Vegan Cheese Market

Global Vegan Cheese Market Forecast

• Global vegan cheese sales that accounted for around US$1.5 Bn in 2022 likely to reach US$3.4 Bn by 2030
• Market valuation projected to observe a CAGR of 10.7% during 2023 - 2030

Quick Report Digest

1. The key trend anticipated to fuel the global vegan cheese market growth is the increasing popularity of vegan food.
2. The vegan cheese market is growing due to increased consumer awareness of health, environmental, and ethical concerns related to traditional dairy cheese. Rising adoption of plant-based diets, ongoing product innovation, and expanding retail availability are key drivers of this market growth.
3. Mozzarella-style vegan cheese has captured the largest market share in the vegan cheese market because it mimics the versatility and appeal of traditional dairy Mozzarella, making it a popular choice for consumers transitioning to plant-based diets and seeking familiar and satisfying culinary experiences.
4. Soy-based vegan cheese has secured the largest market share due to its early market presence, versatility, and nutritional value. It offers a neutral base for various cheese flavours, is a complete protein source, and was among the first to gain popularity, establishing a strong position in the market.
5. Food servicing, including restaurants and fast-food chains, captured the largest market share in the vegan cheese market due to their wide consumer reach and ability to incorporate vegan cheese into menus, satisfying the growing demand for plant-based options and offering convenient dining experiences.
6. North America has secured the largest market share in the vegan cheese market due to increasing consumer adoption of plant-based diets, strong infrastructure for vegan product innovation, and regulatory support. These factors align with the region's growing awareness of health, environmental, and ethical concerns related to traditional dairy cheese.
7. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the vegan cheese market due to rising awareness of health and environmental issues, a growing vegetarian and vegan population, and an increasing presence of multinational food companies expanding their vegan product offerings in the region.
8. Taste and texture challenges present a significant obstacle in the vegan cheese market. Replicating the exact taste and texture of traditional dairy cheese remains complex, and shortcomings can lead to consumer dissatisfaction and reluctance to switch to vegan alternatives.

A Look Back and a Look Forward - Comparative Analysis

The vegan cheese market is experiencing growth due to several factors. Rising consumer awareness of health and environmental concerns is driving demand for plant-based alternatives. Vegan cheese offers a cruelty-free, lactose-free, and sustainable option aligning with changing dietary preferences.

Continuous product innovation has improved taste and texture, further boosting adoption. With increasing vegan and flexitarian lifestyles, the Market is expanding as consumers seek healthier, eco-conscious, and ethical choices in their diets.

The vegan cheese market is growing due to multiple factors. Increasing consumer awareness of health, ethical, and environmental concerns is driving demand for plant-based alternatives. Vegan cheese offers cruelty-free, lactose-free, and sustainable options.

Ongoing product innovations have improved taste and texture, making them more appealing. As vegan and flexitarian lifestyles gain traction, consumers seek healthier and eco-conscious dietary choices, leading to the market's continued growth.

The future of the vegan cheese market appears promising. As consumers continue to embrace plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, the market is expected to expand.

Ongoing product innovation, improved taste and texture, and wider distribution channels will contribute to sustained growth. Regulatory support and a growing emphasis on sustainability will further drive the adoption of vegan cheese, making it a staple in the global food industry.

Key Growth Determinants

• Growing Health and Wellness Consciousness

Growing health and wellness awareness is a significant driver of the vegan cheese market. Consumers increasingly seek healthier dietary choices, and vegan cheese aligns with this trend. It offers a dairy-free, cholesterol-free, and often lower-saturated-fat alternative to traditional cheese.

Additionally, vegan cheese options are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, enhancing their nutritional profile. As consumers prioritise their well-being, they turn to vegan cheese as a part of a balanced diet, contributing to the market's growth as a healthier and ethical choice compared to conventional dairy cheese.

• Rising Prclivity for Vegan and Flexitarian Lifestyles

The rise in vegan and flexitarian lifestyles is a significant driver of the vegan cheese market. As more consumers adopt plant-based diets for health, ethical, and environmental reasons, there is an increasing demand for dairy-free alternatives.

