Bushra Griffith
Vegan pizza has become increasingly popular, with many companies offering plant-based alternatives to traditional cheese. Whole Foods, for example, initially topped their vegan pizzas with Daiya cheese. However, in 2022, they switched to using NUMU vegan mozzarella, a cheese made from coconut oil and starch. This change occurred nationwide, and NUMU's dairy-free mozzarella is now available at all Whole Foods locations. The switch to NUMU is part of a growing trend to offer vegan options at pizza places, with the company's founder, Gunars Elmuts, expressing his hope that having a dairy-free cheese option will be automatic for everyone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella |
| Brand | Daiya, NUMU |
| Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Potato Starch, Tapioca Starch |
| Nutritional Information (per slice) | 60g total carbs, 57g net carbs, 22g fat, 10g protein, 490 calories |
| Availability | Nationwide (US) |
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What You'll Learn
Whole Foods' vegan pizza cheese options
Whole Foods Market, Inc. is an American multinational supermarket chain that offers a wide variety of vegan options, including vegan pizzas.
Daiya Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Whole Foods initially topped their vegan pizzas with Daiya cheese. Daiya is a Chinese-owned company that produces vegan cheese, which has gained popularity over the years. However, some vegans have expressed concerns about Daiya's parent company being a pharmaceutical company that conducts animal testing. As a result, Whole Foods has transitioned to using a different vegan cheese option.
NUMU Vegan Mozzarella
In 2022, Whole Foods made a nationwide switch from Daiya to NUMU vegan mozzarella on its plant-based pizzas. NUMU, founded by New Yorker Gunars Elmuts, is a Brooklyn-based vegan creamery. Elmuts, a former skateboard photographer and DJ, was motivated by the lack of vegan options available at pizzerias. NUMU's dairy-free mozzarella is made from a combination of non-GMO coconut oil and starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and other ingredients. It is described as mild without an aftertaste, and its formulation has been adjusted to achieve the perfect balance of quality and scale.
Whole Foods 365 Brand Vegan Mozzarella Shreds
According to a Reddit post from 2020, the Whole Foods 365 brand offers its own vegan mozzarella shreds, which have received positive reviews for their taste and texture.
Other Vegan Cheese Options at Whole Foods
Whole Foods also carries other vegan cheese brands, such as Miyoko's and Myokos, which some customers have suggested as alternatives to Daiya. Additionally, Whole Foods offers a variety of vegan dishes that utilize vegan cheese, such as vegan breakfast sandwiches made with JUST egg and vegan Mac and Yease by Chef Ayinde Howell.
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Daiya cheese controversy
Whole Foods, the health-minded grocer, initially topped its vegan pizzas with Daiya cheese. However, Daiya cheese has been at the centre of a controversy due to its acquisition by a company that conducts animal testing. This has sparked outrage among vegans and led to calls for boycotts as it conflicts with vegan values of excluding all forms of cruelty to animals.
Daiya, founded in Vancouver, Canada in 2008, experienced rapid growth and expansion into the U.S. market, tripling its sales in the last three years. This success made it an attractive target for acquisition by Otsuka for $325 million. The buyout sparked controversy as it represented a compromise of Daiya's original vegan values, with many vegans refusing to support a company that conducts animal testing.
The controversy surrounding Daiya highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by vegan companies as they strive for mainstream success. Some argue that Daiya's acquisition demonstrates a lack of integrity, prioritizing profit over vegan principles. However, others defend Daiya's products, stating that their production does not directly involve animal suffering. They argue that boycotting companies with indirect ties to animal testing may be impractical, as many small vegan businesses also rely on products from exploitative corporations.
As a result of the Daiya controversy, some vegan businesses, like Blackbird, a vegan pizzeria in Philadelphia, have switched to alternative brands like Violife. Meanwhile, Whole Foods has transitioned to using NUMU, a Brooklyn-based vegan creamery that produces dairy-free mozzarella made with non-GMO coconut oil, potato starch, and tapioca starch. NUMU's focus on wholesale distribution and feedback from NYC pizzaiolos helped them perfect their product, leading to their partnership with Whole Foods.
The shift from Daiya to NUMU reflects Whole Foods' commitment to providing appealing vegan options for its customers. NUMU's dairy-free mozzarella is not only used on pizzas but has also found creative applications in various vegan dishes, demonstrating the growing demand for plant-based alternatives.
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NUMU vegan mozzarella
NUMU's dairy-free mozzarella has replaced Daiya cheese on Whole Foods' plant-based pizzas nationwide. Daiya cheese, owned by a Chinese pharmaceutical company that conducts animal testing, has been criticised by some vegans for its ethical implications. However, others defend Daiya, arguing that there is no direct connection between the company's profits and animal suffering.
Whole Foods' decision to switch to NUMU vegan mozzarella is part of a growing trend towards offering vegan options in mainstream food establishments. The company's goal is to normalise vegan alternatives, making dairy-free cheese options as ubiquitous as non-dairy milk options in coffee shops. This shift reflects the increasing demand for plant-based products and the evolution of the vegan food industry, which has come a long way from the "hideous" early options.
