CHICAGO — Bel Brands USA’s new Babybel Plant-Based products can now be purchased at retailers nationwide.

The plant-based snack was developed for flexitarians, dairy-free consumers and cheese lovers by mimicking the mozzarella taste and texture of the original Mini Babybel. It comes packaged in Babybel’s signature wax coating, but now in the color green to distinguish the plant-based variety from its predecessor.

"At Bel Brands USA we have a continued commitment to bringing forward great tasting cheese options that meet our consumers’ evolving needs, including expanding our portfolio to plant-based offerings” said Shannon Maher, chief marketing officer at Bel Brands USA. “Plant-based snack cheese offerings to-date lack a true dairy flavor and texture. We recognized this gap and went to work to develop this delicious snack so that every cheese lover has the opportunity to enjoy Babybel.”

Added Melanie Nemoy, brand director for the company: “Babybel is an iconic cheese brand, so it was imperative that we delivered a plant-based offering that met the expectations our consumers have when it comes to taste, texture and quality. At the end of the day, our fans had the final say on this product after numerous rounds of tasting and refinement.”

The new snacks are available in six-count bags at Whole Foods and Fresh Thyme. Elsewhere, they come in 32-count packs at Costco (select Southeast locations) and 20-count packs at Sam’s Club. Per Bel Brands, expanded availability is scheduled throughout 2022.

The packaging on the plant-based snacks is comprised of 80% paper, and the wrappers inside are certified home compostable. Baby Bel partnered with Terracycle to offer alternative recycling options.

Bel Brands USA also offers other plant-based products, with Boursin Dairy-Free and Nurishh.