Kraft Heinz Unveils Plant-Based Mac & Cheese, Innovating Classic Comfort Food

Kraft Heinz Co. announced the release of its first-ever plant-based Mac & Cheese product. The new item, which is the non-dairy version of the favorite macaroni dish, is being launched via the Kraft Heinz Not Company.

The KraftHeinzNotCo is a joint venture between Kraft Heinz and TheNotCompany Inc. The partnership aims to advance AI-driven plant-based innovation on the global stage.

Cheesy Dish Without the Dairy

Kraft Heinz gives its mac and cheese some twist with its new Kraft NotMac&Cheese offering. This is said to be the third item that was produced under the JV company.

Associated Press News reported that Kraft Heinz is bringing plant-based macaroni and cheese to the United States for the first time. The food company shared that the dairy-free version still offers the same creamy texture and flavor of its popular classic mac and cheese dish that has been around for 85 years now.

To achieve the same taste, the company replaced the dairy with vegan items such as fava bean protein and coconut oil powder.

Innovating to Keep Up with Consumers' Preferences

Nowadays, more and more people are turning vegan and preferring to consume plant-based food. In fact, the rapid growth in this "meat-less" or "dairy-free" food industry proved that more people are opting for healthier alternatives; thus, the plant-based versions are getting high demand.

The Kraft Heinz Not Company wants to cater to the consumers' plant-based predilection through Kraft's iconic mac and cheese brand. It will release two new flavors in the United States: original and white cheddar. KRAFT NotMac&Cheese will start hitting the shelves across the country this week through early 2024.

"The Kraft Heinz Not Company creates plant-based versions of fan-favorite foods that taste like the real thing, yet don't require people to drastically change their eating habits," The Kraft Heinz Not Company's chief executive officer, Lucho Lopez-May, said in a press release. "NotCo brings its revolutionary AI technology that has a proven track record in creating mouthwatering plant-based foods to KRAFT. We are offering the creamy and comforting experience KRAFT Mac & Cheese fans have loved for over 85 years without the dairy."

Photo by: Kraft Heinz Press Release