Vegan cheese offers a convenient and delicious option for individuals looking to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diets. This growing demographic seeks diverse, flavourful, and sustainable vegan cheese products, fueling market growth as manufacturers continue to innovate and expand their offerings to meet this evolving dietary trend.

• Increasing Innovations

Growing product innovation plays a pivotal role in propelling the vegan cheese Market. Manufacturers are continuously developing and enhancing vegan cheese products to mimic the taste, texture, and versatility of traditional dairy cheese.

Innovations include a wide range of flavours, reliability, and specialty varieties like shredded, sliced, and cream cheese alternatives. These advancements attract consumers seeking high-quality plant-based options, expanding the market's appeal and driving its growth.

As vegan cheese becomes more delicious and versatile, it gains broader acceptance among both vegans and flexitarians, contributing to its market expansion.

Major Growth Barriers

• Taste and Texture Challenges

Taste and texture challenges pose a significant obstacle to the Vegan Cheese Market. While advancements have been made, replicating the exact taste and texture of traditional dairy cheese remains a complex task.

Consumers often expect a comparable sensory experience, and any shortcomings can lead to dissatisfaction and reluctance to switch to vegan alternatives.

Overcoming these challenges through continued research and development is crucial to winning over more consumers and driving the wider adoption of vegan cheese in the Market.

• Allergen Concerns

Allergen concerns present a challenge in the vegan cheese market. Some vegan cheese products contain common allergens such as nuts or soy, limiting their appeal to individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions. This can result in a smaller consumer base and missed market opportunities.

Manufacturers must address these concerns by offering allergen-free alternatives or clearly labeling products to provide transparency to consumers with allergies, ensuring a broader appeal and greater market access for their vegan cheese products.

Key Trends and Opportunities to Look at

1. 3D Printed Cheesecakes

3D printing technology in the vegan cheese market is revolutionizing product innovation. It allows for the precise and customizable shaping of vegan cheese products, enhancing their aesthetics and textures.

Manufacturers can create intricate and appealing designs, making vegan cheese more visually appealing and versatile for culinary applications. This technology offers new possibilities for creating plant-based cheeses with unique forms and structures, expanding the creative potential of vegan cheese production.

2. Clean Label Ingredients

Clean-label ingredients are gaining prominence in the vegan cheese market. Consumers increasingly seek transparent and minimally processed ingredients in their food.

Manufacturers are responding by using natural and recognizable plant-based components in vegan cheese formulations, eliminating additives and artificial ingredients.

Clean-label vegan cheeses resonate with health-conscious consumers, offering a wholesome and ethical alternative to traditional dairy cheese without compromising on taste or quality.

3. Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging is becoming a vital trend in the vegan cheese market. With growing environmental consciousness, manufacturers are shifting towards eco-friendly packaging materials, such as recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable options.

Sustainable packaging aligns with the ethical and eco-conscious values of vegan consumers, reducing the environmental footprint of vegan cheese products. It also enhances brand perception and attracts consumers seeking environmentally responsible choices in their purchases.

How Does the Regulatory Scenario Shape this Industry?

The regulatory scenario plays a pivotal role in shaping the vegan cheese market. Regulations related to food safety, labeling, and product claims impact the manufacturing, labeling, and marketing of vegan cheese products. In many regions, there are specific guidelines for using terms like "vegan," "plant-based," or "dairy-free," ensuring consumers receive accurate information.

Additionally, health and safety regulations require adherence to quality standards during production. Regulatory support for plant-based products, clear labeling requirements, and the development of standards for vegan cheese help build consumer trust and ensure product safety.

As regulations evolve to accommodate the growing demand for plant-based alternatives, it creates a more favourable environment for manufacturers and further promotes the growth of the vegan cheese market.

Fairfield’s Ranking Board

Top Segments

1. Mozzarella Cheese Most Favoured Among Consumers

Mozzarella-style vegan cheese has captured the largest market share in the Vegan Cheese Market due to its versatility and broad appeal. Mozzarella is a key component in popular dishes like pizza and pasta, making it a familiar and sought-after choice for consumers transitioning to plant-based diets.

