In the last two years, the demand for plant-based alternatives increased significantly. Globally, grocery chains, food start-ups, and established food & beverages companies have plunged into product innovation with unique vegan cheese products, boosting the growth of the alternative dairy space. For instance,

• In March 2022, Nepra Foods Inc. introduced plant-based macaroni and cheese heat-and-eat meals. A vegan-based diet restricts the very popular 'macaroni and cheese' from being consumed. Also, the people who are trying to cut down on carbohydrates or simply don't want to eat food produced from animals are the targeted consumers of this product. This innovative plant-based food not only tastes like traditional macaroni and cheese but is also high in protein with balanced carbohydrates. This will attract health conscience consumers, boosting the sales of the product over the next few quarters in the country.

• In February 2022, Tofurky, a plant-based meat producer, together with vegan cheese brand, Moocho, introduced innovative pepperoni and cheese products in the market. These products comprise pepperoni slices, cream cheese, and cheese shreds. Further, these products are characterized by non-GMO, vegan and are particularly free from cholesterol, soy, and gluten. The new launches include Tofurky Pepperoni, Moocho Cream Cheese, and Moocho Shredded Cheese. 

• Due to the high demand of the shoppers for more sustainable plant-based foods, these plant-based innovative products are launched to grab these health-conscious customers. Moreover, these products are also highly demanded by foodservice operators who want to attract new diners with inclusive menu options.

• Similarly, Above Food Corp., through its alternative dairy brand, Culcherd offers Culcherd Everything Bagel Plant-Based Cheese. The product is prepared using a special strain of bacteria to provide a distinct flavor while also making it rich in probiotics.

• In March 2022, Grounded Foods launched its plant-based cheese products in Sprouts Farmers Market, a supermarket chain in the United States, as a part of the retail expansion strategy of the company. The company uses unique ingredients such as hemp seed and imperfect cauliflower coupled with a novel fermentation process to achieve textures that closely replicate that of dairy cheese. Presently, the company is offering three kinds of cheese: a Hemp Seed Cream Cheese, Hemp Seed GOAT Cheese, and a CHEESE FREE CHEESE squeeze-on sauce, available on groundedfoods.com and also at a number of retail locations in the country.

To know more and gain a deeper understanding of the global plant protein industry, click here.