Upfield’s latest creation, Cheddarton, has made its debut in prominent UK supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons.
Cheddarton, a coconut oil-based innovation, boasts a unique “crumbly and creamy” texture that makes it perfect for slicing, melting, crumbling, or grating. This versatility allows it to seamlessly blend into a variety of dishes, catering to different culinary preferences.
Putting consumers front and center, Jess Millner, Violife’s Senior Brand Manager, emphasized that Cheddarton emerged from extensive research and development, focusing on delivering a delectable alternative that caters to cheddar enthusiasts’ values and dietary choices.
This plant-based gem is not only free from the top 14 allergens—such as dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, and nuts—but also avoids preservatives, is non-GMO, and is fortified with vitamin B12.
Beyond its nutritional benefits, Cheddarton makes an eco-conscious statement. Violife asserts that compared to dairy products, this alternative generates fewer than half the carbon emissions and utilizes two-thirds less land for production.
With the aim of ensuring a smooth transition to a plant-based diet without compromising on taste and texture, Millner added, “We want to empower consumers to embrace plant-based options while still enjoying that cheesy goodness.”
This strategic foray into cheddar substitutes follows the introduction of a plant-based alternative by cheese leader Cathedral City in the previous September.
