The Laughing Cow Unveils Plant-Based Spreadable Cheese

In an era where plant-based options are increasingly sought after, The Laughing Cow, a household name for its creamy cheese wedges, has made a bold move into the dairy-free market. Launching The Laughing Cow Plant-Based in a savory Garlic & Herb flavor, the brand is now gracing the shelves of Whole Foods nationwide. 

This vegan-certified cheese alternative, crafted with almond milk, maintains the cherished traits of The Laughing Cow’s traditional products: spreadability and creaminess. This new product caters to a broader consumer base, offering a health-conscious, non-GMO-certified option that is also a good source of calcium. 

“We’ve spent months perfecting the recipe for The Laughing Cow Plant-Based and are equally excited for this product to hit shelves now, as we are for consumers across the country to try it,” said Zach Fatla, brand director of The Laughing Cow, in a press release. “This launch marks a new step for the brand, and we look forward to sharing the deliciousness of The Laughing Cow with a whole new audience.”

Related: NotCo and Kraft Heinz Unveil Plant-Based NotMac&Cheese

Bel’s Foray into Plant-Based Cheese

The Laughing Cow is part of the Bel Brands USA family, a subsidiary of the globally renowned Bel Group. With a portfolio including over 30 local and international brands, such as Boursin, Babybel and Nurishh, Bel Brands USA is a juggernaut in the cheese industry. 

Tracing its origins to 1865, Bel is a family-run enterprise now in its fifth generation, deeply rooted in the traditional dairy cheese industry. Recognizing the necessity of adapting to ensure longevity, Bel is intent on reducing the environmental footprint of its entire production process for the next century and beyond.

Central to this strategy is Bel’s dual approach: enhancing the sustainability of its dairy cheese products while simultaneously refining its vegan cheese offerings. This pivot towards plant-based alternatives represents a strategic move to diminish reliance on the more carbon-intensive aspects of animal agriculture.

Bel’s venture into the vegan cheese market commenced in 2021 with the introduction of Boursin Dairy-Free Cheese Spread Alternative, a collaboration with the established vegan brand Follow Your Heart, now part of Danone’s portfolio.

Following this, Bel expanded its plant-based range to include vegan iterations of both Babybel and The Laughing Cow cheeses in the UK. Furthermore, the company unveiled Nurishh, a brand exclusively focused on dairy-free products, featuring innovative creations developed alongside Perfect Day, a leader in precision fermentation.

In its quest to perfect plant-based products, Bel has forged several strategic partnerships. These include alliances with Standing Ovation, a French precision fermentation start-up specializing in animal-free casein, and Superbrewed Foods, a Delaware-based company known for its unique postbiotic microbe technology enhancing both dairy and non-dairy foods.

Bel’s ambitious goal is to transform its product portfolio into a balanced mix of 50 percent dairy and 50 percent plant-based items. Collaborating with Climax Foods, Bel aims to accelerate this transition, marking a substantial step in its journey towards a more sustainable and diverse future in the food industry.

The Future of The Laughing Cow Plant-Based

Consumers can expect more from The Laughing Cow Plant-Based range, with the brand exploring spicy flavors set to debut in 2025 and beyond. Currently, The Laughing Cow Plant-Based in Garlic & Herb flavor is exclusively available at Whole Foods for $4.49. Starting this spring, both Garlic & Herb and Original varieties will expand their reach to Kroger stores and additional grocery retailers nationwide, making them more accessible to a broader audience.

The Laughing Cow’s venture into the plant-based sector under the guidance of the Bel Group is an important step towards catering to a changing world. With a focus on health, sustainability and inclusivity, The Laughing Cow is not just spreading cheese but also spreading joy to a wider, more diverse group of consumers. 

As the Bel Group continues to innovate and expand its plant-based offerings, it reinforces its position as a leader in the food industry, committed to meeting the evolving tastes and dietary needs of consumers globally.