Iconic supermarket cheese announces major change - the first of its kind in 70 years
Iconic Babybel Cheese is undergoing a major change, the first of its kind since the popular snack first hit Babybel Cheese 70 years ago.
The outer cellophane wrapping is being transitioned to environmentally friendly paper wrapping, signaling the end of an era.
Its famous red wax coating which encases the cheese underneath the outer layer will remain in tact, as will its signature red netting pack.
Iconic Babybel Cheese is undergoing a major change. Getty
The change is part of Babybel Group's packaging portfolio transformation on all products and has been in the works for "several years".
The group plans to exclusively use "responsibly sourced paper" across its entire range by 2030 which includes Babybel, Kiri, and The Laughing Cow.
Béatrice de Noray, Executive Vice President in charge of Growth at the Bel Group, said in a statement: "Babybel has been part of families' lives for more than 70 years.
"Its uniqueness lies in both its universal appeal and its ability to evolve with changing uses, food cultures, and societal expectations.
READ MORE: 'What we've been waiting for': Nostalgic snack hits supermarkets
READ MORE: Change costing us $104 per year and making supermarkets $170m
READ MORE: How much you can really save by shopping at CostcoHow much you can really save by shopping at Costco
This change is first of its kind since the popular snack first hit supermarket shelves 70 years ago. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"Today, its packaging enters a new chapter, one that strengthens what makes Babybel iconic: a practical, convivial, and instantly recognisable portion.
"By advancing its packaging, we are taking a structural step in our journey, embodying the combination of responsibility and performance that defines Bel's DNA."
Delphine Chatelin, Director of RID at the Bel Group, said the decision wasn't simply about "replacing one material with another" but "rethinking the entire protection system to ensure product quality and safety from production to consumption".
"Our objective is to offer consumers the same iconic and enjoyable experience while meeting their expectations for sustainability and convenience, with packaging that is environmentally responsible and perfectly adapted to the product's lifecycle," Chatelin added.
Linda Neu, Babybel's Global Director, said: "With more than two billion portions sold every year worldwide, this evolution has a concrete global impact.
"Moving to recyclable paper packaging is a decisive milestone in Babybel's sustainable transformation. It reflects our commitment to innovate without compromising on quality or food safety, while accelerating the reduction of our environmental footprint."
The first newly packaged Babybel Cheese with paper wrapping are now in stores in the UK and will roll out across Canada, the US, and northern Europe throughout 2026.
The new packaging will arrive in Australia in July/August 2026, a spokesperson for Babybel told nine.com.au.
By 2027, 100 per cent of Babybel Cheese will use responsibly sourced paper packaging.
The first newly packaged Babybel Cheese with paper wrapping are now in stores. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Babybel Groupe, the makers of Babybel, reportedly spent years developing the new outer wrapper to ensure it could be easily produced and provided enough protection for the iconic cheese during shipping and storage.
Babybel Cheese sells in all major supermarkets in Australia at Coles for $5.50 for a pack of six and $9 for a pack of 10.
Coles is also selling Babybel Cheese Mini Rolls pack are on sale for $5.50 for a pack of six, their first foray into the string cheese market.
Woolworths currently has the original Babybel Cheese in stock in a pack of 10 for $11.20.
The original Babybel Cheese is an Edam-style cheese originating in France. Several versions of the iconic product have since been produced including Light, Protein, Mozza, Cheddar, Emmental, Monterey Jack, Caractère, and a plant-based version called Bio.
Babybel Cheese is currently on sale at Coles and Woolworths. Getty
A dedicated Australian subsidiary called Bel Brands Australia opened to manage distribution and operations directly in November 2024.
Previously, the company's products were distributed to Australia via third parties.
Babybel Cheese is manufactured in five locations including France, the US and Canada, and is distributed in 50 countries.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
