Vegan Cheese Market

Vegan Cheese Market Size and Share:

The global vegan cheese market size was valued at USD 3.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 7.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.23% during 2025-2033. Europe currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 37.9% in 2024. The increasing number of people adopting vegan or plant-based diets, the introduction of innovative product variants that can mimic the flavors and textures of dairy cheese, and the rising awareness about the health and environmental impacts of dairy consumption are some of the factors increasing the vegan cheese market share in the region.

The global vegan cheese market is primarily driven by increasing consumer awareness about plant-based diets and their health benefits. As consumers become more cognizant of animal-based products' environmental and ethical implications, the quest for vegan alternatives like cheese has soared. The growing prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies is one reason for the popularity of vegan cheese, providing an alternative suitable for milk-insensitivities, does not compromise on taste or texture. The continued rise of following vegan and flexitarian diets is having a strong impact on the growth of the market because the increasing number of customers are consuming sustainable, cruelty-free products. Technological advancement in food research has made vegan cheeses more flavorful and produces just like their natural counterparts. Moreover, increasing access of these products on e-commerce platforms is creating a positive vegan cheese market outlook. According to the IMARC Group, the global e-commerce market has reached USD 26.8 Trillion in 2024.

The United States stands out as a key market disruptor, driven by the consumer awareness regarding the health, environmental, and ethical reasons behind vegan cheese turns out to be one of the significant drivers in the United States vegan cheese market. The health benefits of plant-based diets are increasingly popular among consumers, and most of them seek alternatives to dairy products due to concerns over lactose intolerance, cholesterol content, and fat content. Vegan cheese can be considered the healthier alternative when compared to conventional dairy cheese because it aligns with the larger conscious eating trend and wellness culture.

Vegan Cheese Market Trends:

The emerging trend of veganism

The increased population of vegans has also brought in a greater clientele for vegan cheese. According to reports, there were approximately 3% of the population in the United States in 2023 who followed a vegan diet, and almost 5% branded themselves as vegetarians. So, when people decide to give up or significantly lessen their intake of animal-based foods, the demand for vegan cheese is bound to grow. Furthermore, the trend has motivated retailers and foodservice places to expand the diversity of their vegan cheese choices to make them more reachable for clients. Besides, increasing demand for vegan cheese has led to the development of new products and innovations in the market. Manufacturers continue to strive for the best flavor, texture, and meltability in vegan cheese so that they are very close to the products offered by the dairy counterpart, which is also contributing to the vegan cheese market growth.

Growing awareness about health and environmental effects of dairy consumption

Consumers in the present days are becoming highly conscious of milk and dairy ingestion health issues which include lactose intolerance, allergic reactions, intake of cholesterol and saturated fats among others. Currently, research reports that approximately 65% of the world population suffers from the condition of being lactose intolerant. This has led people to take healthier options for themselves, including vegan cheese since it contains low saturated fat, is cholesterol-free, and suitable for people who have dietary restrictions or health goals. Of course, increased awareness on environmental degradation, particularly that attributed to dairy industries, has also contributed to increased interest in ecological food choices. As a plant-based product, vegan cheese significantly reduces its carbon footprint and impact on the environment compared to dairy cheese, thereby promoting market growth.

The introduction of innovative product variants

New variants of innovative product develop interesting flavors, textures, and formulations that attract consumers. These add the excitement of having a different kind of product from traditional dairy cheese, thereby stimulating demand for the consumption and addition of vegan cheese to diets. Moreover, product lines such as smoked flavors, aged varieties, herb-infused options, or even artisanal-style cheeses offer a number of choices to suit individual tastes and preferences. This diversification of product offerings enhances the overall market appeal and encourages more consumers to choose vegan cheese. Besides, chefs, home cooks, and food enthusiasts are trying various flavors and textures, involving vegan cheese into a wide range of dishes such as pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, and appetizers. This culinary versatility further increases the vegan cheese market demand. Reports say that the pizza industry market is expected to grow by another USD 42.2 Million by 2025.

Vegan Cheese Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global vegan cheese market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type, source, distribution channel, and application.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Parmesan
• Ricotta
• Cream
• Others

Mozzarella stand as the largest component in 2024, holding around 32.7% of the market. It is a variable cheese used in the preparation of diverse dishes such as pizzas, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. Its mild flavor and stretchy, melty consistency make it a popular ingredient. Consequently, the demand for mozzarella-style vegan cheese has been very high because consumers want to have plant-based alternatives to enjoy these traditional dishes. The pizza market is also one of the important segments where Mozzarella cheese finds a considerable amount of sales. Mozzarella-style vegan cheese also finds support in this area. The plant-based diet has started gaining importance and acceptance. Many pizzerias and foodservice places are starting to introduce vegan pizzas into their menu lists. The popularity of Mozzarella-style vegan cheese increases in this segment, further demanding it and establishing it in the market.

The popularity of cheddar-style vegan cheese can be attributed to its ability to closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional dairy cheddar cheese, which makes it a desirable option for individuals transitioning to a vegan or plant-based diet. 

