Andy Montoya
Babybel cheese is a popular snack, but is it gluten-free? This is an important question for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. Babybel cheese is made with pasteurized cow's milk and does not contain any added gluten, nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, sesame, mustard, fish, crustaceans, or shellfish. Studies conducted at Babybel production sites have found no evidence of cross-contamination with gluten. However, it is important to note that the product is not labelled as gluten-free, and the company does not routinely test for the presence of gluten. The Babybel ® Plant-Based cheese, a dairy-free alternative, is made in the same facility as the original Babybel cheese, but strict procedures are in place to ensure no exposure to gluten or other allergens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Babybel cheese is not labelled gluten-free, but it contains no added gluten. |
| Lactose-free | Yes, Babybel cheese is lactose-free. |
| Vegetarian-friendly | Yes, Babybel cheese is suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets. |
| Pregnancy-safe | Yes, Babybel cheese is made with pasteurized cow's milk, making it safe for pregnant women. |
| Allergens | Babybel cheese does not contain nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, sesame, mustard, fish, crustaceans, or shellfish. |
| Halal or kosher | No, Babybel cheese is not certified halal or kosher. |
| Refrigeration | Babybel cheese should be refrigerated but can be stored unrefrigerated for several hours due to its protective shell. |
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What You'll Learn
Babybel cheese ingredients and allergens
Babybel cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, salt, and microbial enzymes. The cheese is formed into small, round shapes and coated in a food-safe wax. The wax is then wrapped in cellophane to prevent damage and sticking.
Babybel cheese does not contain gluten, nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, sesame, mustard, fish, crustaceans, or shellfish. Studies conducted at Babybel production sites have found no evidence of cross-contamination with these allergens. The cheese is also free from artificial growth hormones, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Babybel Plant-Based, on the other hand, is a dairy-free and vegan alternative made with water, modified food starch, coconut oil, calcium citrate, and other ingredients, comprising no more than 2% of the product. This includes salt, natural flavor, citric acid, beta-carotene (color), and cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12). It is produced in a separate space dedicated to plant-based products to ensure no exposure to milk or other common allergens.
Babybel cheese is safe for pregnant women to consume, as it is made with pasteurized milk. It is also suitable for vegetarians, as it does not contain any meat, fish, or seafood, and only microbial enzymes are used in the production process.
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Babybel cheese and lactose
Babybel cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and is free from lactose. Lactose is a sugar that is eliminated during the draining and fermentation phases of the cheese-making process. This means that all products in the Babybel family are lactose-free, making them suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Babybel cheese is also free from gluten, nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, sesame, mustard, fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. Studies conducted at Babybel production sites have found no evidence of cross-contamination with these allergens.
The cheese is also suitable for vegetarians, as it does not contain any meat, fish, or seafood. Only microbial enzymes are used in the production of Babybel cheese.
Babybel has also introduced a plant-based, vegan variety of their cheese, which is also lactose-free and dairy-free. This variety has a smooth texture similar to mozzarella and is a good source of calcium and Vitamin B12.
It is important to note that while Babybel cheese is lactose-free, it should be stored in a refrigerator to maintain freshness. However, due to its protective wax coating, it can be stored unrefrigerated at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius) for several hours, making it a convenient snack option.
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Babybel cheese for pregnant women
Babybel cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. The cheese is also free from nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, sesame, mustard, fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. Studies conducted at Babybel production sites have found no evidence of cross-contamination. Therefore, Babybel cheese is a suitable snack option for pregnant women who are following a gluten-free diet.
Babybel cheese is a quick and satisfying source of protein and calcium, which are crucial for the development of the baby's bones and teeth. However, it is important to consume Babybel cheese in moderation and as part of a balanced diet during pregnancy.
Babybel cheese needs to be kept refrigerated like most cheeses. However, due to its protective wax coating, it can be stored unrefrigerated at room temperature (20 degrees Celsius) for several hours, making it a convenient snack option for pregnant women on the go.
It is worth noting that while Babybel cheese is generally safe for pregnant women, individual tolerance and dietary restrictions may vary. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietician before making significant dietary changes during pregnancy. Additionally, while the protective wax coating is safe for accidental ingestion, it is not recommended to consume large quantities of the wax.
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Babybel cheese for vegetarians
Babybel cheese is suitable for vegetarians. The cheese does not contain any meat, fish, or seafood. Only microbial enzymes are used to make Babybel, so it may be considered suitable for a vegetarian diet. Babybel cheese sold in Canada does not contain any animal products besides those in cow's milk.
Babybel also offers a plant-based vegan cheese alternative. This product is Certified Plant-Based, vegan, and 100% lactose-free. It is made with water, modified food starch, coconut oil, calcium citrate, salt, natural flavor, citric acid, beta-carotene (color), and cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12). The plant-based variety has a smooth texture similar to mozzarella and is perfect for anyone looking for a cheese alternative.
Babybel cheese is also gluten-free. The cheese and the ingredients used in its recipe contain no added gluten, nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, sesame, mustard, fish, crustaceans, or shellfish. Studies conducted at Babybel production sites have found no evidence of cross-contamination.
Babybel cheese is safe for pregnant women to consume as it is made with pasteurized cow's milk. It is important to note, however, that Babybel cheese should be kept refrigerated, as directed on the packaging.
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Babybel cheese packaging and recycling
Babybel cheese is committed to protecting the environment and has taken several steps to ensure the sustainability and recycling ability of its packaging. Firstly, they have partnered with Terracycle to allow the recycling of as many Babybel packaging components as possible, including the Mini Rolls and Plant-Based product packaging. This partnership enables consumers to recycle their Babybel packaging through a free national recycling programme. Consumers can either bring their recycling to a participating drop-off point or request a QR code to ship their recycling for free.
Babybel cheese is also working on compostable packaging and inks to provide a home-compostable wrapper. They use red wax to protect and preserve their cheese, and this wax coating forms a protective barrier around the cheese. The cellophane wrapper, which originates from certified forests, serves to fully protect the cheese and prevent damage to the wax during transportation and consumption. Additionally, Babybel uses 100% recycled or certified cardboard to ship their products, all of which are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
To reduce plastic use, Babybel Plus+ is offered in an 80% paper content bag. The company is working across its entire business to reduce the environmental impact of its products and processes. In the future, they plan to introduce an upcycling program to ensure that their packaging can be reused. They are also committed to sustainable farming practices and source their milk from local farms that adhere to the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management program (FARM).
Overall, Babybel cheese is taking significant steps to ensure the sustainability and recyclability of its packaging, as well as reducing the environmental impact of its products and processes.
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Frequently asked questions
Babybel cheese is not labelled gluten-free. However, Babybel and the ingredients used in the recipe contain no added gluten, nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, sesame, mustard, fish, crustaceans or shellfish. Studies conducted at Babybel production sites have found no evidence of cross-contamination.
Babybel cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk.
Yes, Babybel cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, so it is safe for pregnant women to consume.
Babybel Plant-Based cheese is made with no additional gluten added during manufacturing. However, they do not routinely test for the presence of gluten, so they cannot claim that it is gluten-free.