The reliability, mild flavour, and ability to mimic the texture of dairy cheese have made it a preferred option for recreating classic Italian, and American comfort foods. As a result, Mozzarella-style vegan cheese products have garnered a substantial market share, catering to both vegans and flexitarians looking for satisfying and authentic culinary experiences.

Parmesan-style vegan cheese will be experiencing the highest CAGR in the vegan cheese market due to its unique and bold flavour profile. Parmesan is a well-loved cheese variety, and vegan alternatives that closely mimic its taste and texture are in high demand.

Consumers appreciate Parmesan-style vegan cheese for its savory, umami-rich qualities, making it a popular choice for topping pasta, salads, and various dishes. As more consumers seek authentic and flavourful plant-based alternatives, Parmesan-style vegan cheese has witnessed rapid growth, outpacing other varieties in the market.

2. Soy Will Surge Ahead of All

Soy-based vegan cheese has secured the largest market share in the vegan cheese market due to its early entry, versatility, and nutritional value. Soy offers a neutral base that can be adapted to create a variety of cheese flavours and styles. It's a source of complete protein, making it appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Additionally, soy-based vegan cheese products were among the first to gain popularity, establishing a strong presence in the market. Familiarity, versatility, and nutritional benefits have propelled soy-based options to the forefront, capturing the largest share of the vegan cheese market.

Peanut-based vegan cheese is likely to witness the fatest CAGR in terms of value through 2030. Peanut cheese offers a unique, nutty flavour profile that appeals to consumers seeking diverse taste experiences. It is also an allergen-friendly option, catering to individuals with nut allergies.

Furthermore, peanuts are a readily available and cost-effective source, making peanut-based vegan cheese an attractive choice for both manufacturers and consumers. As awareness of this option grows and its flavour innovations expand, it has seen rapid growth, outpacing other varieties in the market.

3. Foodservice Sector Leads Demand Generation

Foodservice sector, which includes restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains, has captured the largest market share in the vegan cheese market due to several factors. Firstly, these establishments cater to a wide consumer base, including vegans and non-vegans, expanding the reach of vegan cheese products.

As the demand for plant-based options grows, foodservice outlets are quick to incorporate vegan cheese into their menus, satisfying customer preferences. Lastly, the convenience and accessibility of ordering vegan cheese dishes at restaurants contribute to its dominance in the Market as consumers seek flavourful and convenient plant-based dining experiences.

The food processing sector is experiencing the fastest CAGR in the vegan cheese market due to several key factors. Food processors play a crucial role in producing vegan cheese products at scale, meeting the increasing demand from consumers and food servicing outlets.

Many food processors have the infrastructure, technology, and expertise to develop a wide range of vegan cheese varieties and formats, including shredded, sliced, and spreads. As the market continues to expand, food processors are central to meeting this growing demand, leading to their significant growth in the vegan cheese market.

Regional Frontrunners

North America Stays in the Bandwagon

North America has secured the largest market share in the vegan cheese market due to several key factors. Firstly, there is a significant shift in dietary preferences, with a growing number of consumers in the region adopting plant-based and vegan lifestyles.

This change is driven by increasing awareness of health and environmental concerns, as well as ethical considerations related to animal agriculture. Secondly, North America boasts a robust infrastructure for vegan product innovation, production, and distribution.

Major food companies and startups alike are investing in creating high-quality vegan cheese alternatives to meet the surging demand. Lastly, favourable regulatory support and a strong vegan advocacy culture further contribute to North America's leadership in the global vegan cheese market.

Asia Pacific’s Vegan Cheese Appetite Set for Exceptional Growth

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing the highest CAGR in the vegan cheese market due to several key factors. Rising awareness of health and environmental concerns, along with a growing vegetarian and vegan population, is driving demand for plant-based alternatives.

Rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles in countries like India, and China are propelling the adoption of vegan cheese. Additionally, an increasing number of multinational food companies are expanding their vegan product offerings in the Asia Pacific region, further fueling market growth and making it the fastest-growing market for vegan cheese globally.

Who are the Leaders in the Global Vegan Cheese Market space?

1. Daiya Foods Inc.
2. Violife
3. Follow Your Heart
4. Kite Hill
5. Field Roast Grain Meat Co.
6. Miyoko's Creamery
7. Good Planet Foods
8. Nush Foods
9. Happy Cashew
10. Cultured
11. Treeline Treenut Cheese
12. New Roots
13. Uhrenholt A/S
14. Nuttin Ordinary

Significant Company Developments

New Product Launches

• November 2022: Kraft Heinz introduced plant-based cheese slices featuring dairy-free options in three flavours: American, cheddar, and provolone. These products will be made available for purchase in the Cleveland area.
• August 2022: Saputo Inc. identified the potential in the vegan cheese sector and strategically invested in the United Kingdom to prepare for the introduction of vegan cheese into the Market. Saputo Cheese USA Inc., based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, introduced the Vitality brand of plant-based, vegan-certified, dairy-free cheese from the United Kingdom to the United States.

Distribution Agreement

• May 2021: Saputo disclosed its acquisition of Bute Island Foods, a company responsible for producing and promoting various plant-based cheese brands, including Sheese. Sheese initially debuted in 1988 as a soy-based offering and has since gained recognition for its range of vegan cheese products, primarily utilizing coconut oil as a key ingredient.

An Expert’s Eye

Demand and Future Growth

As per Fairfield’s Analysis, growth in the food sector is driving the market. The vegan cheese market is experiencing robust demand driven by increasing consumer awareness of health, environmental sustainability, and ethical concerns related to animal agriculture.

As dietary preferences shift towards plant-based options, the market is poised for significant future growth. Ongoing product innovations, improvements in taste and texture, and expanding retail availability are contributing to market expansion.

Regulatory support and the adoption of vegan and flexitarian lifestyles are also expected to fuel continued growth in the vegan cheese market as it becomes a mainstream choice in the global food industry.

Supply Side of the Market

The vegan cheese market is witnessing significant growth across the globe, with several major countries contributing to its expansion. In North America, the US, and Canada are key players, driven by the increasing adoption of plant-based diets and a growing demand for dairy-free alternatives.

In Europe, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are prominent markets, with consumers showing a strong preference for vegan cheese due to rising awareness of health, environmental, and ethical concerns. Additionally, countries in the Asia Pacific region, such as Australia, and Japan are experiencing a surge in interest in vegan cheese as vegan and vegetarian lifestyles gain traction. These countries collectively represent the major players in the global vegan cheese Market.

In the vegan cheese market, the primary raw materials include plant-based ingredients such as nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews), soybeans, coconut oil, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, and various spices and flavourings. These ingredients serve as the base for creating vegan cheese alternatives.

Manufacturers of these raw materials vary but often include companies specializing in plant-based food ingredients and processing. Some prominent manufacturers include Califia Farms, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Earth's Own Food Company, and Nutiva, among others, which produce ingredients like almond milk, soy proteins, and coconut oil that are commonly used in vegan cheese production.

Fairfield’s Competitive Landscape Analysis

The vegan cheese market is a consolidated market with fewer major global players. The key players are introducing new products and working on the distribution channels to enhance their worldwide presence. Moreover, Fairfield Market Research expects more consolidation over the coming years.

The Global Vegan Cheese Market is Segmented as Below:

By Product:

• Mozzarella
• Ricotta
• Cheddar
• Parmesan
• Cream Cheese

By Source:

• Cashew
• Soy
• Coconut
• Almond
• Rice
• Peanut
• Pine Nuts
• Hazelnut
• Others

By End Use:

• Foodservice
• Food Processing
• Retail and Household
• Others

By Geographic Coverage:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Turkey
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America 
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America 
• Middle East & Africa  
  • GCC 
  • South Africa
  • Egypt
  • Nigeria
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa