Kamil Perry
Mini-Chol cheese is a soy-based cheese alternative, made with soy beans and sunflower oil, and fortified with calcium. It is a good option for people who are looking to reduce their dairy intake, as it is lactose-free. Mini-Chol is also a good source of protein, containing 23g of protein per 100g of cheese. While it is a popular choice for those seeking a dairy-free cheese option, it is important to note that it contains casein, a milk protein, which may cause adverse reactions in individuals with dairy intolerances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Dairy cheese alternative |
| Ingredients | Soy beans, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, casein (milk protein) |
| Nutritional Information | 23g of protein per 100g of cheese, high calcium (730mg calcium per 100g cheese), lower saturated fat (7g/100g cheese) |
| Availability | Selected branches of Asda, Waitrose, Morrison, Sainsbury, IGA, and Coles supermarkets |
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$9.99
$0.97 $1.72
What You'll Learn
Mini Babybel is made from cow's milk
Mini Babybel is a brand of small, snack cheese products that are individually packaged and available in various flavours. It is made from cow's milk, specifically pasteurised milk, and is suitable for lacto-vegetarian diets. The product is also certified plant-based, non-GMO, and vegan, with a dairy-free alternative made without milk, using coconut oil to replicate the smooth and creamy texture.
The Original flavour of 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 rather than animal sources. It is also naturally lactose-free.
Mini Babybel is produced by Le Groupe Bel, a company with roots in the Jura region of France, started by Jules Bel in 1865. The company has plants in Kentucky and South Dakota in the United States, and also imports some products from France. In March 2016, Bel Brands USA opened a new plant in Brookings, South Dakota, with a projected output of 1.5 million Mini Babybel cheese wheels per day.
The product is well-known for its distinctive packaging, with each piece of cheese encased in a blend of coloured wax, inside a netted bag. The wax meets FDA requirements for food-safe wax and is designed to be pulled, peeled, and revealed, exposing the 100% real cheese. The cheese is semi-soft, mild, and creamy, and pairs well with crackers and pretzels. It is a convenient, playful snack for any occasion, providing a good source of calcium and protein.
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It is an Edam-style cheese
Minicol cheese is an Edam-style cheese, made using a similar technique to cheddar but with a few key differences. Firstly, the majority of dairy fat is removed and replaced with vegetable oil, specifically sunflower oil. This substitution is beneficial as the oil is high in polyunsaturated fat and plant sterols, which are proven to reduce cholesterol. This makes Minicol a healthier alternative to traditional cheddar, targeting consumers who want to enjoy hard cheese as part of a healthier diet.
The process of making Minicol cheese involves carefully planning and executing specific steps to ensure the desired taste, positioning, and proposition are achieved. The removal of dairy fat and the addition of vegetable oil are carefully balanced to maintain the cheese's texture and flavour while enhancing its nutritional profile. This careful formulation ensures that Minicol appeals to health-conscious consumers who want to actively reduce their cholesterol levels without compromising on taste.
Minicol cheese is designed to meet the market demands of consumers who are increasingly conscious of their cholesterol intake. With more cholesterol-lowering products entering the market, Minicol offers a unique proposition as a cheese alternative. It provides consumers with an opportunity to reintroduce hard cheese into their diets while maintaining their health goals. This product innovation addresses a clear opening in the market for functional foods that deliver on taste and health benefits.
As a result of its careful formulation and health benefits, Minicol cheese has gained traction in the market. It is available in selected branches of popular supermarkets, including Asda, Waitrose, Morrison, and Sainsbury's. This distribution across major retailers underscores the product's success in addressing consumer needs and positioning itself as a desirable alternative to traditional cheese options.
Overall, Minicol cheese, an Edam-style creation, stands out in the market by offering a cholesterol-lowering substitute for cheddar cheese. Its unique formulation, incorporating vegetable oil, addresses the health needs of consumers while maintaining the sensory experience associated with traditional cheese. The availability of Minicol in prominent supermarkets underscores its popularity and impact on the functional food landscape.
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It is made using traditional Edam-making processes
Minicol cheese is made using traditional Edam-making processes. This involves creating a substitute for cheddar cheese, where the majority of dairy fat is removed and replaced with vegetable oil. The vegetable oil used in Minicol is high in polyunsaturated fat and plant sterols, proven to reduce cholesterol. This makes it ideal for consumers looking to reduce their cholesterol levels while still enjoying hard cheese.
