KANSAS CITY — Over the past week, retailers have introduced plant-based versions of classic options.
Kraft Heinz Co. brand Philadelphia Cream Cheese launched its first plant-based option after two years in development. The cream cheese is dairy- and gluten-free.
“As the brand that has set the cream cheese standard for 150 years, we realized the current options weren’t meeting consumer expectations and there was no trusted leader,” said Robert Scott, president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co. “Philadelphia Plant-Based spread not only provides a solution that mirrors the taste and texture of our iconic Philadelphia brand, but it also reinforces Kraft Heinz’s bet to bring plant-based offerings to the masses.”
Also expanding its portfolio is Ben & Jerry’s. In a partnership with acclaimed filmmaker and TV producer Ava DuVernay, the ice cream company released Lights! Caramel! Action!, a vanilla ice cream that features salted caramel and graham cracker swirls, as well as chocolate chip cookie dough. The new flavor is available in a dairy and a plant-based version, which is made with almond milk.
Per Ben & Jerry’s, Ms. DuVernay’s proceeds from the flavor will benefit her nonprofit, ARRAY Alliance, which works to advance social justice through art, and amplifies and elevates the work of artists of color and female directors.
GrownAs* Foods is adding its vegan and plant-based take to the boxed macaroni and cheese category. The plant-based boxed macaroni and cheese is available in two varieties: classic and truffle, and is formulated with ingredients like nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, potato and coconut flour. It is non-GMO, cholesterol-free, nut-free, soy-free and sugar-free and contains 25 grams of protein per box, according to the company.
“The boxed mac and cheese category was truly in need of some love,” said David Delcourt, founder and chief executive officer of GrownAs* Foods. “I’ve been vegan for over five years and never found a mac and cheese that I enjoyed, or that my children would eat. We kept imagining mac and cheese that everyone at the table could dig into, so we created it from scratch. When it comes to taste, nutrition, sustainability and cheesiness, we beat out the mac and cheese of our childhood every time — and thanks to our mascot, Mac Man, we look good doing it.”
