The Kite Hill Protein Cream Cheese Alternative has been developed by the brand as a dairy-free product perfect for helping consumers to increase their protein intake in a category that is traditionally associated with being low in protein.
The product is made with a blend of almond milk and soy, and is fermented and cultured just like conventional cream cheese to give it a familiar flavor. The product comes in with four-grams of protein per two-tablespoon serving to give it double the protein than conventional dairy-based cream cheese with no sugar or saturated fat in the mix.
VP of Marketing Connie Sintuvat spoke on the Kite Hill Protein Cream Cheese Alternative saying, "Consumers have always turned to dairy for protein, but that benefit has been missing from dairy-free options, especially in cream cheese. We saw an opportunity to bring protein into a format people already love, without sacrificing taste or texture.”
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Protein-enhanced Plant-based Dairy Alternatives
- Plant-based spreads and cheeses are being reformulated to match or exceed dairy protein levels, creating higher-protein alternatives for snack and meal occasions.
- Fermentation-driven Flavor Parity
- Use of fermentation and culturing techniques in non-dairy bases is achieving textures and flavors nearly indistinguishable from conventional cream cheese.
- Nutrition-first Indulgent Snacks
- Consumers are seeking indulgent-tasting products that also deliver specific nutritional benefits like higher protein and lower saturated fat.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Plant-based Food Manufacturing
- Manufacturers are incorporating legumes and nuts with advanced processing techniques to create protein-dense dairy alternatives that compete on nutritional profile.
- Functional Ingredients and Formulation
- Suppliers of proteins, emulsifiers and cultures are enabling novel texture and nutrient profiles in dairy-free applications.
- Retail and Foodservice Channels
- Grocers and foodservice operators are reallocating shelf space and menu items to include protein-forward plant-based spreads that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
