Babybel Cheese vs Tomme Cheese
Babybel Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France and Switzerland.
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 Cheese?
Tomme is a class of cheese made mainly in the French Alps and in Switzerland from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk. Most are made from skimmed milk left over from butter making, so they are generally low in fat, and each variety is named for where it comes from.
What's the Difference Between Babybel Cheese and Tomme Cheese?
- Origin: Babybel Cheese (France), Tomme Cheese (France and Switzerland)
- Milk type: Babybel Cheese (cow's milk), Tomme Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Babybel Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Babybel Cheese (semi-hard), Tomme Cheese (Creamy, pliable)
- Rind: Babybel Cheese (waxed), Tomme Cheese (Grayish natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Babybel Cheese | Tomme Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France And Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | France | France, Switzerland, United States |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Creamy, pliable |
| Rind | Waxed | Grayish natural |
| Taste | — | Varied |
Taste Comparison: Does Babybel Cheese Taste Like Tomme Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Babybel Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
Babybel Cheese can stand in for Tomme Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, pliable.
Which Is Better, Babybel Cheese or Tomme 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 creamy, pliable profile, Tomme 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 Tomme Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Babybel Cheese originates in France, while Tomme Cheese comes from France and Switzerland. Babybel Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Babybel Cheese similar to Tomme Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Babybel Cheese for Tomme Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Babybel Cheese taste like Tomme 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 Cheese made of?
Tomme Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France and Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Babybel Cheese or Tomme Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Babybel Cheese is semi-hard, while Tomme Cheese is creamy, pliable.