Babybel is a brand of cheese sold internationally. The Bel Group introduced Babybel in 1952 and in 1977 Mini Babybel was launched in France. In 1979, Mini Babybel was launched in the U.S. under the Laughing Cow umbrella brand. As of 2011, Mini Babybel is eaten in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. As of March 2011, 75% of all Mini Babybel cheese is eaten outside of France.
The brand is marketed as a natural, convenient snack. Flavors distributed in the U.S. are created in Leitchfield, Kentucky, and at times in France.
Mini Babybel is known for its unique packaging which consists of a netted bag in which each piece is encased in red wax. Numerous flavors of Mini Babybel are offered across the world. The original Mini Babybel, an Edam variety, is encased in red wax. Other varieties offered in Europe are available such as Mini Babybel Light (diet version of the Edam variety) in white wax with a light blue label, Emmental in yellow wax, Gouda in brown wax, Goat in green wax and Cheddar in purple wax. There are currently eight flavors offered in the U.S.: Original, Sharp Original, Light, Bonbel, Cheddar, White Cheddar, Swiss, and Gouda., although it had already been sold through all the major supermarkets in the UK as an addition to children's lunchbox. Mini Babybel original is now available in Kosher and Halal varieties in the UK. It is slightly larger in 22grm wheels and in nets of 5. Tesco and now Sainsbury's are the first major UK supermarket groups to see its potential and stock it where they sell Kosher ranges
Outside the U.S., an advertising jingle associated with the product plays on the lyrics of the song Barbara Ann, written by Fred Fassert and recorded by The Regents, and later a hit for The Beach Boys. They tout the product as an "Always on-the-go and ready for anything" snack cheese due to its red wax wrapper.