While plant-based milks like soy, oat, and almond and have become coffee shop and household staples in recent years, plant-based cheeses road to redemption has been much tougher.
Struggling between taste, texture, and functionality issues, and more recently, the reputation as an “ultra-processed” food, these dairy-free cheeses have been rolling a rock uphill for most of their existence.
Despite everything working against them through their first and second generations, they continue to carve out a respectable place in the market.
Now, with the third wave focus on “cleaner”, more nutritious formulations, plant-based cheese looks poised to make its most significant jump yet.
Yet, even as these products improve in quality, the number of intriguing taste profiles still needs to catch up in quantity.
For plant-based cheese developers looking to make the same leap as non-dairy milk, playing it safe with flavour profiles might be the bigger risk.
But what if you could do both? Or, in other words, feel confident in embracing new profiles that excite and draw in new consumers?
Tastes You Can Trust
At Edlong, we know dairy. As a global leader in exclusively dairy and dairy-type flavours, we understand all the nuances needed to deliver what consumers want most out of flavours: authenticity.
This is particularly true with cheese. Of our 394 flavours, 283 are vegan suitable.
More importantly, 150 of that 394 are cheese! With over half (87) of our cheese flavours being fully dairy-free and vegan-suitable, expanding your range of authentic profiles is easier than ever.
The best place to start could be to take our tastebuds on a trip around the world.
Better Cheddar
Everyone loves Cheddar. Its mild tanginess and approachable flavour have made it one of the most popular and standard cheese profiles on the market.
However, Cheddar can be so much more complex, nuanced, and exciting than simply sharp or mild.
For example, English Cheddar tends to offer earthier profiles with subtle hints of cream and distinctive tang. In contrast, the unique qualities produced in the milk of Irish cows give Irish Cheddar more caramelised notes and a creamier taste experience.
Then, of course, if you’re looking to pack a strong umami punch, Aged Cheddar, with its strong savoury notes, could take your plant-based cheese to a level it only dreamed of.
Latin Flair
Churrasco, Lechon, Asada, Barbacoa, Carnitas, Al Pastor, the list could keep on going but suffice it to say, when Latin American cuisine comes to mind, meat is often at the forefront.
Still, there is way more than enough to get vegans excited about these food traditions.
But whether you’re a meat-lover or full-on vegetarian, all can agree everything is better with some queso.
From Queso Fresco to Cotija, Manchego, Oaxaca, and more, our wide range of LATAM cheese-type flavours can make your plant-based cheese the star of the next Nacho Night or Taco Tuesday.
European Vacation
There might not be anything more European than a love for cheese.
Just as every country can offer a little something different in terms of culture to someone’s Euro trip, they do the same with the unparalleled variety of cheeses.
Just to name a few, you have…
The Netherlands, with its mild, creamy, and slightly nutty cheeses like Edam or Gouda
Switzerland with the subtly fruity Emmental
Greece and its crumbly, creamy, and satisfyingly salty Feta
Italy, where moving beyond Mozzarella, you’ve got Parmesan, Romano, Provolone, Asiago, and I could keep going.
France has the creamy, earthy, mushroomy Brie and Camembert or the pungent ketones of Bleu cheese like Roquefort.
These diverse, distinct, and delicious profiles are the perfect way to take vegetarian pasta from ordinary to extraordinary or turn vegan charcuterie from bored to the centre of attention.
Smokey Savouriness
We always talk about dairy free but what about smoke free?
The EU Commission has decided to refuse the renewal of existing authorisations of eight primary smoke flavouring products that are currently available on the EU market.
This is due to concerns raised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regarding certain components found in smoke flavourings. With the EU ban looming flavour houses have had to get creative to produce that signature smokey taste.
And I must say, here at Edlong, we’re pretty creative.
Smoked cheeses like smoked Gouda and smoked Cheddar can be a savoury star with natural smoke-type flavourings.
These examples are only a snapshot of what’s possible.
Learn how Edlong can help you create a picture-perfect profile for your next plant-based cheese.
About the Author: Emily Sheehan, Applications Manager, EMEA
Hi! I’m Emily Sheehan. I’m the Applications Manager, EMEA at Edlong, and my job is rooted in creating exciting new possibilities for our people and processes. It’s inspiring to reflect on how much Edlong has achieved and even more amazing to be involved in such thoughtful innovation. We enjoy pushing boundaries in food and flavour, and we welcome everyone in the food industry to join us. If you’re in need of expertise or inspiration, I’d love to collaborate and help you design flavour solutions that resonate with consumers!
Topics: Cheese flavorsVegan
Resource Type: Article
Resource Region: EULATAMUS