The traditional Edam-making process involves creating a cheese with a mild flavour and a firm, yet creamy, texture. This is achieved through specific steps in the cheese-making process, such as the use of a specific bacterial culture and controlled ripening conditions. The cheese is then formed into a wheel shape and coated with a protective layer of wax or plastic.
In the case of Minicol, the cheese is made in 195g blocks, designed to be easily incorporated into dishes that traditionally use cheddar cheese, such as macaroni cheese or a creamy gratin. The cheese can also be eaten on its own, providing a tasty and healthy snack option.
The process of making Minicol cheese involves carefully planning and controlling the various stages of cheese production to ensure the desired taste, texture, and health benefits are achieved. This includes sourcing high-quality ingredients, carefully monitoring the cheese-making process, and conducting rigorous taste tests to ensure the product meets consumer expectations.
Overall, the traditional Edam-making process used to create Minicol cheese involves a combination of time-honoured techniques and modern innovations to produce a delicious and healthy cheese product. The removal of dairy fat and replacement with vegetable oil is a key step in this process, allowing consumers to enjoy the taste of cheese while managing their cholesterol levels.
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It is suitable for lacto-vegetarians
Minicol cheese is suitable for lacto-vegetarians. It is a cholesterol-lowering substitute for cheddar cheese, made using the same technique but with dairy fat largely replaced with vegetable oil. The oil used is high in polyunsaturated fat and plant sterols, proven to reduce cholesterol. This makes it suitable for those with high cholesterol who want to reintroduce hard cheese into their diets.
Minicol is not suitable for vegans or those with a dairy intolerance, as it contains casein, a milk protein. However, it is a good option for lacto-vegetarians who are looking to reduce their cholesterol or their intake of dairy foods. Lacto-vegetarians do not consume meat, poultry, or eggs, but they do eat dairy products and honey, so Minicol cheese is a suitable option for this group.
The product is available in 195g blocks and can be eaten on its own or incorporated into traditional cheddar dishes such as macaroni cheese or a creamy gratin. It is also suitable for pizzas, lasagne, Mexican food, and toasted sandwiches.
Minicol is a nutritious cheese alternative, containing 23g of protein per 100g of cheese, from both casein and soy beans. It is also high in calcium, with 730mg of calcium per 100g of cheese, an important consideration when choosing dairy alternatives as these foods are often a main source of calcium.
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It is packaged in wax
Minicol cheese is packaged in wax. This form of packaging is commonly used for cheese products to ensure a longer shelf life. Wax packaging provides a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from drying out. It also acts as a barrier against oxygen and other external contaminants, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mould.
The wax used for cheese packaging is typically made from natural beeswax or paraffin wax, which are safe for direct food contact. This type of packaging is particularly suitable for cheeses like Minicol, which is a cholesterol-lowering cheese substitute for cheddar cheese. By extending the shelf life, the wax packaging contributes to the product's overall functionality and health benefits.
Minicol cheese is a unique product designed to address the needs of individuals with high cholesterol levels who wish to reintroduce hard cheese into their diets. It is crafted using a similar technique to traditional cheddar cheese but with a crucial difference: most of the dairy fat is removed and replaced with vegetable oil, specifically sunflower oil, or soybean oil. This substitution is key to reducing cholesterol levels in the cheese.
The vegetable oil used in Minicol cheese is rich in polyunsaturated fat and plant sterols, both of which are scientifically proven to lower cholesterol. This makes Minicol cheese a heart-healthy option for consumers. The wax packaging not only preserves the quality and freshness of the cheese but also ensures that consumers receive the intended health benefits by keeping the product stable over a more extended period.
While the wax packaging serves a functional purpose, it also provides a classic and appealing presentation for the cheese. The smooth, glossy surface of the wax gives Minicol cheese a distinctive look that stands out on retail shelves. The wax coating can also be moulded or embossed with various designs or logos, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the product.
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Frequently asked questions
Minicol is a cholesterol-lowering substitute for cheddar cheese.
Minicol cheese is made using the same technique as cheddar, but the dairy fat is removed and replaced with vegetable oil.
The vegetable oil used in Minicol cheese is high in polyunsaturated fat and plant sterols, both of which help to reduce cholesterol.
Minicol cheese is available in 195g blocks at selected branches of Asda, Waitrose, Morrison, and Sainsbury's.
