Arla targets flexitarians with grilling cheese
Arla Pro wants to meet growing demand in French foodservice for meat-free options as the trend towards flexitarian diets continues to grow.
Arla Pro, a brand owned by dairy cooperative Arla Foods, is launching a new Grilling Cheese with a 'unique texture' that 'cooks like meat' and a mild flavour that allows chefs to season in their own sauces. However, Arla said, 56% of French consumers say vegetarian dishes 'lack variety' and 52% say they want more flavour and natural options in meat-free dishes.
"To help restaurateurs [respond to] the flexitarian trend and broaden their customer base, Arla Pro is launching a cheese innovation that will change everything: Grilling Cheese," the company said.
The Danish cheese is suitable for 'all types of cooking'. It can be pan-fried, grilled, fried or roasted, Arla said. The product contains three ingredients: milk, salt and ferments.
It provides proteins, texture and has a 'fairly neutral' taste. Nutritionally, Grilling Cheese provides 21 g of protein per 100 g, almost as much as a ground beef steak (23 g) and 1.5 g of salt, 'much less' than other grilled cheeses such as Halloumi (3g).
The company revealed the innovation was the result of a year and a half's research efforts.