Babybel Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Babybel Cheese
Raclette Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Raclette Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
Buy Babybel Cheese
Buy Raclette 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 Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Origin: Babybel Cheese (France), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Babybel Cheese (Semi-hard), Raclette Cheese (Semi-soft)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | France | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Waxed | Washed |
| Aging | — | 3-4 months |
| Taste | — | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Raclette 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 semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Raclette 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 semi-soft profile, Raclette 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 Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Babybel Cheese originates in France, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Raclette 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 Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Raclette Cheese is semi-soft.