3 New Additions to the Plant-Based Cream Cheese Market

The plant-based cream cheese market is flourishing, with new innovative products frequently hitting the shelves. With a growing trend towards plant-based diets, consumers are on the lookout for dairy-free alternatives that don’t compromise on flavor or texture. Read on to learn about three new plant-based cream cheese offerings from Oatly, Violife and Philadelphia that are making waves in the industry.

1. Violife Creamy With Garlic & Herbs

Violife, widely recognized as the UK’s top plant-based cheese producer, has introduced a fresh variant of its highly sought-after  cream cheese alternative. Violife’s latest flavor, Creamy With Garlic & Herbs, expands upon the success of Violife’s original cream cheese, promising to deliver an even creamier experience. 

Violife’s plant-based cream cheese is crafted with instantly recognizable ingredients like filtered water, coconut oil and food starches from potato and corn. All of its vegan cream cheeses are Non-GMO Project Verified, coconut oil-based and are an excellent source of vitamin B12, a key micronutrient for those eating vegan diets​.

For now, Violife’s new and original plant-based cream cheeses will be available in select UK retailers, but could be making their way to the US. Last year, Violife debuted three new plant-based dips in the US and earlier this year, the company introduced its dairy-free sour cream alternative to the US market.

Related: Univar Solutions to Expand ICL’s Plant-Based Protein Offerings

2. Oatly Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Oatly, the world’s original and largest oat milk company, recently announced the nationwide launch of its plant-based cream cheese in the US. Available in two flavors, Plain and Chive & Onion, Oatly’s latest food innovation is a testament to the company’s commitment to harness the power of oats. 

Developed at its Philadelphia R&D lab, the new dairy-free, gluten-free and non-GMO cream cheese boasts the same spreadability and taste as traditional cream cheese. The product is made from Oatly’s proprietary oat base, offering another opportunity for consumers to switch from dairy to plant-based foods. 

“Oatly has always been at the forefront of providing delicious plant-based alternatives and this new product is no different,” said Mike Messersmith, president, Oatly North America, in a press release. “We’re extremely excited about the launch of our new cream cheese in the US, as it not only expands our mission to bring more plant-based consumption occasions to consumers, but also continues to prove the versatility and opportunity for oat-based products.”

3. Philadelphia Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Philadelphia, a brand known for its traditional cream cheese, recently ventured into the plant-based realm with the launch of its Plant-Based Original Non Dairy Spread late last year. Made without lactose, dairy, milk or artificial dyes, the product provides an extra creamy, multi-dimensional taste, reminiscent of its original recipe. 

“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 & development at The Kraft Heinz Company, in a press release. “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.”

The market for plant-based cream cheese is rapidly expanding, with many brands recognizing the increasing consumer demand for dairy-free alternatives. These three new additions to the plant-based cream cheese market demonstrate the innovation and creativity of these brands in responding to this trend. Their products cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, offering consumers a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional cream cheese.