Andy Montoya
Babybel is a brand of small, snack-sized cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The original and most popular Mini Babybel is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurized milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt. It is made using traditional Edam-making processes, with some modifications, such as using vegetarian rennet instead of animal rennet. The cheese is known for its unique packaging, which includes a netted bag, a layer of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax, and a cellophane wrapper made from wood pulp, cotton, or other vegetation. This packaging helps to keep the cheese fresh, tasty, and safe to eat by creating an airtight seal that prevents mould and maintains hygienic conditions.
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What You'll Learn
- Babybel is a French cheese, made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt
- The cheese is individually packaged, with a wax coating made from paraffin
- Babybel is naturally lactose-free
- The packaging is recyclable through TerraCycle
- Babybel is available in various flavours, including a plant-based option
Babybel is a French cheese, made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt
The Mini Babybel is widely available to purchase at all major supermarkets in the UK, such as Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda. It is also available in the United States, where it is produced in Kentucky. The cheese is known for its packaging, which consists of a netted bag, with each piece of cheese encased in a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax, inside a cellophane wrapper. The red wax helps to create an airtight seal, preserving the cheese and preventing mould. The cellophane wrapper is made from wood pulp, cotton, or other vegetation, and it prevents the wax from damage and stops the products from sticking together. Finally, the net keeps all the portions together, using less plastic than a bag or container.
Babybel is naturally lactose-free, with any naturally-occurring lactose being poured away with the whey, and the rest transformed during the maturing process by the lactic ferments. However, it may not be suitable for those suffering from Galactosaemia. Babybel also offers a plant-based alternative, which is made from coconut oil and starch, and provides a source of calcium and vitamin B12. This alternative is free from lactose, artificial colours, and preservatives.
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The cheese is individually packaged, with a wax coating made from paraffin
Babybel cheese is famous for its unique packaging. Each piece of cheese is individually packaged, ensuring freshness and safety during consumption. The packaging consists of three layers: wax, cellophane, and a net.
The wax coating, made from paraffin and microcrystalline wax, is a key component of the packaging. This blend of paraffin and microcrystalline wax creates a completely airtight seal, preventing mould and preserving the cheese. The wax is "food safe", meaning it is suitable for direct contact with the cheese and poses no health risks. It maintains hygienic conditions, ensuring the cheese remains safe and edible.
The second layer, the cellophane wrapper, is made from wood pulp, cotton, or other plant-based materials. It serves as an additional barrier, protecting the wax coating from damage and preventing the cheese from sticking to other surfaces or products.
Finally, the netted bag keeps all the portions together, providing a convenient way to carry and store the cheese. This net uses less plastic than a traditional plastic bag or container, contributing to more sustainable packaging.
The packaging not only keeps the cheese fresh and safe but also plays a role in portion control, making it a convenient snack for consumers. The individual packaging of each cheese piece contributes to the overall appeal and success of Babybel as a snack cheese product.
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Babybel is naturally lactose-free
Babybel cheese is a brand of small snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The original and most popular variety is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt. Interestingly, Babybel is naturally lactose-free. This may come as a surprise to some, as it is made with milk. However, any naturally-occurring lactose is removed during the cheese-making process. Firstly, most of the lactose is poured away with the whey. Then, any remaining lactose is transformed during the maturing process by the lactic ferments. This means that Babybel cheese is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.
It is important to note that while Babybel is naturally lactose-free, it may not be suitable for people suffering from Galactosaemia. This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to process galactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. However, for those who are lactose intolerant, Babybel provides a delicious and convenient option. The cheese is known for its unique packaging, which includes a netted bag, a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax, and a cellophane wrapper made of wood pulp, cotton, or other vegetation. This packaging not only keeps the cheese fresh and tasty but also ensures it is safe to eat by preventing mould and providing proper hygienic conditions.
