Unlimit, Korea's First Plant-Based Sliced Cheese Launch

- Development of Korea's First 100% Plant-Based Slice-Type Vegan Cheese
- Expected Strong Response from Consumers with Lactose Intolerance and Milk Allergies

The plant-based alternative meat brand ‘Unlimit’ announced that it has developed vegan cheddar cheese made from 100% plant-based ingredients such as rice protein and coconut oil, and plans to launch it in September.

Unlimit’s vegan sliced cheese, the first of its kind to be released domestically, is characterized by capturing the rich taste and aroma of natural cheddar cheese without any dairy products. Additionally, it is nutritionally enhanced by containing calcium and vitamin B12, which are typically lacking in vegans who do not consume animal products, something not found in existing vegan cheeses. For Clean Eaters who avoid preservatives and artificial coloring, the cheese’s appetizing cheddar color is achieved using natural paprika coloring. Being gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and lacto-free, this product is expected to offer consumers with lactose intolerance or related allergies the opportunity to enjoy gourmet experiences through plant-based cheese.

As the population pursuing vegetarianism grows and interest in the plant-based food market increases, the demand for vegan cheese is also on the rise. According to Grand View Research, a consulting firm based in San Francisco, USA, the global vegan cheese market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 12.8% until 2027. The vegan cheese market, which was valued at 1.01 billion USD in 2019, is estimated to expand to approximately 2.66 billion USD by 2027.

Despite such market demand, there have been many challenges in commercializing vegan cheese until now. Some restaurants and food companies have made vegan cheese using cashews, starch, and plant oils, but mass production of cheese with emulsification stability has been difficult. Unlimit’s newly launched vegan sliced cheese uses a ‘soft melting’ technology that naturally melts when heated, delivering a natural cheese texture and taste comparable to animal-based cheese. It melts naturally in microwaves and ovens, making it suitable for various dishes that include cheese, such as pizza toppings, hamburgers, and sandwiches.

Although vegan products are diversifying around alternative meats, plant-based dairy products are still limited in South Korea. So far, beverages based on soy and almonds, as well as plant-based yogurts made from coconut and oats, have been partially sold, but vegan cheese developed domestically has yet to be commercialized. Most plant-based cheeses distributed domestically are imported products with high price points. In contrast, Unlimit is expected to lead the vegan cheese market, which has relied on imports, by offering more affordable prices compared to vegan cheeses currently on the market.

Food tech startup Jiguin Company has led the alternative meat market under the brand Unlimit by developing the country’s first plant-based meat. Starting with the ‘Unlimit Slice’ product that mimics the texture of beef chuck, it has introduced various forms of alternative meat such as the ‘Unlimit Burger Patty,’ minced meat-style ‘Mince,’ and finely shredded ‘Unlimit Pulled Barbecue’ with a soft texture. Beginning with the launch of plant-based sliced cheese, Unlimit plans to expand its range of plant-based dairy products alongside alternative meats and aggressively broaden its domestic and overseas markets through B2B (business-to-business) channels. It also plans to introduce various menus combining alternative meats and vegan cheese through diverse channels such as domestic global franchises, convenience stores (CVS), and restaurants.

An Unlimit representative stated, “Since COVID-19, there has been a rapid increase in consumers worldwide, including in South Korea, seeking healthy and nutritious plant-based proteins instead of meat, and the consumer trend valuing the global environment and ecosystem is expected to continue. In line with this trend, Unlimit’s sliced cheese, developed for the first time domestically, will propose healthy meals and provide a reasonable price alternative to imported vegan cheeses, which have been burdensome due to their high prices.”