Babybel Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
Buy Babybel Cheese
Buy Raclette du Valais Cheese
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 Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?
- Origin: Babybel Cheese (France), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Raw)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Raclette du Valais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | France | Canton Of Valais |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Waxed | Washed |
| Aging | — | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker |
| Taste | — | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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 Raclette du Valais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Babybel Cheese originates in France, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais 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 Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?
Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.