Analysis by Source:

• Soy
• Almond
• Coconut
• Cashew
• Others

Cashew leads the market with around 37.6% of market share in 2024, as they have a naturally creamy texture and a rich, slightly sweet flavor, making them ideal for creating a rich and velvety cheese-like texture in vegan cheese. The natural characteristics of cashews have created a rich mouthfeel and enhanced the overall flavor experience, which has attracted consumers. Cashews can also be easily processed and blended into a smooth paste for vegan cheese. They can be soaked and then emulsified with water or a combination of different plant-based ingredients to achieve a smooth and creamy texture similar to that of cheese made from dairy. Yet, cashews also serve as an adaptable base for some flavors as well as vegan cheese varieties including cheddar cream cheese, and even handcrafted ones. These benefits are pushing the usage of cashews in the production of vegan cheese.

Analysis by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead the market with around 34.8% of market share in 2024. Supermarkets and hypermarkets have a variety of products on sale such as vegan cheese. The stores usually provide separate sections or shelves dedicated to plant-based and dairy-free, such as vegan cheeses, within their inventory. Because of that, it leaves room for numerous brands, flavors, and other varieties of vegan cheese to be displayed on their shelves due to its vast inventory. Their presence usually spans multiple locations in stores, thereby making vegan cheese more readily available in various regions. The numerous locations facilitate more people to try and buy vegan cheese without too much hassle. Additionally, they offer one-stop shopping; that is, customers can find a different assortment of products, amongst them vegan cheese, at one point. This convenience appeals to consumers who would like to satisfy their grocery needs in a central and accessible setting. It also saves the trouble of visiting different specialty stores.

Analysis by Application:

• Household
• Food Processing
• Foodservice
• Others

Household leads the market in 2024, as individuals and households are adopting vegan or plant-based diets, they are actively seeking vegan cheese as a dairy-free alternative. Household choices together create the overall demand for vegan cheese in the market. Manufacturers and retailers respond to this demand by offering a wide variety of vegan cheese options catering to household preferences. Apart from health, environmental concerns, and ethical reasons, people resort to vegan diets and lifestyle. As the reason for all these factors, households are aggressively looking for vegan cheese so that they can maintain their food preferences. Vegan cheese demand from health-conscious, environmentally conscious, and animal welfare-conscious households is increasing vegan cheese's market value.

Many foodservice establishments have recognized the growing demand for vegan options and have incorporated vegan cheese into their menus. This is escalating the demand for vegan cheese in the foodservice sector.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

In 2024, Europe accounted for the largest market share of over 37.9%, as plant-based products, especially vegan cheese, have experienced tremendous demand in the country. Health conscience, environmental considerations, animal welfare and related ethical issues continue to make Europeans keep adopting plant-based diets with the interest for substituting traditional dairy products. The region has the biggest population of vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians who are actively seeking vegan cheese as well as any other sort of plant-based alternatives. The matured market of a vegan provides great groundwork for growing dominance in European marketplaces in case of cheese, which would come from vegans. Aside from that, dedicated vegan stores as well as internet platforms were noticed to pop out in different areas of Europe along with more diversified supermarkets and hypermarkets combined with specialty outlets. The retail channels have significantly contributed to the increasing access of vegan cheese for the consumption of the masses across the region.

Key Regional Takeaways:
 

United States Vegan Cheese Market Analysis

In 2024, the United States accounted for over 87.90% of the vegan cheese market in North America. Plant-based diets, among which increasing vegan cheese sales stand, and increasing health-conscious consumption have dominated demand for vegan cheese in the United States. Health concerns such as lactose intolerance, dairy allergy, and requirements for cholesterol-free diets contribute to this demand as consumers switch their diet toward the consumption of dairy alternatives such as vegan cheese. As this is happening, environmental and ethical concerns regarding the welfare of animals and the carbon footprint of dairy farming are leading consumers toward a more sustainable source of food. In addition, the increased development of vegan cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, makes the plant-based cheese more attractive as an alternative for traditional cheese. The rise in the number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, retail outlets, and online platforms also supports the growing availability and accessibility of vegan cheese products. Increasing product utilization in pizza, sandwich, pasta, and others is impelling the market growth. According to reports, there are over 71,000 pizza restaurants in America. This is catalyzing the demand for vegan cheese to increase the satisfaction levels of consumers. The other positive momentum in this niche comes through the strategic collaborations made by the manufacturers of vegan cheese and other giants in food stores, where large investments in promotions for plant-based options take place.

Asia Pacific Vegan Cheese Market Analysis

Rapid adoption of the growing plant-based diet of health and environmental influence is driving the Asia Pacific vegan cheese market. In countries such as India and China, health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are rising cases that have increased consumers to seek plant-based products. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research – India Diabetes (ICMR INDIAB) study published in 2023, the prevalence of diabetes is 101 Million. In line with this, Asia Pacific nations have a strong tradition of dairy-free diets, particularly in regions where lactose intolerance is prevalent. Apart from this, growing environmental concerns associated with the dairy industry and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere have compelled many consumers to opt for alternatives like vegan cheese. Also, with growing Western food consumption and increasing international vegan cheese brands' availability in the market, the demand for this product is growing further. Expansion of options of vegan food in supermarkets and restaurants, and influence of global vegan trends, is most significant for the growth of the market. Besides this, innovative advancement in vegan cheese production, such as improved textures and flavors, has boosted the growing appetite for plant-based cheeses in the region.

