft and pliable, unlike pure paraffin wax, which would become brittle and crack easily. The wax is melted and then the cheese is dipped into it.
Babybel cheese wax is “food safe”, meeting strict regulatory standards and poses no health risk if accidentally ingested. However, it is not meant to be eaten and will not taste good.
The wax coating on Babybel cheese acts as a protective barrier, preventing the growth of unwanted mould and retaining the cheese's moisture while it ages. It also protects the cheese from ultraviolet light.
Yes, coating cheese with food-grade wax is a common method used for other hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as Gouda and Cheddar, that only need a few months to age. Semi-soft and soft cheeses form their own rinds which perform a similar function.
Babybel cheese can be easily peeled by pulling on the two tabs. It is recommended to remove the wax before eating as it will enhance the taste of the cheese.
