Budget supermarket chain Lidl just launched three kinds of vegan cheese in the UK.
The new range includes blocks of Greek and Cheddar Style cheese, as well as grated Italian Style. The packages contain 200g, 225g, and 100g, respectively. Lidl’s Vemondo brand produces all three using coconut oil — much like Violife, Sheeze, Vitalite, and various other popular dairy-free cheese brands.
Instagram account Vegan Food UK shared a photo of Lidl’s new vegan cheese, provided by one of its followers.
The image shows the new products in the “when it’s gone, it’s gone” section of the supermarket. So Lidl’s vegan cheese might only be a temporary addition.
The Vemondo range includes a wide variety of free-from products. These include dairy-free ice cream tubs, meat-free ready meals, vegan pizzas, and vegetarian meat. Many of Lidl’s vegan products are available intermittently. Popular items like dairy-free ice cream and pizza frequently out of stock.
In mainland Europe, Lidl is particularly well known for its wide range of vegan products, including cheese, yogurt, and plant-based meat. But British locations of the chain are catching up. And Lidl UK has launched new vegan options including Christmas mains, sides, and desserts.
Demand for vegan cheese
Demand for vegan food is increasing, and experts have highlighted dairy-free cheese as an area with huge potential growth. According to the market intelligence company Transparency Market Research, the global vegan cheese market could reach $2.5 billion by the end of 2020.
The report indicates significant competition within the market, with brands increasing their production and product lines in order to meet increased customer demand.
Climate change, mounting concerns related to animal cruelty, and health are some of the leading factors that are driving the vegan movement worldwide. At present, veganism is at its peak and the trend is likely to continue in the near future,” explained the study.
In October, Waitrose launched vegan cheese fondue, a UK supermarket first. It also launched a breaded and baked dairy-free cheese. And it expanded its free-from section to include the popular dairy-free Applewood cheeses. Earlier this year, Tesco added vegan halloumi to its rapidly expanding own-brand dairy-free range, joining several firm, soft, and grated varieties.
Lidl’s new vegan cheese is available now, while stocks last, and costs £2.49 per item.
