The Laughing Cow expects to see sales of the vegan versions of its iconic cheese triangles ‘soar’ after securing listings at two major supermarkets…
The Laughing Cow has finally launched a vegan version of its iconic vegan cheese triangles in the UK.
Owned by the Bel group, the dairy giant says it is the first in the country to offer a plant-based alternative to cheese ‘in portions’.
Made from almonds and approved by the Vegan Society – the vegan cheese ‘delivers the same spreadable texture of original Laughing Cow’.
It is also enriched with calcium and vitamin B12 – with each triangle containing just 34 calories.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Laughing Cow vegan cheese – where to buy
The new product will debut in Asda and Sainsbury’s stores across the nation this month.
It is not yet confirmed whether more retailers will start stocking the plant-based cheese.
Priced at £2.50 for a wheel of eight triangles, the vegan variant is slightly more expensive than its dairy counterpart (which retails from £1.90).
The Laughing Cow first launched vegan versions of its cheese wheels in the US back in 2022. Photo © Bel Brands
ADVERTISEMENT
‘Soaring’ sales
Oliver Richmond is the senior brand manager at The Laughing Cow. Speaking to The Grocer, he said the plant-based product helped ‘give consumers the opportunity to reduce carbon impact’.
“Enabling us to establish ourselves in a new category and allowing more consumers to enjoy the world of The Laughing Cow… The launch is designed to satisfy the growing consumer need for more plant-based products,” he added.
“As the first plant-based alternative to cheese in portions, the convenient format is set to see sales soaring.”
The Laughing Cow’s US debut
Over the pond, The Laughing Cow launched vegan versions of its cheese wheels back in 2022.
Available in Garlic & Herb and Original flavours, The Laughing Cow Plant-Based wedges debuted in select US retailers; priced at $5.49.
The dairy giant also launched three flavours of vegan NURISHH cream cheese. This follows the success of its vegan Babybel and vegan Boursin offerings.
ADVERTISEMENT
Vegan cheese market
Bel Group’s ramped-up dairy-free offerings comes at a smart time.
Despite reports of plant-based food sales falling, the vegan cheese market is predicted to experience significant growth.
In the UK alone, many brands have released dairy-free alternatives to their established portfolio. This includes Cathedral City’s recent plant-based line, as well as Philadelphia’s iconic cream cheese.
New research says the industry will grow at an impressive CAGR of 12.8 percent over the next nine years – exceeding $9 billion by 2032.
Growing awareness of animal cruelty and environmental concerns are cited as the main drivers for growth.
“Because people are worried about the treatment of animals in the dairy industry, a lot of individuals are searching for cruelty-free alternatives,” the report states.
“For those who would rather not support the mistreatment of animals… Vegan cheese provides a morally sound alternative since it is made entirely of plant-based ingredients.”
Source: The Grocer
Tried and tested! Check out the 15 best vegan cheeses we tried in 2023
Featured photo © Bel Brands, composition edit by VFL