Europe Vegan Cheese Market Analysis

The European vegan cheese market is nowadays growing because of health, ethical, and environmental drivers. Plant-based diets are on a growth spate in Europe, mainly due to concerns over animal welfare as well as the environmental consequences of dairy farming. Climate change and the ethical implications of animal agriculture are prompting huge numbers of consumers to take up vegan and flexitarian diets. Reports estimate that in 2023, there will be 6.62 million vegans in the European Union, which will rise to 8.25 million by 2033. More and more health-conscious consumers are also embracing vegan cheese for a dairy-free alternative to help them cut back on cholesterol and avoid lactose. This is in agreement with the countries of the UK, Germany, and France being highly focused on sustainability, in which plant-based diets are efficient in reducing a person's footprint. High-quality vegan cheese varieties, including specialties, are being introduced into markets, making consumers easily switch over from traditional dairy cheese to more plant-based variations. Besides this, the rise of vegan and vegetarian restaurant culture coupled with the mainstreaming of plant-based options at supermarkets is contributing to the quickening pace in the adoption of vegan cheese amongst individuals in the European region.

Latin America Vegan Cheese Market Analysis

The growing awareness about the health benefits of plant-based diets and a rising shift toward more sustainable food choices is offering a favorable market outlook. There is a significant rise in the number of flexitarian consumers who seek out plant-based alternatives to reduce cholesterol and improve overall health. The demand for vegan cheese is also driven by ethical concerns about animal welfare and the environmental impact of dairy production. Additionally, many Latin American countries have a high incidence of lactose intolerance, which has made vegan cheese an attractive alternative. As the region experiences a growing trend in veganism and vegetarianism, the availability of plant-based cheese via various distribution channels is making it more accessible to a wider audience. People are increasingly preferring to purchase products via online channels owing to their enhanced convenience. According to the International Trade Administration, Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America and continues to experience rapid e-commerce growth of 14.3% by 2026.

Middle East and Africa Vegan Cheese Market Analysis

The vegan cheese market in Middle East and Africa is driven through changing dietary patterns and an upward focus on healthy and sustainable activities. As of now, owing to the raised awareness of unhealthy health risks brought about by milk consumption, several consumers are approaching plant-based variants. Moreover, the region includes a large proportion of lactose intolerant citizens, which tends to make way for vegan cheese. As lactose intolerance is highly prevalent in the MENA region-often reported to be above 70%-and ethically and environmentally conscious consumers are increasingly perceiving vegan diets to be more sustainable than a typical dairy-based diet, the market growth will come from these stakeholders. Also, the existence of plant-based products in stores and the popularity of global trends regarding vegan food worldwide are motivating consumers to shift toward vegan cheese.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players within the vegan cheese market are introducing innovations in their products, strategic partnership moves, and an expanding number of distribution channels. Companies, on the one hand, will continue to engage in research and development activities as a way to further enhance plant-based cheeses towards higher taste and meltability features. More still, brands that adopt advanced cashew, almond, coconut, and oat-based formulations improve nutrition profiles and, hence, diverse diets. The leading players are partnering with restaurants, fast-food chains, and retailers to make the product more accessible and visible. Marketing initiatives in terms of influencer collaborations and social media campaigns have heightened awareness and educated consumers about the value proposition of vegan cheese.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the vegan cheese market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Daiya Foods Inc.
• Galaxy Nutritional Foods Inc. (Greenspace Brands Inc.)
• Good Planet Foods LLC
• Kite Hill
• Miyoko's Creamery
• Parmela Creamery
• Tofutti Brands Inc.
• Tyne Chease Limited
• Violife Foods

Latest News and Developments:

• January 2025: Dina & Joshua's RIND launches ALPINE SVVISS, the company's newest cashew-based, plant-based cheese. As with all the artisanal vegan cheeses from RIND, ALPINE SVVISS is gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and Kosher Pareve certified.
• January 2025: Julienne Bruno, a celebrated vegan food brand, introduced its newest creation, Mozzafiore Pearls, a plant-based substitute for traditional mozzarella pearls. Mozzafiore Pearls utilize soybeans and classic cheese-making methods to attain a soft, springy texture and creamy flavor via natural fermentation.
• November 2024: The Laughing Cow, a subsidiary of Bel Brands USA, introduced its plant-based spreadable cheese product across the country. The dairy-free option targets consumers looking for spreadable plant-based substitutes, utilizing almond milk to achieve a creamy consistency. The Laughing Cow’s vegan-certified, non-GMO item is first offered in a garlic and herb taste.
• November 2024: Bel UK declared the introduction of a completely new vegan Boursin item: a “rich and tasty” garlic and herb flavor block. It is a plant-oriented alternative to the widely favored dairy variety, created from a mix of potato starch, coconut oil, and water, along with garlic, parsley, and chives.

Vegan Cheese Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the vegan cheese market from 2019-2033.
• The vegan cheese market research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the vegan cheese industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.