Babybel Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft 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 Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.

What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Babybel Cheese (Semi-hard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Babybel Cheese and Tomme de Savoie 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 Tomme de Savoie 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, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Babybel Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Babybel Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Babybel Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie 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 Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?

Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft.