Panago Pizza has announced a menu update for its plant-based pizzas to accommodate the continued interest in dairy-free alternatives for customers. The menu will now feature the option for Daiya Dairy-Free cheese in place of conventional cheese and boasts the latest reformulation of the plant-based cheese that was reportedly praised by the Panago team.
The shredded plant-based cheese boasts a creamier texture and richer taste, which is achieved thanks to Daiya Oat Cream Blend in the recipe that more naturally replicates the profile of cheese. The alt cheese will be available now at all participating locations in Canada for customers at no additional cost.
Panago Pizza CEO Sean DeGregorio spoke on the menu update saying, "We’ve heard the demand for a better dairy-free cheese, and we’re proud to offer this upgraded option that ensures everyone can enjoy a delicious pizza experience, without compromise.”
Image Credit: Panago Pizza
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Creamier Plant-based Cheese
- The emergence of oat-cream blended cheeses recreating traditional dairy textures presents opportunities to reformulate core products and capture flexitarian diners.
- Mainstream Plant-based Menu Options
- Growing inclusion of dairy-free choices across national chains signals a shift toward normalized plant-based offerings that can redefine menu development and supply chains.
- Zero-upcharge Dairy-free Alternatives
- Offering alt cheeses at no extra cost highlights new pricing models that could disrupt premiumization and consumer expectations around value.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Quick-service Restaurants
- Fast-food and fast-casual operators face incentive to integrate advanced plant-based ingredients that can broaden customer demographics and alter procurement strategies.
- Food Manufacturing
- Producers of dairy alternatives are positioned to innovate with functional oat blends and texturizers that could replace traditional dairy applications across categories.
- Retail Grocery
- Supermarkets and grocers may see reformulated plant cheeses driving new private-label opportunities and changing category merchandising.