The Babybel brand has expanded to include a plant-based option, which is also lactose-free. This variety is a dairy-free alternative made from coconut oil and starch, providing a creamy and smooth texture similar to the original cheese. The plant-based Babybel is wrapped in the same wax as the dairy version, which is made from paraffin and does not contain bee's wax. The wax plays an important role in preserving the cheese and maintaining hygienic conditions.
Babybel cheese is produced by Le Groupe Bel (The Bel Group), a company with roots in the Jura region of France. The group has subsidiaries and production facilities worldwide, including in France, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The unique size and flavour of Babybel cheese have made it a popular snack, and its natural lactose-free properties make it accessible to those with lactose intolerance. The combination of traditional cheese-making processes and innovative packaging has contributed to the success of the Babybel brand.
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The packaging is recyclable through TerraCycle
Babybel cheese is a brand of small snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The original and most popular Mini Babybel is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurized milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt. It is made using traditional Edam-making processes, with the exception that rennet is derived from vegetarian sources.
The Babybel brand has partnered with TerraCycle to allow consumers to recycle any elements of Babybel packaging. The Babybel Free Recycling Programme is a free and easy way to recycle all Babybel product packaging, including cellophane, tags, nets, metal clasps, wax, and plastic wrappers. To participate, consumers can sign up for the programme and send in their Babybel packaging to be recycled. Alternatively, they can bring their recycling to a participating drop-off point, which can be found on the TerraCycle drop-off map. Once collected, the plastic waste is shredded, washed, and pelletized, and these pellets can be used for a number of moulded rigid plastic products.
The Babybel Free Recycling Programme also includes a Recycling Rewards Programme, where participants can earn reward points for their shipments. Each shipment must weigh at least 500 grams to qualify for points, and each kilogram earns 100 points. These points can then be redeemed as donations to schools, charities, or nonprofits of the participant's choice.
Through this programme, Babybel and TerraCycle are committed to reducing the impact of Babybel packaging on the environment and have raised millions globally for schools, charities, and other nonprofits.
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Babybel is available in various flavours, including a plant-based option
Babybel is a brand of small snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The "Original" Mini Babybel is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt. It is made using traditional Edam-making processes, with the exception that the rennet is sourced from vegetarian sources. This makes the Original Mini Babybel naturally lactose-free.
Babybel has since expanded its product line to include other flavours, such as Monterey Jack, White Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Gouda. In addition to these dairy-based options, Babybel has introduced plant-based alternatives, offering a range of vegan cheese options. These plant-based Babybel cheeses are wrapped in a green wax coating to differentiate them from their traditional milk-based counterparts, which are known for their iconic red wax wrapping. The plant-based varieties include Original and White Cheddar flavours, providing vegan-friendly options while maintaining the convenience and portability of the original Babybel cheese wheels.
The Babybel Plant-Based pouch is made with 100% paper, and its cellophane wrapper is compostable at home, making it an environmentally-conscious choice as well. The plant-based cheese itself is made from water, potato modified starch, coconut oil, natural flavours, salt, calcium citrate, citric acid, and B-Carotene for colour. This combination results in a smooth texture similar to mozzarella, providing a satisfying mouthfeel for those seeking a cheese alternative.
The Babybel Plant-Based cheese has received recognition, winning the Product of the Year prize in 2023 in the plant-based cheese category. This award reflects the growing demand for plant-based and vegan cheese options, and Babybel's innovation in creating delicious and nutritious cheese alternatives. The product is perfect for those who are vegan, flexitarian, or simply looking for a dairy-free snack option without compromising on taste.
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Frequently asked questions
The Original Mini Babybel is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt. It is made using traditional Edam-making processes, except that rennet from vegetarian sources is used instead of animal sources.
Babybel cheese is made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt. The wax coating is made from paraffin and does not include bee's wax.
Yes, Babybel cheese is naturally lactose-free. Any naturally-occurring lactose is poured away with the whey, and any remaining lactose is transformed during the maturing process by the lactic ferments. However, Babybel may not be suitable for people suffering from Galactosaemia.
