Frederic Melton
Babybel is a brand of small, snack-sized cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The original flavour is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurised milk, salt, microbial enzymes, and bacterial culture. Babybel cheese is known for its unique packaging, with each piece encased in a wax coating inside a net bag. Babybel also offers other flavours, including a Swiss flavour, which is also lactose-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mini Babybel |
| Flavour | Swiss |
| Type of Cheese | Edam-style |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized milk, Salt, Calcium chloride, Bacterial culture, Natural flavour, Microbial enzyme |
| Lactose | Lactose-free |
| Packaging | Netted bag with each piece encased in a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax, inside a cellophane wrapper |
| No. of Pieces | 6 |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Production Locations | Évron, France; Kentucky, USA; Brookings, South Dakota, USA; Quebec, Canada |
| Parent Company | Le Groupe Bel (The Bel Group) |
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What You'll Learn
- Babybel is a brand of small, snack cheeses
- Babybel Original is made from pasteurised milk, vegetarian rennet, lactic ferments and salt
- Babybel is owned by Le Groupe Bel, a company founded in France in 1865
- Babybel's famous circle cheese snacks come in a variety of flavours
- Babybel is marketed as a snack for on-the-go and ready for anything
Babybel is a brand of small, snack cheeses
Mini Babybel is known for its distinctive packaging, with each piece of cheese encased in a blend of coloured wax inside a cellophane wrapper made of wood pulp, cotton, or other vegetation. In the United States, Le Groupe Bel produces Mini Babybel cheeses in Kentucky and South Dakota. The company has also expanded its production to Canada, with a facility in Quebec.
Babybel offers a range of flavours, including the Original, Swiss, and plant-based varieties. The Swiss flavour is also lactose-free and is available in nets of 6 pieces. The plant-based variety, wrapped in green wax, is a tasty option for those on vegan diets, lactose intolerance, or anyone looking for a plant-based cheese snack.
Babybel cheese snacks are marketed as convenient and playful options for any occasion. They are described as "pull, peel and reveal" snacks that are easy to eat and perfect for lunchboxes or straight from the fridge. With no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, Babybel cheese provides a fun and nutritious snack for both children and adults.
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Babybel Original is made from pasteurised milk, vegetarian rennet, lactic ferments and salt
Babybel Original is a semi-soft, mild, creamy, and delicious snack cheese. It is made with just four ingredients: pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt. The use of pasteurised milk gives Babybel its signature creamy texture and contributes to its mild, nutty flavour. Pasteurisation is a process that involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period to destroy harmful bacteria. This improves the safety of the milk and extends its shelf life. By using pasteurised milk, Babybel can ensure a consistent and safe product for consumers.
Rennet is an essential ingredient in cheese-making, acting as a coagulant that causes milk to curdle and separate into solid curds and liquid whey. Traditional rennet is derived from the stomachs of ruminant animals, such as calves. However, Babybel uses rennet from vegetarian sources, making it suitable for lacto-vegetarians. The use of vegetarian rennet is one of the ways in which Babybel Original is produced differently from traditional Edam cheese, which typically uses animal-derived rennet.
Lactic ferments are also crucial in the cheese-making process. They play a role in transforming any remaining lactose during the maturing process, contributing to the distinct flavour and texture of Babybel Original. This cheese is naturally lactose-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Babybel Original is produced in a similar fashion to Edam cheese, a Dutch cheese, and shares some of its characteristics. It is also comparable to another Dutch cheese, Gouda. The distinctive wax coating of Babybel contributes to its recognition as a beloved snack worldwide. Each piece of cheese is encased in a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax, inside a netted bag. This unique packaging not only preserves the cheese but also adds to its appeal as an individually packaged snack.
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Babybel is owned by Le Groupe Bel, a company founded in France in 1865
Babybel cheese, known for its distinctive red wax coating, is owned by Le Groupe Bel (or The Bel Group), a company with roots in the Jura region of France. The company was founded in 1865 by Jules Bel and has since expanded globally, with a presence in over 30 countries and subsidiaries worldwide.
