THE CHEESE FACTORY
Dear HIW,
I recently had a Babybel and it made me wonder how they are packaged. What is the waxy layer made of and how is it wrapped around the cheese without it sticking to it?
Camille Wright
The cheese is dipped in wax. This includes a clear and a coloured layer. Wax used for cheese preservation is specifically made so that it holds together well. Unlike 100 per cent paraffin wax, when the wax used to wrap cheese hardens, it remains relatively soft and bendy. When it’s pulled apart, it peels easily and in large pieces. Wax used to wrap Babybels has been tested to make sure that even if bits of it are ingested, it isn’t dangerous.