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NUMU: A Singular Focus on the Perfect Plant-Based Mozzarella for Pizza

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Foodservice, Products, Restaurants.

In a crowded plant-based cheese market, one company is proving that narrow focus can lead to unmatched quality. NUMU, a Brooklyn-born brand with a singular mission — to craft the best plant-based mozzarella for pizza — is gaining traction among chefs and foodservice buyers who understand that great pizza starts with the right cheese.

“We’ve decided to stay very focused on a single product. We make one SKU, vegan mozzarella shreds,” says Matt Marshall, NUMU Sales Manager. “We’ve been the vegan pizza mozzarella in Whole Foods for 3–4 years and are picking up an assortment of small and large pizza chains to grow NUMU as a brand.”

Built for Pizza. Full Stop.

Unlike generalist cheeses that aim to work on sandwiches, pastas, and nachos alike, NUMU is engineered with one thing in mind: performing exceptionally well on a pizza, where high heat, crispy crust, and rich tomato sauce create a demanding environment for cheese to shine.

The result? A creamy, stretchy melt, balanced salinity, and clean flavor that integrates beautifully with dough and sauce without overpowering or falling flat.

Ingredient Integrity

NUMU’s plant-based mozzarella is crafted from a thoughtful blend of ingredients designed to maximize performance and taste, including:

  • Filtered water

  • Refined coconut oil

  • Potato and organic tapioca starch

  • Organic soy milk powder

  • Non-GMO carrageenan

  • Calcium phosphate

  • Natural flavors and lactic acid

This carefully designed formula allows NUMU to melt evenly, brown slightly, and stretch authentically — offering the classic mozzarella experience in a fully vegan format.

A Rising Star in Foodservice

NUMU’s tight focus has earned it a loyal following among chefs, particularly in high-volume, quality-conscious foodservice settings. “Buyers are looking for a product that feels authentic, and that is something that NUMU prides itself on,” says Marshall. “Some of the best pizza chefs in NYC guided the development of our product in the early years, and now chefs are proud to serve it on their menus.”

At the Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, NUMU showcased its product by sampling pizzas topped with plant-based meats from Before the Butcher. “Here at the Pizza Expo, we are sampling plant-based meats from Before the Butcher on our NUMU cheese pizzas. We love their products, and they are helping send customers our way,” Marshall adds.

Why Specialization Works

Part of what makes NUMU’s story so compelling is the backing it’s had from day one. “Part of the secret sauce of NUMU is that we had mission-driven investors from the beginning, and they have stayed by us through the ups and downs,” explains Marshall. “They care about the product and the mission and they want to see us succeed.”

As more consumers and foodservice operators seek plant-based options that don’t compromise on experience, specialized brands like NUMU will continue to lead the charge. In an era when buyers are no longer swayed by sustainability or health claims alone, taste and performance reign supreme.

For restaurants aiming to offer a plant-based pizza that stands up to traditional dairy, NUMU plant-based mozzarella might just be the missing ingredient.

The BE-Hive at the Pizza Expo – Rockin’ Plant-Based Pizza Toppings

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Foodservice, Products.

At this year’s Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, one of the standout stories came from The BE-Hive, a Nashville-based company with a rock-and-roll soul and a mission to revolutionize plant-based pizza toppings. Founded by musician and entrepreneur Ben Stix, BE-Hive has evolved from humble beginnings into a national supplier of premium seitan-based products for both retail and foodservice.

The company’s roots trace back to Stix’s days in the band Born Empty, when he and his bandmates shared a house called the “BE Hive.” What started as a communal space for music and creativity has transformed into a culinary powerhouse known for crafting delicious, meat-free alternatives that even hardcore meat lovers can appreciate.

“The seitan became our standout product”

The band began throwing events which evolved into a local café which has grown into a staple of today’s Nashville plant-based food scene.

“The seitan became our standout product,” Stix told Pulse in an interview at the Pizza Expo. “I’m from Tennessee and am used to serving BBQ, meat-loving eaters. Seitan became the way for meat eaters to try something plant-based and say, ‘Wow, this is actually good.’”

At the show, BE-Hive showcased their lineup of seitan-based pepperoni and Italian sausage pizza toppings, alongside roast beef deli slices and a house-made soy milk-based pizza cheese. “Pepperoni is what got us into the pizza game, and we are now introducing a Nashville hot pepperoni as well,” Stix shared. “The cheese is our next best product. It’s soy-based, and the ingredients are simply organic soybeans and water. I am focused on going back to real food, creating delicious plant-based products with simple ingredients.”

