Patrick Oconnell
Mini Babybel is a brand of small, individually packaged snack cheeses, produced by Le Groupe Bel, a company with roots in the Jura region of France. The original variety is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt, using traditional Edam-making processes. The product is also available in a variety of other flavours, including vegan options. In this text, we will explore the process by which this popular snack is made.
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What You'll Learn
- Ingredients: pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, salt, and microbial enzymes
- Manufacturing: made using traditional Edam-making processes
- Packaging: individually wrapped in wax, then placed in netted bags
- Storage: should be refrigerated, but can be unrefrigerated for 2-4 hours
- Consumption: pull, peel, and eat; do not eat the wax coating
Ingredients: pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, salt, and microbial enzymes
Mini Babybel cheese is made from pasteurised milk, which comes from cows. The milk is then treated with rennet, a type of microbial enzyme, to make the cheese curds. Lactic ferments are also added to the cheese to give it its distinctive flavour and texture. Finally, salt is added to enhance the flavour.
The original Mini Babybel is made using traditional Edam-making processes, with a few modifications. Notably, the rennet used in the production of Mini Babybel cheese is sourced from vegetarian ingredients, rather than animal products. This makes the cheese suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets.
The cheese is also naturally lactose-free, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance. In addition to the original flavour, Mini Babybel cheese is available in a variety of other flavours, including vegan options.
Mini Babybel cheese is known for its unique packaging. Each piece of cheese is encased in a blend of wax, which is then wrapped in cellophane. This wax coating helps to keep the cheese fresh and prevents it from drying out. The iconic red wax of Mini Babybel has become synonymous with the brand, offering a playful and convenient snack option for consumers.
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Manufacturing: made using traditional Edam-making processes
The manufacturing process of Mini Babybel involves traditional Edam-making techniques, with some modifications. The cheese is made from pasteurised milk, which is heated to high temperatures to kill any harmful bacteria, ensuring the safety and quality of the final product. This differentiates it from traditional Edam cheese, which is typically made from raw milk.
The second step in the manufacturing process is the addition of rennet, a complex mixture of enzymes produced in any mammalian stomach. The rennet is added to the milk to curdle it and form solid curds. Traditional Edam cheese uses animal-based rennet, while Mini Babybel uses rennet from vegetarian sources, such as microbial enzymes, making it suitable for lacto-vegetarians.
The third step involves the addition of lactic ferments and salt for flavouring. The cheese is then shaped into small, round portions, a departure from the typical Edam cheese shape. Finally, each Mini Babybel cheese wheel is coated in a blend of coloured wax, which includes paraffin and microcrystalline waxes. This protective wax coating helps preserve the cheese, maintain moisture, and extend its shelf life. The wax is food-safe, meeting strict regulatory standards, and poses no health risk if accidentally ingested.
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Packaging: individually wrapped in wax, then placed in netted bags
Mini Babybel cheeses are individually wrapped in wax and then placed in netted bags. This unique packaging has become an iconic part of the brand's identity.
The wax used to wrap each Mini Babybel is a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax. It is designed to be easily peelable, revealing the cheese inside. The wax is also FDA-approved and safe for food contact, although it is not meant to be eaten.
The wax coating serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps to keep the cheese fresh and prevents it from drying out. Secondly, it adds a playful and fun element to the snacking experience, as consumers can "pull, peel and reveal" the cheese inside. The wax also contributes to the portability of the product, making it a convenient snack for on-the-go consumption.
After being wrapped in wax, the Mini Babybel cheeses are then placed in netted bags. These bags are made of cellophane, crafted from wood pulp, cotton, or other vegetable fibres. The netted bag packaging adds a further layer of protection and helps to keep the individual cheeses together, making them easier to transport and store.
The combination of the wax wrapping and netted bag packaging ensures that Mini Babybel cheeses are not only fresh and portable but also presented in a unique and memorable way, contributing to the brand's overall appeal and success.
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Storage: should be refrigerated, but can be unrefrigerated for 2-4 hours
The storage guidelines for Mini Babybel cheese products are clear and important to follow. This small but mighty snack, made from 100% real cow's milk, should be kept refrigerated at all times when not being consumed. This is because the cheese is a perishable dairy product and requires continuous cooling to maintain its quality and freshness.
However, the convenient, portable nature of Mini Babybel means it is perfect for on-the-go snacking. When taken out of the fridge, the cheese can be safely left unrefrigerated for a period of 2 to 4 hours. This makes it ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or as a quick snack during a busy day. After this time, any remaining cheese can be safely returned to the fridge, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty.
It is important to note that once the wax coating is peeled off, the cheese should be eaten right away. Leaving the cheese exposed to the air for an extended period will cause it to dry out and affect its texture and quality. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the entire product in one go after peeling.
Additionally, freezing Mini Babybel cheese is not advised as it will negatively impact the quality. The cheese is best enjoyed when kept chilled in the fridge or at room temperature for short periods, as outlined above. So, while it is a versatile and handy snack, proper storage is necessary to maintain the integrity of the product.
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Consumption: pull, peel, and eat; do not eat the wax coating
Mini Babybel cheese is a small, individually packaged snack cheese product. It is made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt, and is naturally lactose-free. The cheese is packaged in a netted bag, encased in a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax, and then wrapped in cellophane.
When you're ready to eat your Mini Babybel, simply pull and peel the wax coating to reveal the cheese inside. It is not recommended to eat the wax coating, but it does meet FDA requirements for food-safe wax. The cheese should be eaten right after peeling to prevent it from drying out.
Mini Babybel is a convenient and playful snack that can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or on the go. It is a good source of protein and calcium and is also available in a variety of flavours and sizes. The cheese is made with 100% real cow's milk and is suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets.
To ensure food safety and maintain the quality of the cheese, it is important to follow the recommended consumption and storage guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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Frequently asked questions
Mini Babybel cheese is made from 100% real cow's milk, using traditional Edam-making processes. It also contains rennet, lactic ferments, and salt.
Mini Babybel cheese is made using vegetarian rennet and microbial enzymes, instead of animal rennet, to create an Edam-style cheese. The cheese is then packaged in a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax, inside a cellophane wrapper.
Mini Babybel cheese is produced by Le Groupe Bel, a French company with roots in the Jura region of France. Half of the global production takes place in Évron, France. The company also has plants in Kentucky and South Dakota, USA, and a production facility in Quebec, Canada.
