Bel Group says it will release its first range of cheese alternatives made of dairy-free proteins under the brand Nurishh Incredible Dairy in January next year.

These products will be made in partnership with Californian precision fermentation pioneer Perfect Day, which has in the past developed unique cow-free dairy ingredients for applications such as ice cream and chocolate by harnessing the power of microbes.

“This announcement marks a significant step in our goal of bringing more and more consumers the full measure of what our innovative protein can offer them,” comments Ryan Pandya, CEO and co-founder of Perfect Day. 

“The partnership of a leading group like Bel, with its unique cheese expertise, allows us to accelerate our kinder, greener impact. Consumers across the US will soon be able to enjoy an excellent animal-free cheese, one of the first inspirations for us at Perfect Day as we set out on this journey and make a choice for the future of our planet.”

Bel’s latest move comes after announcements earlier this year that the traditional dairy player had partnered with similar alternative protein start-ups Standing Ovation and Superbrewed Food.

Targeting the alt-cream cheese space
Nurishh brand will be released in the US market, including products such as alternatives to cream cheese spreads: “Nurishh Incredible Dairy: Animal-Free, Cream Cheese Spread Alternatives.”

This range will be available in 3 flavors: “Original” (plain), “Strawberry” and “Chive & Onion.”

Bel Groups is releasing a range of plant-based cheese alternatives in the new year.“This partnership with Perfect Day is the perfect embodiment of our co-innovation approach: the meeting of Perfect Day’s unique technology and Bel’s historic and pioneering know-how,” says Cécile Béliot, CEO of the Bel Group.

Interest in cream cheese alternatives has matured over the past year, innovators exploring plant-based replacements such as Chr Hansen’s fava bean solution and Avebe’s potato-derived ingredients.

Sustainable alternatives
Bel Groups’ partnerships this year have pivoted a NPD pipeline toward sustainable, dairy-free products. 

Bel states that it plans to accelerate the development and marketing of products incorporating alternative proteins to contribute to a new food chain model, designed to feed 10 billion people worldwide by 2050 while limiting environmental impact.

Perfect Day produces and markets animal-free milk proteins. Identical to the whey protein found in cow’s milk, they are obtained through a precision fermentation process. They contain all the essential amino acids, which gives them strong nutritional qualities.

Perfect Day states that its animal-free protein reduces blue water consumption by up to 99%, greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97% and non-renewable energy use by up to 60%. It targets partnerships with food businesses wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Operators in the precision fermentation will continue diversifying its uses. Not only is the technology proving its worth as a launchpad for cultivating new protein sources, it is also highly versatile in producing other key food ingredients for texturizing, stabilizing and preservation.