NUMU's success in partnering with Whole Foods can be attributed to its focus on wholesale and the quality of its product. By initially targeting independent pizzerias and perfecting their recipe based on feedback from professionals, NUMU was able to scale up production and meet the standards required by a major retailer like Whole Foods. This strategy demonstrates the importance of tailoring products to the specific needs and standards of the foodservice industry, which can ultimately drive widespread adoption of vegan alternatives.
Beyond its use on pizzas, NUMU vegan mozzarella has also gained popularity among chefs who incorporate it into a variety of vegan dishes. From Mexican cuisine to comfort food, chefs are getting creative with NUMU, showcasing its versatility and appeal beyond the pizza realm. This expansion of vegan cheese usage contributes to the overall growth and acceptance of plant-based alternatives in the culinary world.
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Vegan cheese taste and quality
Vegan cheese has come a long way in terms of taste and quality. In the past, vegan cheeses were often considered inferior to their dairy counterparts, with some brands being described as hideous and tasteless. However, the vegan food industry has evolved significantly, and vegan cheeses have improved in taste and texture.
One popular vegan cheese brand is Daiya, which has been described as having an "oddly familiar" taste. While some people enjoy Daiya cheese, others find it lacking in comparison to real cheese. In fact, Whole Foods initially topped their vegan pizzas with Daiya cheese, but they have since switched to a different brand. This may be due to the fact that Daiya is owned by a Chinese pharmaceutical company that tests on animals, which some vegans find unethical.
NUMU, a Brooklyn-based vegan creamery, has recently taken over as the vegan cheese supplier for Whole Foods' plant-based pizzas nationwide. NUMU's dairy-free mozzarella is made with a combination of non-GMO coconut oil and starch, resulting in a mild-tasting cheese without an aftertaste. The switch to NUMU is part of Whole Foods' effort to offer a vegan option that appeals to a wide range of customers, as the cheese is also nut-free and kosher.
The quality and taste of vegan cheese can vary depending on the brand and the ingredients used. Some vegan cheeses may have an unpleasant aftertaste or a texture that is less desirable than dairy cheese. However, with the increasing demand for plant-based options, companies like NUMU are focusing on creating vegan cheeses that not only taste good but also melt and stretch like traditional cheese, making them ideal for pizzas and other dishes.
While some people may still prefer the taste and texture of dairy cheese, the improvements in vegan cheese options are undeniable. With time and continued innovation, vegan cheeses will likely continue to evolve and improve, making them a more appealing option for those seeking plant-based alternatives.
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Vegan cheese beyond pizza
Vegan cheese has come a long way in the past decade, with the development of plant-based cheeses that not only taste good but also melt and stretch like their dairy-based counterparts. This evolution has opened up a world of possibilities for vegan cuisine, with cheese playing a starring role beyond just pizza.
One notable example of vegan cheese beyond pizza is NUMU, a dairy-free mozzarella created by a Brooklyn-based vegan creamery. NUMU's founder, Gunars Elmuts, was driven by his own disappointment with the lack of vegan cheese options at pizzerias. He set out to create a product that would not only satisfy his own cravings but also meet the high standards of chefs. After perfecting his recipe and initially selling small batches to local pizzerias, Elmuts eventually landed a major deal with Whole Foods, which adopted NUMU as its vegan cheese of choice nationwide.
NUMU's versatility extends far beyond pizza, and creative chefs have embraced this plant-based cheese in a variety of dishes. For instance, Michelin-reviewed Xilonen in Brooklyn's Greenpoint neighbourhood incorporates NUMU into its vegan-friendly Mexican offerings, including egg tostadas, birria tacos, and fajita quesadillas. Willow, a vegan comfort food eatery in Chelsea, takes a classic comfort food, mac and cheese, and elevates it with NUMU, creating a truffle-infused, extra-cheesy version. They also use NUMU in their eggplant lasagna and French onion soup, adding a creamy, cheesy element to these traditional dishes.
Vegan on the Fly, a Midtown Manhattan joint, takes innovation a step further by incorporating NUMU into their pizza empanadas, a unique culinary mashup that combines the best of two beloved dishes. These examples showcase how vegan cheese has become a versatile ingredient, enhancing the flavour and texture of various dishes across different cuisines.
Beyond these culinary creations, the impact of vegan cheese extends to the very heart of vegan philosophy. By excluding animal exploitation and cruelty, vegan cheese promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives, benefiting not only animals and humans but also the environment. This shift towards plant-based options in popular cuisine, as exemplified by Whole Foods' adoption of NUMU, brings vegan options into the mainstream, making them more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
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Frequently asked questions
Whole Foods uses NUMU vegan mozzarella on its plant-based pizzas.
NUMU is made with a combination of non-GMO coconut oil and potato starch, tapioca starch, and a few other ingredients.
Yes, NUMU is nut-free and all its ingredients are certified kosher.
No, Whole Foods previously used Daiya shredded mozzarella cheese on its plant-based pizzas.
NUMU was founded by New Yorker Gunars Elmuts, who was disappointed with the lack of vegan cheese options at pizzerias. After making some adjustments to the ingredients and changing the format from blocks to shreds, Whole Foods was convinced and decided to adopt it.