Le Groupe Bel's entry into the US market began in 1970 with the purchase of the Avalon Cheese plant in Leitchfield, Kentucky, where it began producing cheddar and, later, The Laughing Cow cheese wedges. The Mini Babybel waxed semi-soft cheeses were introduced to the US market in 1974, and the brand has since expanded to include various flavours and product extensions, such as Mini Babybel Mozzarella in 2012 and Babybel Mini Rolls.
The original Mini Babybel is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurised milk, vegetarian rennet, lactic ferments, and salt, using traditional Edam-making processes. It is naturally lactose-free and individually packaged, making it a convenient snack option. The unique packaging of Babybel cheese consists of a netted bag, with each cheese encased in a blend of coloured paraffin and microcrystalline wax and then wrapped in cellophane.
Babybel has become a global brand, distributed in more than 50 countries, and continues to innovate with new products, such as the plant-based Babybel launched in 2022 in Canada, the US, and the UK. The company prioritises responsible practices, ensuring the welfare of cows and implementing more sustainable packaging. Le Groupe Bel's commitment to quality and innovation has made Babybel a beloved cheese brand worldwide.
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Babybel's famous circle cheese snacks come in a variety of flavours
Babybel's famous circle cheese snacks, known as Mini Babybel, are produced by Le Groupe Bel (or The Bel Group), a company with roots in the Jura region of France. The original flavour is an Edam-style cheese made from pasteurised milk, vegetarian rennet, lactic ferments, and salt, and is naturally lactose-free. The Mini Babybel is also available in a Swiss flavour, which is also lactose-free.
The Mini Babybel is known for its unique packaging, with each small cheese wheel encased in a blend of coloured wax, including paraffin and microcrystalline wax, inside a cellophane wrapper. They are often sold in netted bags containing multiple pieces of cheese. The red wax coating has become iconic and is easily recognisable to consumers.
While the specific flavours included in the Variety Packs are not listed on the Babybel website, it is likely that they include some of the more popular flavours offered by the company. In addition to the Original and Swiss flavours, Babybel also offers Mini Babybel in other flavours, such as Edam, which is available in certain regions. It is worth noting that the availability of flavours may vary depending on the region and market.
Babybel also offers a plant-based, dairy-free alternative to their famous circle cheese snacks, providing a vegan option that is perfect for those with lactose intolerance or those looking for a tasty plant-based snack. These dairy-free snacks are conveniently wrapped in green Babybel wax, making them easily identifiable within the brand's product line.
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Babybel is marketed as a snack for on-the-go and ready for anything
Babybel is a brand of small, snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The original flavour is made from pasteurised milk, salt, microbial enzymes, vegetarian rennet, and lactic ferments. It is naturally lactose-free and pairs well with crackers and pretzels.
The small, snack-sized portions make Babybel a perfect on-the-go option. The cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, providing a nutritious and energy-boosting snack for those on the move. The individual packaging also ensures portion control, making it a healthier choice.
Babybel's marketing campaigns have reflected this positioning, often featuring active individuals enjoying Babybel as a snack during their busy day. The brand has also partnered with sports and outdoor events, further emphasising its convenience and portability.
The cheese's long shelf life also makes it a reliable snack option for those always on the go. Babybel's individual packaging and wax coating ensure the cheese stays fresh for longer, making it a staple in lunchboxes, backpacks, and handbags.
With its convenient packaging, nutritious value, and long shelf life, Babybel is a perfect snack for those who need a quick, tasty, and healthy option while on their adventures.
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Frequently asked questions
Babybel Swiss Cheese is made from pasteurized milk, salt, calcium chloride, bacterial culture, natural flavour, and microbial enzymes.
Yes, Babybel Swiss Cheese is suitable for vegetarians as it is made with vegetarian rennet.
Yes, Babybel Swiss Cheese is lactose-free.
Babybel Swiss Cheese is available in Canada and can be purchased online or in-store from various retailers.
Babybel Swiss Cheese has a mild and creamy flavour. It is a good source of calcium and protein, and pairs well with crackers and pretzels.
