Cheese and cheese alternative products are tapping into broader consumer trends.
The Laughing Cow, a Bel Brands USA company, launched a plant-based spreadable cheese product. The dairy-free offering is aimed at consumers seeking spreadable plant-based alternatives and uses almond milk to create a creamy texture. The Laughing Cow’s product is initially available in a garlic and herb flavor, and the company plans to explore spicy additions for 2025.
Plant-based food maker Daiya Foods unveiled its reformulated line of dairy-free cheeses. The products are now manufactured using Daiya’s gluten-free oat cream blend, which was developed following the company’s multi-million-dollar investment in traditional fermentation technology. Daiya’s reimagined cheeses aim to provide dairy-like melting capabilities and authentic cheese flavors that bridge the taste and texture gap with conventional cheeses.
Cream cheese maker Franklin Foods expanded its portfolio with a plant-based offering under the brand name SimplyV. The product is formulated from an almond base and is free from dairy, soy, palm oil, lactose and gluten. SimplyV is available in an 8-oz bar or 8-oz cup format to allow for applications in cooking, baking and as a spread. Flavors include original, strawberry and onion and chive.
“SimplyV is great for plant-based diets whether it be for personal or environmental reasons,” said Emma Aer, president and chief executive officer of Franklin Foods. “Our cream cheese tastes delicious and creamy, and it is good for you. As a company we strive to always think about what is good for people and our planet.”
Pleese Cheese is a clean label, plant-based cheese. The plant-based option takes a spin on classic pizza cheese and is formulated from fava bean protein, potato and coconut oil.
The Bel Brands USA brand revealed its first new flavor of its cheese wedges in five years, announcing the launch of its creamy jalapeño spreadable cheese. The brand shared that it developed the new product for consumers looking to spice up their snacking occasions, describing the flavor as containing “just enough heat” to balance the cheese’s creamy texture with spice.
“The Laughing Cow is constantly seeking new, innovative flavor options for our consumers, and through in-depth consumer research we found there is a white space in the snack cheese category when it comes to jalapeño,” said Zach Fatla, brand director for The Laughing Cow. “We know bolder, hotter and unique cheese varieties are a top priority for consumers, which is why we are thrilled to be adding a spicy jalapeño flavor to the delicious lineup of our creamy cheese wedges.”
Kraft Heinz Co. cheese brand Velveeta is debuting the Velveeta Queso line.
Marking the brand’s first ready-to-eat format, the innovation is launching in Queso con Salsa, Queso Blanco and Jalapeno varieties. The product comes packaged in a releasable jar to create convenient servings for small groups or individual eating occasions.
Kraft Natural Cheese, a brand of Lactalis Heritage Dairy, introduced three block cheese varieties. The Kraft Flavor Fusions line features cheese flavor combinations that may be sliced or shredded to act as a versatile ingredient for elevating home meals or to be enjoyed as a standalone snack. Packed in 7-oz blocks, the cheeses come in garlic and herb cheddar, Buffalo ranch Monterey jack and tomato basil Monterey jack flavors.
“The launch of Kraft Flavor Fusions marks the introduction of curated and artfully crafted flavors into the dairy aisle,” said Mallory Loeffler, brand manager. “Kraft Natural Cheese has been a cooking staple for generations, and the launch of Kraft Flavor Fusions will continue to make home-cooking flavorful and accessible.”
Tillamook County Creamery Association revealed its latest cheese option for the dairy aisle, rolling out whole milk mozzarella products. The Oregon-based dairy cooperative shared that the line features farm style whole milk mozzarella shreds and slices, as well as whole milk mozzarella snack portions and cheese blocks.
Cheese maker Sartori Cheese broadened its cheddar line, launching two new flavors: sriracha cheddar and Italian herb cheddar. Sartori described the siracha cheddar as featuring “subtle heat and satisfying spice,” while its Italian herb cheddar blends rosemary, sage and oregano “for a bold and zesty taste.”
Kraft Natural Cheese released a line of Kraft Signature Shreds aimed at consumers seeking restaurant-style, thick-cut options for home cooking applications.
The product features Kraft cheese and whole-milk mozzarella from Lactalis’ foodservice portfolio. Flavor varieties include a cheddar blend, mozzarella blend and Mexican blend, each packaged in 8-oz resealable containers.
Organic Valley said it prioritized distinctive tastes when developing its latest premium cheese line, Flavor Favorites. The cooperative’s cheeses launched in four options: Italian herb mozzarella shreds, spicy cheddar shreds, spicy cheddar slices and smoky cheddar slices.
The company described its Italian herb mozzarella shred as “basil forward with a background of garlic and herbal zest complementing the clean, creamy mozzarella base.” Organic Valley’s spicy cheddar shreds and slices, meanwhile, feature habanero and paprika with “a family-friendly heat centered around a smooth and creamy cheddar.” And smoky cheddar slices combine hickory-smoked sea salt with cheddar.
Jun
2024
Spring has sprung—with new sandwiches.
Category innovation is focusing on health, occasions and functional ingredients.