A One-Stop Shop for Plant-Based Pizza

This commitment to simplicity and flavor is what makes BE-Hive a gamechanger. For foodservice operations looking to add plant-based pizza options to their menus, BE-Hive offers a complete solution: craveable toppings and dairy-free cheese that win over customers who don’t typically eat plant-based foods.

Beyond its national distribution, BE-Hive maintains a strong cultural connection through its grassroots Nashville café, which builds local community and brand loyalty.

What Buyers Want in 2025: Quality

When asked what buyers are looking for in plant-based sourcing in 2025, Stix echoed a sentiment heard throughout the Pizza Expo: “Quality,” he said simply. “The food has to be better than what they expect. I started my seitan company in the heart of the gluten-free craze, and I am digging my feet in further now. Seitan was a food a thousand years ago, and it is still great. I am looking to further the entire movement.”

Stix and his team are proving that plant-based pizza toppings aren’t just for vegans — they’re for anyone who loves great-tasting food. For foodservice buyers, particularly with pizza on the menu, keep an eye on The BE-Hive as they continue to expand and inspire a new wave of plant-based innovation.

Daiya Unveils New Oat-Based Mozzarella – A Game-Changer for Plant-Based Pizza

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Manufacturing, Products.

Daiya, one of the original trailblazers in the plant-based cheese category, is once again raising the bar with the release of its new oat-based pizza mozzarella. Designed to deliver the melt, stretch, and flavor that pizza lovers crave, this updated formulation wowed buyers, chefs, and foodservice professionals alike during its official debut at Natural Products Expo West.

A New Era for Plant-Based Pizza

With a legacy dating back to 2008, Daiya helped pioneer the dairy-free cheese category when few alternatives existed. But as consumer expectations have evolved, so too has Daiya’s commitment to quality. The brand took a bold step forward by going back to the drawing board — embracing honest self-assessment and innovation to deliver a significantly improved product.

“We went to oat cream based because it performs,” shared Greg Acken, VP of Foodservice and International for Daiya. “The melt is better, the texture is better, the stretch is better and the browning is better. Our first ingredient is now oats, rather than a starch or oil.”

The result is a next-generation mozzarella-style shred made from oats that stands out for three key reasons:

  • Superior Meltability: Daiya’s new mozzarella melts effortlessly into a gooey, pizza-perfect layer — with stretch and softness that mimics traditional dairy cheese.

  • Browning Power: Unlike many plant-based cheeses that melt but don’t brown, this formulation offers a beautiful golden crispness, allowing it to shine under the high heat of pizza ovens.

  • Enhanced Flavor & Texture: Gone is the gummy or overly starchy texture that has challenged plant-based cheese. Daiya’s new oat-based version brings a clean, mild flavor and smooth, creamy mouthfeel that wins over skeptics and long-time dairy-free fans alike.

Foodservice and Retail Ready

This updated mozzarella is already making its mark in both foodservice and retail formats:

For foodservice operators, Daiya’s oat-based mozzarella provides a reliable, performance-driven solution that chefs can count on — whether in fast-casual pizza joints, gourmet kitchens, or institutional dining.

“Our retail product is fermented using a typical dairy cheese process, while the foodservice product is a similar formulation without the fermentation,” Acken explained, highlighting their commitment to tailoring products to different channels.

For consumers, the cheese now features prominently on Daiya’s signature line of frozen pizzas, giving home cooks the chance to experience the upgrade firsthand. With options like Margherita, Fire-Roasted Vegetable, and Meatless Pepperoni, Daiya’s pizzas now deliver a more authentic pizza night experience, without compromise.

A Standout at the Pizza Expo

Daiya showcased the new mozzarella at the Pizza Expo 2025, where it was featured in live cooking demonstrations and sampled on pizzas served fresh to attendees. The response? Overwhelmingly positive.

Foodservice buyers noted the cheese’s performance in high-heat ovens, while chefs applauded the authentic flavor and browning — two traits long missing from dairy-free options. The buzz around the booth made it clear: Daiya is back in a big way.

“The holy grail in plant-based is something that truly acts like dairy,” Acken added. “That is what buyers are looking for.”

