The Truth About Original Babybel
Despite its polished, uniform appearance, the classic red-wrapped Mini Babybel is an Edam-style cheese. It is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized milk, which is where it gets its mild and slightly nutty flavor. Though its heritage is Dutch (Edam originates from the Netherlands), the Mini Babybel brand was first introduced by the French company The Bel Group in 1977. Unlike traditional Edam, Babybel is known for its particularly smooth, creamy texture and is made with vegetarian rennet, making it suitable for lacto-vegetarians. The signature wax coating is applied to protect the cheese and preserve its freshness, not as a mark of processed ingredients.
Edam-Style vs. Traditional Edam
While inspired by Edam, Babybel has its own distinct characteristics. Traditional Edam, especially when aged, can be firmer and have a more robust, saltier flavor. Babybel, by contrast, is formulated to be a consistently mild and creamy snack cheese. This makes it more universally appealing, especially to children and those who prefer less pungent cheese varieties.
How Babybel is Made
Creating the perfect Mini Babybel is a meticulous process that begins with high-quality, pasteurized milk. The production is a modern take on traditional cheesemaking, focusing on consistency and quality control. The key steps are:
- Curdling: The pasteurized milk is curdled using vegetarian rennet and lactic ferments. This separates it into solid curds and liquid whey.
- Pressing and Shaping: The curds are pressed to remove excess whey, then shaped into the characteristic small, round discs.
- Brine Bath: The cheese wheels take a dip in a saltwater bath, which helps to preserve the cheese and develop its subtle flavor.
- Wax Coating: Each cheese is encased in a protective blend of colored paraffin and microcrystalline wax. The original is known for its bright red coating.
- Final Packaging: A cellophane wrapper and netted bag enclose the finished product, ready for snacking.
Exploring Different Babybel Varieties
While the Edam-style Original is the most famous, The Bel Group offers a variety of Mini Babybel cheeses, with different wrapper colors indicating the flavor inside. The specific availability of varieties can differ by country, but some popular options include:
- Mini Babybel Light (Blue): A lower-fat version of the Edam-style original.
- Mini Babybel White Cheddar (Black): A tangier, sharper-tasting option available in the U.S. and Canada.
- Mini Babybel Mozzarella Style (Green): A milder, milkier cheese popular in the United States.
- Mini Babybel Gouda (Orange or Brown/Orange): Offers the rich, buttery flavor of Gouda cheese in a snack-sized portion.
- Mini Babybel Organic (Light Green): Made with 100% organic milk.
- Plant-Based Babybel (Green with leaf pattern): A vegan alternative made from coconut oil and starch, a recent innovation from the brand.
Babybel vs. Traditional Edam
| Feature | Original Mini Babybel | Traditional Edam |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Created in France (1977), inspired by Edam. | Originates from the Netherlands. |
| Texture | Semi-soft, creamy, and smooth. | Semi-hard; becomes firmer with age. |
| Flavor | Mild, creamy, and slightly nutty. | Mild when young, more robust and salty when aged. |
| Rennet | Vegetarian (microbial) rennet. | Traditionally made with animal rennet, though vegetarian options exist. |
| Aging | Generally not aged for extended periods. | Can be aged for a few weeks to several months. |
| Wax Color | Red. | Often covered in a red paraffin wax, like the brand it inspired. |
Nutritional Information and Diet Considerations
Mini Babybel is more than just a tasty snack; it also offers some nutritional benefits. A single portion provides a good source of protein and calcium, making it a satisfying and convenient option for a quick energy boost. Furthermore, the original Babybel is naturally lactose-free, which is a significant advantage for those with lactose intolerance. As a 100% real cheese product, it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This emphasis on natural ingredients is a key part of the brand's appeal and its distinction from more heavily processed cheese products like some cheese spreads. You can find more detailed nutritional information and explore the different varieties on the official Babybel website.
Conclusion
In summary, the original Mini Babybel is an Edam-style cheese, a semi-hard variety that is beloved for its mild flavor and creamy texture. While it pays homage to its Dutch Edam inspiration, it has evolved into a distinct product, optimized for convenience and broad appeal. Far from being a processed cheese, Babybel is a real cheese made with simple ingredients. Its clever wax packaging keeps it fresh, and the expanding range of flavors ensures there is a Mini Babybel to suit almost every taste, from the classic Edam-style to a tangy White Cheddar or a milder Mozzarella. So next time you peel back that distinctive red wax, you'll know exactly what type of cheese is Babybel—and that it's a real and delicious snack.
Outbound Link: Learn more about the company's commitment to quality at the official Babybel website.
