What is the difference between Kraft and Kraft 'NotCheese'?
For years, those following a vegan diet could not enjoy the classic taste of Kraft's signature products, as items like Kraft Singles and Velveeta are made with dairy ingredients. The question "is Kraft not cheese vegan?" is a recent development driven by a joint venture between the Kraft Heinz Company and the Chilean startup, The Not Company (NotCo).
This partnership led to the creation of The Kraft Heinz Not Company, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to develop plant-based alternatives that taste like their animal-based versions. The resulting products, branded with the prefix 'Not,' are the vegan options. This is a crucial distinction: traditional Kraft cheese products remain non-vegan, while the special 'Not' branded items are the dairy-free choice.
Traditional Kraft Cheese Ingredients vs. 'NotCheese' Ingredients
Traditional Kraft cheese, such as American slices, lists cultured milk, cheese, milkfat, and whey as key ingredients. These are all animal-derived products, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet. For example, the cheese culture often contains microbial rennet, an enzyme that can sometimes have an animal origin, though microbial variants are common. Kraft's official ingredients clearly list dairy components, confirming their non-vegan status.
In contrast, Kraft NotCheese slices are explicitly plant-based. These slices were launched in 2023 in flavors like American, Cheddar, and Provolone and were formulated using AI to replicate the classic taste and meltability. The ingredients include water, coconut oil, modified corn starch, and chickpea protein, and they are free from artificial dyes. This shift addresses consumer demand for more sustainable, ethical, and inclusive food options.
The Expansion of Kraft's Vegan Offerings
The Kraft Heinz Not Company didn't stop at just cheese slices. The venture has also introduced other plant-based versions of Kraft classics, broadening the appeal to a wider audience.
Notable vegan products from the joint venture include:
- Kraft NotMac & Cheese: A plant-based alternative to the iconic boxed macaroni and cheese. It uses fava bean protein and coconut oil powder to achieve a creamy, dairy-free sauce.
- NotMayo: A vegan version of the classic mayonnaise, also developed with NotCo's AI technology.
- Philadelphia Plant-Based Cream Cheese: Although not a core 'Kraft' brand, this dairy-free cream cheese is part of Kraft Heinz's expansion into plant-based products, using a base of oat and almond milk.
These launches demonstrate a commitment to serving the growing flexitarian and vegan markets by leveraging technology to create appealing alternatives.
Vegan Alternatives to Kraft Products
Beyond Kraft's own vegan-branded products, numerous other companies offer dairy-free alternatives that mimic the qualities of traditional cheese. These options are crucial for consumers who seek vegan cheese for different uses, such as melting on pizza or shredding for tacos.
| Comparison Table: Vegan Cheese Alternatives | Feature | Kraft NotCheese Slices | Daiya Vegan Cheese | Miyoko's Creamery | Homemade Vegan Cheese |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Coconut oil, chickpea protein | Coconut oil, pea protein, tapioca starch | Cashews, coconut oil, rice, pea protein | Nuts (cashews, almonds), nutritional yeast | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |
| Melting Performance | Designed to melt well, similar to dairy | Offers excellent meltability, especially for pizza | Variable; known for artisan, aged varieties | Varies significantly depending on the recipe and ingredients | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |
| Availability | Widely available in major US retailers | Widely available in North America and beyond | Found in specialty stores and online | Made at home with common ingredients | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |
| Typical Uses | Sandwiches, grilled cheese, burgers | Pizza, shredded for tacos, nachos | Cheese boards, spreads, sauces | Sauces, spreads, and grated 'parmesan' | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |
| Flavor Profile | Aims to replicate classic American/Cheddar | Cheesy, creamy, and distinct flavor profile | Rich, complex, and tangy for aged types | Tangy, nutty, and savory depending on ingredients |
The Evolution of Vegan Cheese and Future Trends
The vegan cheese market has evolved significantly beyond early products that were often criticized for taste and texture. The integration of AI technology, like the platform used by NotCo, allows for rapid innovation and the creation of more accurate plant-based analogs. Ingredients such as fava bean protein, coconut oil powder, and various starches are now carefully selected to replicate the desired qualities.
Furthermore, consumer interest in reducing dairy consumption, whether for dietary restrictions, health, or ethical reasons, continues to drive market growth. This trend, along with advancements in food science, suggests that we can expect to see even more sophisticated and delicious plant-based alternatives from major brands and startups alike in the future. Products that effectively mimic traditional flavors and textures will likely gain the most traction.
In conclusion, while traditional Kraft cheese is definitively not vegan due to its dairy content, the introduction of the new Kraft 'Not' line provides a dedicated, accessible, and high-quality option for vegan consumers. Shoppers must simply pay close attention to the product labeling to distinguish between the dairy and plant-based versions. The success of these products highlights a significant shift in the food industry toward more inclusive and innovative options for all diets. For those seeking plant-based alternatives, the market is richer and more varied than ever before.
Visit Kraft Heinz Not Company for official product information and ingredient lists.
