Babybel Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Mimolette Cheese?
Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Mimolette Cheese?
- Texture: Babybel Cheese (semi-hard), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Mimolette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | France | Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Smooth, creamy body |
| Rind | Waxed | Natural |
| Aging | — | 6 weeks to 24 months |
| Taste | — | Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Mimolette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth, creamy body.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Babybel Cheese. For a smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babybel Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Mimolette 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 Mimolette Cheese made of?
Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body.