According to recent research from Roy Morgan, 2.5 million Australians equalling 12.1% of the population now adopt a predominantly vegetarian or flexitarian diet.
With global demand for suitable plant-based alternatives that look and taste like real animal products on the rise, Australia has emerged as the world’s third fastest-growing market for plant-based foods, with Food Frontier data from Future Market Insights showing an impressive 32% increase in one year to A$185 million in 2019-20.
The transition from animal-based to plant-based cooking can be challenging for some, not knowing where or how to start. As the demand grows, so do the options available for consumers and not just at remote and very expensive health food stores. Today there are health-conscious stores dotted all over from health food shops, to healthy supermarkets and even aisle after aisle at your local major supermarket, filled with ‘health food’ including dairy alternatives and really great gluten-free options.
The average vegetarian can now enjoy a myriad of selections from plant-based meats, eggs, and cheeses, designed to scramble, melt, and grate just like their animal-based counterparts. Two such companies doing this are Meliora and BioCheese, just two examples of plant-based foods becoming commonplace at your local supermarket.
Committed to making plant-based lifestyles accessible to all, Meliora and BioCheese offer products that are nutritionally valuable, free of artificial colours and flavours, gluten-free and non-GMO.
Both commit to ongoing product and packaging development as seen with BioCheese’s Pizza Shred product which is introducing a higher melt to give consumers an improved taste and texture similar to dairy cheese, although it is their cheddar slices that are proving to be a top seller across the country.
About Meliora:
Meliora is an Australian-owned plant-based protein brand, which brings its products to market.
The brand was created through the belief in making the world a better place. Since its inception, Meliora has launched market-leading plant-based deli slices and now Australia’s first (and only) plant-based liquid egg.
Previously a mac and cheese toastie like this would have been totally off-limits! Or even worse, it tasted like cardboard.
About BioCheese:
BioCheese is an Australian-owned and made food brand, providing delicious and sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy cheese.
BioCheese believes cheese should taste great and be good for you, making the choice of wholesome and healthy dairy-free food easy, pioneering soft cheese innovations. Their meticulously crafted soft cheese range replicates the rich, creamy textures and delicate flavours typically associated with traditional dairy soft cheeses, offering cheese lovers, a guilt-free option that does not compromise on taste or quality.
For those seeking inspiration to incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine a suite of recipes and ideas, enabling everyone to unleash their creativity in the kitchen, dairy-free recipes are available here.
