Randy Chandler
Babybel is a brand of small, snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavors. The original flavor is made with 98% cow's milk, while a plant-based version is also available. The cheese is produced by Le Groupe Bel, a company with roots in the Jura region of France, and is distributed in over 50 countries. Babybel is known for its unique packaging, with each piece of cheese encased in a blend of colored wax inside a netted bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Made with real milk | Yes, made with 98% cow's milk |
| Dairy-free option | Yes, a plant-based, vegan option is available |
| Rennet of animal origin | No |
| Packaging | Wax, netted bag, cellophane wrapper |
| Protein content | 4g |
| Calories | Not specified |
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What You'll Learn
Babybel® is made with 98% cow's milk
Babybel® is a brand of small snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. It is a product of Le Groupe Bel, a company with roots in the Jura region of France, started by Jules Bel in 1865. The company launched Babybel in 1952, breaking cheese consumption habits and changing the category convention with its playful red wax. In 1977, Mini Babybel® was born, featuring the great taste of Babybel, but in a miniaturized version consumers still love today.
In 2022, the Bel Group launched a plant-based version of Babybel in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This range is 100% vegan, lactose-free, and dairy-free. The plant-based version is also a good source of calcium and vitamin B12.
Babybel® is distributed in more than 50 countries around the globe and is known for its unique packaging. Each piece of cheese is encased in a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax, inside a cellophane wrapper made of wood pulp, cotton, or other vegetation.
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The product is 100% real cheese
Babybel is a brand of small snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavors. The product is 100% real cheese, made with 98% milk. It is a good source of calcium and protein, containing 4g of protein per serving.
Babybel was launched in France in 1952 and changed the category convention with its playful red wax packaging. Each piece of cheese is encased in a blend of colored paraffin and microcrystalline wax, inside a cellophane wrapper made of wood pulp, cotton, or other vegetation. The wax meets FDA requirements for food-safe wax and the cheese is conveniently wrapped and ready for snacking.
The brand touts its product as an "always on the go and ready for anything" snack cheese, and its advertising in the UK in the late 1990s and early 2000s featured the slogan "Too tasty to share." Babybel is now distributed in more than 50 countries around the globe and is known for its unique flavor.
In 2022, the Bel Group launched a plant-based version of Babybel in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This product is Certified Plant-Based and vegan, and is 100% lactose-free and dairy-free. It is a good source of calcium and Vitamin B12 and offers the delicious taste of real cheese without compromising flavor.
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It is also available in a plant-based, vegan option
Babybel cheese is made with 100% real cow's milk. However, it is also available in a plant-based, vegan option. The Babybel Company has added a few plant-based alternatives to their roster of snacking cheeses. The plant-based Babybel cheese is Certified Plant-Based and is a vegan treat that is 100% lactose-free. It is also dairy-free and offers a similar taste and texture to real cheese. The plant-based Babybel cheese is available in two flavours: Original and White Cheddar. The Original flavour is mild and creamy, making it a perfect snack, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. The White Cheddar flavour has a subtle taste and a soft, creamy texture. The plant-based cheese wheels are wrapped in a green wax coating, while the traditional milk-based cheese comes in a red wax coating. The plant-based option is a good source of calcium and Vitamin B12 and is perfect for those looking for a cheese alternative for their next vegan cheeseboard or a quick vegan snack.
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Babybel® is individually packaged in wax
Babybel® is a well-known cheese product that is individually packaged in wax. This unique and distinctive packaging serves multiple purposes, including preservation, protection, practicality, and visual appeal. The process involves dipping the cheese pieces first in clear wax and then in the iconic red wax.
The primary purpose of the wax coating is to protect and preserve the quality of the cheese. It acts as a barrier against air, moisture, and external factors that can cause spoilage, deterioration, and bacteria formation. The wax helps to prevent the cheese from drying out, ensuring that it retains its moisture and freshness for an extended period. This extends the shelf life of Babybel®, allowing it to last up to six months in the refrigerator.
The red colour of the wax enhances the visual appeal of the packaging, making it stand out on grocery store shelves and easily recognisable to consumers. It adds a vibrant, playful, and unique element to the overall consumption experience. The wax also provides practical handling and storage benefits, enabling easy handling without compromising cleanliness. By preventing direct contact with hands or other surfaces, the wax maintains hygiene and reduces the risk of contamination.
While the wax coating is marked as "food-safe" and technically edible, it is not intended for consumption. It can be challenging to chew and digest, so it is recommended to peel off the wax before enjoying the cheese. The wax is environmentally friendly, being both recyclable and biodegradable, aligning with sustainable packaging practices.
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The product is distributed in over 50 countries
Babybel is a brand of small snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The product is distributed in over 50 countries. It is produced by Le Groupe Bel (or "The Bel Group"), a company with roots in the Jura region of France, founded by Jules Bel in 1865.
Half of the global production of Mini Babybel takes place in Évron, a commune in the northwest of France. The company also has plants in the United States, in Kentucky and South Dakota, and in 2018, it announced that it had 12,700 employees in 30 subsidiaries worldwide, with its first Canadian production facility in Quebec.
The product is also distributed in several other countries, including Australia, Germany, Spain, Finland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, and many others. The advertising jingle associated with the product is based on the song "Barbara Ann" by The Regents and was first used in France in the 1970s before spreading to other parts of Europe and French-speaking Canada.
Babybel cheese is made with 100% real cow's milk and is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also naturally lactose-free, as it is made with vegetarian rennet instead of animal rennet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Babybel cheese is made with 98% milk.
Babybel has recently launched a plant-based version of its cheese, which is suitable for vegans. However, its original cheese is made with milk and is not vegan-friendly.
The plant-based Babybel cheese is 100% lactose-free. However, the original Babybel cheese is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Babybel cheese is made from 98% milk and a microbial enzyme to curdle the milk.
Babybel cheese is produced in France and the United States.
