Bel Brands USA has launched two plant-based or animal-free cheese alternatives, The Laughing Cow Plant-based and Nurishh Incredible Dairy cream cheese spread.

Shannon Maher, chief marketing officer at Bel Brands USA, said: “…we’re thrilled to unveil new innovations from both our most well-known brand with the launch of The Laughing Cow Plant-based as well as leveraging new technology through a partnership with Perfect Day to launch our breakthrough animal-free offering with Nurishh Incredible Dairy”.

The Laughing Cow Plant-based is a vegan alternative to the classic Laughing Cow creamy spreadable cheese. Nurishh’s animal-free cream cheese spread alternative is said to provide the same taste as traditional cream cheese as it contains real dairy proteins without using cows. The lactose-free spread, developed in partnership with Perfect Day, is created through precision fermentation, a process that offers complete dairy protein without involving any animals.

CEO and co-founder of Perfect Day, Ryan Pandya, said: “This announcement marks an exciting step towards giving even more consumers the ability to try what’s possible when Perfect Day’s innovative animal-free protein is used by a best-in-class dairy leader. Consumers around the country will now be able to try kinder, greener animal-free cream cheese and make a delicious choice for the future of our planet.”

Nurishh incredible Dairy will be available in chive and onion, original and strawberry flavours for an RRP of $4.99 at selec US retailers from January 2023. The Laughing Cow Plant-based will be available in selec retailers in original and garlic and herb varieties for an RRP of $5.49.