Daiya and The Kraft Heinz Not Company have both launched new vegan mac & cheese products in Canada. The Kraft Heinz Not Company introduces KD NotMacandCheese, its first plant-based addition to the Canadian market, while Daiya unveils a new line of Dry Powdered Mac & Cheese, expanding its dairy-free options. These launches cater to the growing demand for plant-based alternatives in a market known for its love of traditional mac & cheese.
In a significant move for the plant-based food market, two major brands have introduced new vegan mac & cheese products in Canada, a nation renowned for its love of the traditionally dairy-heavy dish. The Kraft Heinz Not Company and Daiya are at the forefront of this launch, each offering innovative options for consumers seeking dairy-free alternatives.
The Kraft Heinz Not Company’s Plant-Based Innovation
The Kraft Heinz Not Company, a collaboration between Kraft Heinz and Chile’s NotCo, has launched KD NotMacandCheese in Canada. This marks the first plant-based addition to Kraft Heinz’s Canadian product lineup. Following its successful debut in the U.S. last year, the Canadian launch is poised to make a substantial impact. KD, a staple in nearly half of Canadian households, is often referred to as the country’s de facto comfort food, with Canadians consuming approximately 94 million boxes of KD annually.
Lucho Lopez-May, CEO of The Kraft Heinz Not Company, emphasizes that KD’s iconic status in Canada, combined with NotCo’s innovative technology, aims to deliver a plant-based option that maintains the familiar creamy taste and texture of traditional mac & cheese. The new product will be available in two flavors: Original and White Cheddar Style, distributed nationwide. This launch not only expands Kraft Heinz’s plant-based portfolio but also responds to increasing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives. The company has also recently expanded its vegan offerings under its Oscar Mayer subsidiary with products such as NotHotDogs and NotSausages.
Daiya’s New Dry Powdered Mac & Cheese
Simultaneously, Daiya has introduced a new line of Dry Powdered Mac & Cheese, complementing its previously reformulated cheese products. Available in Cheddar and White Cheddar flavours, the Dry Powdered Mac & Cheese will be sold at major Canadian retailers such as Loblaws and Metro. This new product joins Daiya’s existing Liquid Mac & Cheese, which includes pasta and a package of ready-made liquid sauce.
Daiya’s Chief Marketing Officer, John Kelly, explains that the launch is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to diversify its plant-based product range. The decision to introduce a dry powdered version was driven by consumer feedback requesting convenient, dairy-free comfort foods. The new product aims to offer a convenient option without sacrificing flavor or quality. Daiya will also launch an Aged Cheddar variety in the U.S. at Walmart and The Fresh Market, expanding its offerings in the plant-based sector.
Meeting Consumer Expectations
Both Kraft Heinz Not Company and Daiya are addressing the growing demand for plant-based foods that do not compromise on taste or texture. With many Canadians looking for plant-based alternatives that replicate the flavors of their favorite traditional dishes, these new offerings aim to deliver satisfying and familiar options.
The introduction of these vegan mac & cheese products is expected to resonate strongly with Canadian consumers, reflecting a broader trend towards dairy-free living. As both companies innovate in the plant-based space, they contribute to the expanding range of vegan comfort foods available in the market.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The launch of these new products is likely to have a notable impact on the Canadian plant-based food market. By tapping into the significant market for mac & cheese and offering alternatives that meet consumer expectations, The Kraft Heinz Not Company and Daiya are positioning themselves as key players in the evolving food landscape. As consumer preferences continue to shift towards plant-based options, these innovations may set new standards for taste and convenience in the dairy-free segment.
