Armored Fresh, a food technology company specializing in plant-based cheese alternatives, has announced the launch of two new products: Grated Parmesan and the world’s first Grated Kimchi Parmesan.
These offerings aim to replicate the taste and texture of dairy-based cheeses while introducing innovative options for consumers seeking sustainable and non-dairy alternatives.
“The zero-dairy market lacks truly flavorful alternatives”
The Grated Parmesan has a rich, nutty flavor with a subtle umami finish, designed to complement a variety of dishes such as pasta, pizza, salads, and soups. Meanwhile, the Grated Kimchi Parmesan introduces a unique new flavor combination, combining the savory qualities of Parmesan with the tangy, spicy profile of kimchi, great for sprinkling it on pizza or pairing it with hot honey for a sweet and spicy flavor contrast.
CEO Rudy Yoo explained the company’s approach: “The zero-dairy market lacks truly flavorful alternatives. Parmesan is a household staple for many meals, and we worked hard to make sure our Grated Parmesan could match the texture and taste of classic cheese.
“Inspired by the idea of adding instant flavor and texture to meals, we created Grated Kimchi Parmesan. It’s unlike anything on the market, blending a new cultural flavor with Parmesan to elevate a classic sustainably.”
Authentic grating process
The company employs patented technologies to replicate the grating process traditionally used for hard-aged cheeses. This process allows them to avoid the common spray-drying technique used for many plant-based grated cheeses, which involves turning a liquid mixture into powder. Instead, Armored Fresh produces cheese blocks that are physically grated, resulting in a more authentic texture and flavor.
Like all Armored Fresh products, the new Parmesan offerings are made entirely from plant-based ingredients and free from GMOs and gluten. The ingredient list includes fermented oat beverage, coconut oil and a starch mix. The company’s proprietary fermentation and Key-mix technologies are central to its efforts to mimic the qualities of traditional dairy cheeses.
The new Parmesan products are already available on the Armored Fresh website, with plans to expand distribution to Walmart and Amazon’s online platforms before the end of the year.