Boursin vegan cheese is now available!
Bel Brands, which owns and operates several cheese labels including Babybel, Boursin, and Laughing Cow, launched a plant-based Boursin cheese spread at several popular retailers on April 20.
The new product, which is called Boursin Dairy-Free Cheese Spread Alternative Garlic & Herbs, was created to “meet flexitarian food trends and evolving consumer demands,” according to a press release.
As its name suggests, the creamy and spreadable product is made without dairy and “perfectly embodies the original dairy Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs signature taste.” Like its dairy-filled counterpart, this vegan version is flavored with a blend of garlic, pasley, and chives.
Boursin’s vegan cheese spread initially launched on Amazon Fresh in October 2020, but is now on sale in the deli section of many major grocery stores across the country. Consumers can now find vegan Boursin at Albertson’s Acme & East, Certco, Hannahord, HEB, Hyvee, Kroger, Sprouts, and other chains.
“As the demand for dairy-free alternatives continues to rise, we are proud to be one of the first traditional cheese brands creating plant-based alternatives of our much-loved products,” Matt Barlow, brand director for Boursin, said in a statement.
He continued: “Now more than ever, plant-based food is booming and we’re so excited to share this new innovation, making it easier for consumers with a wide range of dietary considerations to enjoy Boursin in a dairy-free version.“
Per the press release, Bel Brands developed its dairy-free Boursin “using the knowledge and expertise” of beloved vegan brand Follow Your Heart, which was acquired by Danone in February.
Follow Your Heart is perhaps best known for its plant-based mayonnaise called Vegenaise, as well as VeganEgg—a plant-based egg alternative made with soy. The company also produces dairy-free cheese, cream cheese and sour cream, as well as plant-based dips and spreads.
What Bel Brands Products Are Vegan?
Bel Brands’ vegan cheese spread launch comes about one month after the company debuted its own vegan cheese brand called Nurishh.
“This move solidifies Bel’s mission to expand beyond dairy to diversify within the healthy snacking market and meet consumers’ needs,” Bel Brands USA tweeted at the time.
The Nurishh range, which is expected to be available at Amazon Fresh and at select retailers later this month, includes both vegan cheese slices and shreds. The slices will be sold in cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone varieties, while the shreds will come in cheddar, mozzarella, and a cheddar and mozzarella blend.
Vegan Mini Babybel cheese, also from Bel Brands, is expected to hit store shelves at some point this year as well, though no exact date has been announced.
If you feel like you’ve been seeing a lot more news about vegan cheese lately, you’re not wrong. The market is currently in the midst of a surge and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.8 percent from 2020 to 2027.
