Armored Fresh, a subsidiary of the South Korean food and beverage leader formerly known as Yangyoo and now rebranded also to ‘Armored Fresh’, launches a US-wide ecommerce platform to “deliver its vegan almond cheese to the masses.”
The almond cheeses are created with a “world-changing technology” that ferments plant-based ingredients using various probiotics, resulting in a flavor and tanginess similar to natural cheese, according to the company.
Perfect for those who prefer animal-based cheese
Speaking to vegconomist, founder and CEO, Rudy Yoo, explains: “Armored Fresh’s vegan cheese is made by fermenting almond milk using a fermentation technique that includes plant-based probiotics derived from natural sources, resulting in a flavor and tanginess similar to natural cheese. This process has been perfected to match the texture and melting properties of dairy cheese, resulting in a perfect mouthfeel.
“Unlike traditional dairy cheese, this method significantly reduces the saturated fat content and eliminates cholesterol, making it not only a healthier alternative but also easier to digest. For these reasons, Armored Fresh’s vegan cheese can be a great alternative for those who prefer animal-based cheese.
“…this method significantly reduces the saturated fat content and eliminates cholesterol“
“Food is all about taste, price, and nutrition. Consumers have high expectations for cheese depending on the taste and price comparison to animal-based cheese. If these expectations are met, consumers are likely to turn away from animal-based cheese,” continues Yoo.
“Our scientists developed an innovative precision formulation of plant-based protein and milk, lactic acid, and vitamins. Our plant-based cheese is produced through the same process as that of natural cheese, starting with culturing plant-based milk then going through the process of fermentation, cooking, sterilization, packaging, and cooling. This allows us to produce a cheese with a comparable taste and texture as dairy cheese, with Aroma Compounds such as lactic acid, peptone, and peptides,” he explains.
Expansion Capacity
Due to its manufacturing process being similar to traditional cheesemaking, Armored Fresh can use co–packers to manufacture its products making its scalability capacity possible to meet nationwide demand. “We currently have a capacity of 550 tons a month. We will be able to meet all demands with our capacity,” says Yoo.
The company, which has raised $26.8 million to date, launched three varieties of cubed cheese (Cheddar, Plain, and Blueberry) for retail in over 100 markets in New York City last year. In January, the brand showcased its latest development, Zero Dairy Cheese Almond Milk American Slices, at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as it prepared for a nationwide e-commerce launch.
Supporting local communities
Armored Fresh has also announced a recent donation of eight pallets of vegan cheese cubes to City Harvest, New York City’s first and largest food rescue organization, to support local communities. Through hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community partners, people facing food insecurity (who may suffer from a dairy allergy or sensitivity) can enjoy a dairy-free alternative.
“Ultimately, plant-based cheese is expected to continue to develop and expand to include functional cheese. Companies in the vegan cheese business like us will continue to release improved products, further encouraging consumer choice,” concludes Yoo.
The plant-based cheeses will be available for shipping nationwide at ArmoredFresh.com from April 6.
