Babybel
Also known as: Mini Babybel, Baby Bel
Babybel is a French brand of small round cheeses in a red wax coat from the Bel group, born in 1931; Mini Babybel has been made since 1976.
Babybel is a French brand of small round cheeses in a red wax coat. It belongs to the Bel group, which also makes La Vache qui rit, Kiri and Boursin.
According to Bel, Babybel was born in 1931 and officially registered in 1934, but it was only sold throughout France from 1952. Its round shape and red wax coat were inspired by Edam: the wax keeps the cheese in good condition and makes it easy to carry. Mini Babybel arrived in 1976 and reached the United States in 1979. New flavours followed: Emmental (1998), goat's cheese (2006), Gouda and Mini Caractère (2013); a plant-based version appeared in 2022 and Babybel Protéines in 2025.
The classic Babybel recipe has four ingredients: 98% milk, lactic cultures, salt and vegetable rennet. French Mini Babybel is made in the Pays de la Loire region from French milk; according to the brand, in its wax it can stay up to 8 hours out of the fridge, and its taste is mild.
The brand's ranges are Babybel Original, Light, Protéines, flavoured versions (mozzarella, Cheddar, Emmental, Monterey Jack, Caractère), Mini Rolls and Babybel Bio.
Facts
| Year founded | 1931 (Mini Babybel 1976) |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Pays de la Loire |
| Raw material | 98% milk, cultures, salt, vegetable rennet |
How it connects to Cheese
Babybel → kind of → 🏭 Cheese producers and brands → kind of → 🧀 Cheese
Links
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Babybel must always be kept in the fridge?
Not quite. According to the brand, the cheese in its wax can stay out of the fridge for up to eight hours.
Is Babybel a French brand?
Yes. It belongs to the French Bel group, and French Mini Babybel is made in the Pays de la Loire region.
When did the plant-based version arrive?
In 2022; a protein version followed in 2025.
Which flavours of Babybel are there?
Mozzarella, Cheddar, Emmental, Monterey Jack and Caractère, besides the Original, Light and Bio versions.
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