Animal-Free Mozzarella

Animal-free dairy specialist New Culture, San Leandro, Calif., is collaborating with James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton and will launch New Culture’s first product, a dairy-free mozzarella cheese, at Silverton's Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles in early 2024.

New Culture says its cheese uses protein created via precision fermentation. Officials say its animal-free mozzarella has the versatility to bake, bubble and brown in wood fired, gas and electric ovens up to 850°.

"We believe consumers shouldn't have to compromise on stretch, melt, taste or sustainability when enjoying their favorite cheeses and we can't wait to see New Culture mozzarella on pizzeria menus nationwide, starting at Pizzeria Mozza," said Inja Radman, CSO and co-founder of New Culture.

Created for Coffee

Elmhurst Milk Direct LLC (dba Elmhurst 1925), Elma, N.Y., extended its plant-based dairy line with a Maple Walnut Barista Edition. Officials say the new offering features only seven ingredients and delivers 3g of natural protein from whole walnuts, which is four times more nuts per serving than other plant-based milks.

Like all Elmhurst products, Maple Walnut Barista Edition is free from artificial flavors, carrageenan, gums, fillers, oils and other emulsifiers. Officials say Elmhurst uses a patented HydroRelease process that separates the components of a nut, grain or seed “before reassembling them as a creamy, beverage-ready emulsion.” As a result, the product does not need added gums or emulsifiers.

Maple Walnut Barista is available with a SRP of $6.99 at Sprouts Markets, Wegmans, and Fresh Thyme, as well as Elmhurst1925.com.

Plant-Based Gelato 

Already known for TiNDLE plant-based chicken, Singapore’s Next Gen Foods PTE LTD, greeted Natural Products Expo West with news that it acquired plant-based gelato maker Mwah!, based in London, UK. Officials say Mwah! Co-Founders Damian Piedrahita and Claudia Comini created a process that combines natural flavorings—along with select plant-based proteins and lipids—to recreate the qualities of pure cream.

Next Gen used NatExpo West to debut the first product from Mwah!, a Madagascan Vanilla Gelato. It is lactose-free and made with plant-based ingredients including cashews, coconut oil, vegetable fibers, natural flavors, sugar, salt, and organic Madagascan vanilla.

"We know they are the right company to help us expand and tap into the rising consumer desire for more innovations in taste and decadence from the dairy category," said Piedrahita, Mwah! CEO. "Our plans are to introduce our signature creamy and indulgent products this year – with our unique, best-in-class gelato experience – and looking forward to hearing feedback from dairy lovers everywhere."

Fun with Flavor

Following the successful launch of Babybel Plant-Based last year, Bel Brands USA extended its new plant-based line with a White Cheddar Cheese variety.

Officials note that White Cheddar is one of Mini Babybel's most popular cheese flavors. While the original Babybel Plant-Based has a flavor reminiscent of Mozzarella, this latest plant-based cheese alternative offers the signature sharp tanginess of cheddar cheese. The individually portioned snacks come wrapped in green Babybel wax (to distinguish them as plant-based) and in a new 100% paper pouch.

"Babybel Plant-Based has seen an overwhelmingly positive response to-date among flexitarian and vegan shoppers," said Ridhi Barber, senior brand manager at Babybel. "We wanted to continue this momentum and introduce a second dairy-free Babybel snack option in the fan favorite White Cheddar variety."

Chocolate Cherry

KIND Snacks, New York, N.Y., extended its dairy-free frozen “Treat Bar” line with a new Chocolate Cherry Almond & Nut variety that features 1.60 fluid ounce bars with real pieces of dried cherries and dark chocolate chunks. The bars are available exclusively at Whole Foods with a five-count box retailing for $5.99.

Other KIND frozen Treat Bar flavors are Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt & Nut, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Nut, and Mint Chocolate Almond Nut.

Organic Oatmilk

Danone North America, Broomfield, Colo., extended its So Delicious Dairy Free line with an organic oatmilk offering in Original and Extra Creamy varieties.

"As leaders in the dairy-free space, we at So Delicious are always listening to consumers and striving to deliver what they are looking for," said Olivia Sanchez, Danone NA’s vice president of marketing, Plant Based Beverages. "Oatmilk is a favorite for both dairy-free veterans and people new to plant-based beverages, and we know that the interest in oatmilk isn't going anywhere anytime soon. With Organic Oatmilk, our first oatmilk beverage innovation, we are proud to offer fans a new great-tasting organic option to enjoy in their daily routines."

So Delicious Organic Oatmilk is certified vegan by Vegan Action and is Certified Organic, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified. Organic Oatmilk is available at retailers nationwide for a SRP of $5.99.