One of the longest-standing critiques of vegan food has been that plant-based alternatives could never quite replicate the creamy, tangy, and melty delights of traditional dairy products—especially cheese. But this year’s Plant Based World Expo North America  turned that narrative on its head. From vegan cheeses that melt and stretch to yogurts with an uncanny resemblance to their dairy counterparts, the plant-based dairy category took center stage. The industry has made tremendous leaps in innovation, flavor, and texture, with attendees’ taste buds left dazzled and preconceptions shattered. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the standout exhibitors leading the charge in plant-based dairy: 

Stockeld Dreamery 

Stockeld Dreamery‘s booth was a popular destination for those looking for creamy, indulgent plant-based cheeses. Their dreamy-creamy Cream Cheese and meltable cheddar slices garnered rave reviews from attendees. Made with a base of legumes, including lentils and chickpeas, and combined with live cultures, Stockeld Dreamery’s cheeses offer the tangy punch familiar to traditional cheese lovers. The versatility of the product—whether smeared on a bagel or melted in a sandwich—had attendees coming back for more. 

Armored Fresh 

Armored Fresh’s approach to cheese is revolutionary. By using fermented almonds in a similar process to traditional dairy cheesemaking, the company has created a product that truly mimics the texture and flavor of dairy cheese. Attendees were especially wowed by their melty grilled cheese and spicy mac-n-cheese samples, both of which delivered that gooey, cheesy satisfaction people thought they could only get from dairy.  

Plant Ahead 

For those seeking a plant-based cheese free from soy, gluten, and GMOs, Plant Ahead delivered. Their range of products turned heads, with the standout being their cream cheese, which mimicked the smooth, tangy flavor and creamy mouthfeel of traditional dairy cream cheese. Attendees found it hard to distinguish between Plant Ahead’s offering and its dairy-based counterpart. This product is sure to find its place in both home kitchens and restaurant menus. 

Imposter Food 

Imposter Food brought innovation to the convenience snack world with their plant-based mozzarella sticks and jalapeño bites. These bite-sized treats not only nailed the flavor but also delivered on the crispiness and melty center that snack-lovers crave. Combining flavor and convenience, Imposter Foods is tapping into a market where plant-based consumers have been seeking indulgent, ready-to-eat options. 

Nature’s Fynd 

On the yogurt front, Nature’s Fynd wowed the crowd with its story and its product. Their protein is sourced from a unique microorganism found in the geysers of Yellowstone National Park, turning an unlikely source into a creamy, tangy plant-based yogurt. Attendees were blown away by how closely the texture and flavor resembled dairy yogurt, with many noting the innovation behind the protein itself as a game-changer in the plant-based world. 

Harmless Harvest 

Known for its pink-hued, single-ingredient coconut water, Harmless Harvest is expanding its portfolio into the yogurt space. Their coconut milk-based yogurts offer a rich, creamy texture that makes for a perfect snack or dessert. These coconut-based treats are already benefiting from Harmless Harvest’s trusted name and established distribution network, making them a must-have for conventional and natural retailers alike. 

Oatly 

Oatly needs no introduction in the plant-based world, but they raised the bar this year with their new oat-based soft serve. Offered in chocolate, vanilla, and twist flavors, the oat milk ice cream was an attendee favorite. The experience was so buzzworthy that keynote speaker, and SPINS CEO, Jay Margolis himself told his audience to “leave their seats right now” to go try it. Oatly’s ability to turn oats into a creamy, soft serve sensation showcases the company’s continued innovation in plant-based dairy alternatives. 

Kultee: A Sweet Treat with Flair 

Kultee brought a whole new level of fun to the soft serve game with their innovative vegan popping boba. Their soft serve, paired with the juicy, popping topping, was a hit among attendees who couldn’t get enough of the decadent, textured dessert. Bring both adults and children to your store with the flavor of this one-of-a-kindindulgence.  

A New Era for Plant-Based Dairy 

This year’s Plant Based World Expo proved one thing: plant-based dairy has never been more delicious. The innovation on display showed that companies have not only addressed the traditional criticisms of plant-based cheeses and dairy but are now surpassing expectations.  

Stay tuned as we continue to explore the trending product categories and educational takeaways from the expo.