A Brand That Listens and Leads

Daiya’s willingness to evolve its core product — rather than resting on its legacy status — signals a new chapter for the brand and the plant-based cheese category at large.

In an industry where taste and functionality are now non-negotiable, Daiya has proven that listening to customer feedback and embracing innovation can pay off in a big way. With its new oat-based mozzarella, Daiya is not just keeping up with the times — it’s helping lead the next wave of plant-based food excellence.

For foodservice, frozen retail, and beyond — Daiya’s new mozzarella is melting hearts and winning fans.

Plant-Based Pizza Innovation Takes Center Stage at Pizza Expo 2024 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Foodservice, Products, Restaurants.

At the 2024 International Pizza Expo, a wave of plant-based innovation captured the attention of chefs, operators, and buyers alike. From cutting-edge cheeses to flavorful meat alternatives, the plant-based presence at this year’s show was more than a trend—it was a statement about the future of pizza.

 

Cheese, Please: Next-Level Plant-Based Mozzarella 

Numu Mozzarella stole the spotlight as a cheese specifically formulated for pizza perfection. Designed to melt, stretch, and brown beautifully, Numu was sampled in multiple formats—including a collaboration with Before the Butcher featuring vegan pepperoni for a classic New York-style slice that drew eager crowds and second helpings.

Daiya made a powerful impression with their latest oat milk-based mozzarella formulation, showcasing improved meltability and browning while keeping a clean label. The brand went big, sponsoring a culinary contest where professional pizza makers whipped up mouthwatering pies using Daiya’s new shreds—proving that plant-based cheese has officially entered the mainstream kitchen.

Plnt Ahead, an Israel-based company, showcased a coconut oil-based, kosher mozzarella option that caters to both dietary needs and culinary performance. Its versatility and adherence to kosher standards made it a standout for buyers looking to serve a broader clientele.

Miyoko’s once again demonstrated why they are a category leader with their pourable mozzarella, now available in both cashew and oat-based varieties for those seeking nut-free options. The product’s ease of use and reliable melt factor make it ideal for high-volume kitchens seeking both quality and convenience.

Also making waves at the Pizza Expo was Violife, long recognized as a category leader for delivering high-quality, allergen-free plant-based cheeses. Their mozzarella shreds continue to be a go-to option for foodservice operators seeking reliable melt and stretch, while appealing to customers with dairy, soy, nut, and gluten sensitivities. But Violife wasn’t just showcasing cheese—its parent company, Flora, introduced an exciting new offering that had attendees lining up for samples: a soft serve ice cream so creamy and rich, many couldn’t believe it was dairy-free. The product was indistinguishable from its traditional counterpart, reinforcing Violife and Flora’s shared commitment to delivering indulgence without compromise, and demonstrating the expanding scope of plant-based innovation beyond the slice.

 

Meats That Deliver on Flavor 

On the meat side, Before the Butcher brought the boldness with plant-based pepperoni slices and a new addition to its lineup: the Butcher Stick, a spicy or sweet teriyaki-flavored snack designed for convenience retail. The butcher stick channels the nostalgic flavor of a Slim Jim-style meat snack, reimagined for a new generation of conscious consumers.

Be-Hive, the Nashville-based plant-based butcher, won over crowds with a full-stack plant-based pizza solution. Their in-house soy milk mozzarella melted beautifully over seitan-based pepperoni and Italian sausage, offering attendees a convincing—and delicious—slice of the future. Be-Hive also showed their versatility with a seitan-based roast beef cold cut, giving operators the opportunity to expand beyond pizza into subs, wraps, and deli classics.

Prime Roots introduced a koji fungi-based line of deli meats, including a standout Black Forest Ham and Genoa Salami, both gluten-free, soy-free, and designed for the deli counter. Their meats are meant to be sliced alongside traditional offerings, helping foodservice operators integrate plant-based options without missing a beat.

 

The takeaway from this year’s Pizza Expo? Quality has taken the wheel. Buyers and chefs are no longer satisfied with just checking a “vegan option” box. They’re demanding products that perform, that taste incredible, and that keep customers coming back for more.

Stay tuned—we’re diving deeper with exclusive interviews and features on these standout companies in upcoming articles. Whether you’re building the plant-based pizza of the future or adding deli classics to your menu, innovation is hot out of the oven—and just getting started.