Babybel Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese
Babybel Cheese
Halloumi Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Halloumi Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Cyprus.
Buy Babybel Cheese
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What Is Babybel Cheese?
Mini Babybel is a small Edam-style snack cheese from Le Groupe Bel of France, sold as individually waxed wheels in a netted bag. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, and it is naturally lactose-free.
What Is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a brined cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, though most modern halloumi also contains cow's milk. It has a high melting point, so it browns on the grill or in a pan without melting, and it squeaks when you chew it.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Halloumi Cheese?
- Origin: Babybel Cheese (France), Halloumi Cheese (Cyprus)
- Milk type: Babybel Cheese (Cow's milk), Halloumi Cheese (Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Halloumi Cheese (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Halloumi Cheese (No rind)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Halloumi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Cyprus |
| Specific Origin | France | Cyprus |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Waxed | No rind |
| Aging | — | 40 days |
| Taste | — | Mild, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Halloumi Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?
Babybel Cheese can stand in for Halloumi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Halloumi Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babybel Cheese the same as Halloumi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Babybel Cheese originates in France, while Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. Babybel Cheese is made from cow milk; Halloumi Cheese uses cow, goat, and sheep.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Halloumi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Halloumi Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Babybel Cheese made of?
Babybel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetable rennet. It originates in France.
What is Halloumi Cheese made of?
Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), using mostly vegetable or microbial rennet. It's typically aged 40 days. It originates in Cyprus.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Halloumi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.