Andy Montoya
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 made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt, and is made using traditional Edam-making processes. The product is also available in a plant-based variety, which is dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Edam-style |
| Ingredients | Pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, salt, microbial enzymes |
| Dietary Information | Vegetarian, Lactose-free, Dairy-based, Non-GMO, Vegan (plant-based variety) |
| Texture | Semi-soft |
| Packaging | Red wax coating, netted bag, cellophane wrapper |
| Manufacturing | Made in France, the US (Kentucky and South Dakota) and Canada (Quebec) |
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What You'll Learn
Mini Babybel is made from pasteurised cow's milk
Mini Babybel is a brand of small, snack-sized cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk, which is sourced from cows treated with or without rBST (a growth hormone). The product is also certified plant-based, non-GMO, and vegan, with a dairy-free alternative made using coconut oil.
The original Mini Babybel is made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt. It is made using traditional Edam-making processes, with rennet derived from vegetarian sources. It is also naturally lactose-free.
The product is made by Le Groupe Bel, a company with roots in the Jura region of France, started 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 production plants in the United States, located in Kentucky and South Dakota.
Mini Babybel is known for its distinctive packaging, with each piece of cheese encased in a blend of coloured wax, inside a netted bag. The wax is food-safe, but it is not recommended to be eaten. The product is a good source of calcium and provides 4g of protein per serving.
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It's an Edam-style cheese
Mini Babybel is a brand of small, snack-sized cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. The Original flavour, the most popular variety, is an Edam-style cheese. It is made from pasteurised milk, rennet, lactic ferments, and salt, and is produced using traditional Edam-making processes. However, unlike traditional Edam cheese, Mini Babybel uses rennet derived from vegetarian sources rather than animal sources. This substitution of rennet sources makes the cheese naturally lactose-free and suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets.
The process of making Edam cheese involves pressing and lightly ageing the cheese. It is considered to be surprisingly unprocessed, as it is made "backwards". This could refer to the fact that the cheese is made using a process that is the reverse of the typical cheese-making process.
The Mini Babybel Original is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, creamy flavour. It is individually packaged in a netted bag, encased in a blend of coloured wax, and then wrapped in cellophane. The wax coating helps to preserve the cheese and keep it from drying out, but it is not meant to be eaten. The cheese itself is made with 100% real cow's milk and contains no artificial growth hormones, colours, flavours, or preservatives.
Mini Babybel is produced by Le Groupe Bel (The Bel Group), a company with roots in the Jura region of France, started by Jules Bel in 1865. The company has facilities in several countries, including France, the United States, and Canada, and employs thousands of people worldwide.
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It's suitable for lacto-vegetarians
Mini Babybel cheese is suitable for lacto-vegetarians. This is because, although it is made with milk, it does not contain any animal rennet. Instead, the cheese is made with a microbial enzyme. This means that vegetarians can enjoy the snack without worrying about their dietary restrictions being violated.
The cheese is made with pasteurised milk, lactic ferments, and salt, and is produced using traditional Edam-making processes. It is a semi-soft cheese, with a creamy texture, and is available in a variety of flavours. The wax coating that the cheese is famous for is made from a blend of paraffin and microcrystalline wax, and is food-safe, although it is not recommended to eat it.
Mini Babybel cheese is produced by Le Groupe Bel, a company with roots in the Jura region of France, started by Jules Bel in 1865. The company now has 12,700 employees in 30 subsidiaries around the world and produces 1.5 million Mini Babybel cheese wheels per day. The product is popular as a snack, particularly for children's lunchboxes, and is known for its distinctive red wax coating.
The Babybel Group also produces a plant-based, dairy-free version of the cheese, which is suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. This variety is made with coconut oil and provides a good source of calcium and Vitamin B12. It is produced in the same facility as the dairy-based Babybel products but in a separate space to ensure there is no exposure to milk or other animal products.
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It's packaged in wax
Mini Babybel cheese is packaged in wax, which has become an iconic part of the brand. Each cheese wheel is encased in a signature red wax coating, although green wax is also used for the dairy-free, plant-based variety. The wax is made from a blend of paraffin and microcrystalline wax. It is food-safe, meeting FDA requirements, but it is not recommended to be eaten.
The wax coating serves a functional purpose, helping to keep the cheese fresh and protecting it from drying out. The cheese should be eaten right after the wax is peeled off to ensure the cheese stays moist. The wax also adds to the playful and adventurous nature of the product, with the act of pulling and peeling the wax to reveal the cheese described as "fun" on the Babybel website.
The wax-covered cheese wheels are then placed inside a cellophane wrapper, which is made from wood pulp, cotton, or other vegetation. This provides an additional layer of protection and helps to keep the cheese sealed and secure. The wax and the cellophane wrapper work together to ensure the cheese stays fresh and tasty during transport and storage.
The unique packaging of Mini Babybel cheese has become a recognisable feature of the brand, with the red wax in particular standing out and creating a distinctive visual identity. The wax not only serves a practical purpose in preserving the cheese but also adds to the overall sensory experience of enjoying the snack, making it a fun and engaging treat for consumers.
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Babybel also makes a dairy-free version
Mini 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. Interestingly, Babybel also makes a dairy-free version of its iconic snack cheese, which is Certified Plant-Based and suitable for vegans. This plant-based alternative is made with a smooth texture similar to mozzarella and is an excellent option for those seeking a cheese alternative for their next vegan cheeseboard or a non-dairy snack.
The dairy-free Babybel is conveniently wrapped in green wax, making it easy to identify. It is also 100% lactose-free, just like the original version, which is made with rennet from vegetarian sources. This plant-based variety provides the same delicious taste as the dairy-based products, offering a playful and fun snacking experience for consumers. The cheese is packed with goodness, including a good source of calcium and Vitamin B12.
Babybel's dairy-free option is perfect for those with lactose intolerance or anyone looking for a tasty plant-based cheese snack. The product is available in a 4.23oz/6ct pack at various retailers, including Target, and can be purchased online with options for same-day delivery, drive-up, or in-store pickup. The Babybel Plant-Based variety provides a unique experience, now in a certified plant-based package, offering a small but mighty snack for the whole family.
The Babybel brand is known for its unique packaging, with each piece of cheese encased in a blend of coloured wax, inside a cellophane wrapper. This iconic packaging ensures that the cheese is portable and stays fresh, making it an ideal snack for on-the-go or at home. The cheese is also a good source of protein and contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, making it a fun and healthy snack option for consumers of all ages.
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Frequently asked questions
The Original Mini Babybel is 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.
The wax coating is made from a blend of paraffin and microcrystalline wax. The wax meets FDA requirements for food-safe wax, but Babybel does not recommend eating it.
Yes, Mini Babybel is suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets. No rennet of animal origin is used in the product.
