BUFFALO, N.Y. — Cheese is the latest plant-based offering from Rich Products in response to growing consumer demand.
Rich’s 2021 Consumer Sentiment Survey showed nearly two-thirds of consumers expressed some interest in buying plant-based foods, the company said. Vegetable spreads and new cauliflower pizza crust sizes also are part of the newest portfolio, joining the Buffalo, N.Y.-based company’s plant-based cooking cremes, toppings, appetizers, pizza, sandwiches and more.
A vegan, non-dairy alternative to traditional cheese, Rich’s plant-based cheese is naturally cultured to deliver the melt, flavor and texture consumers expect. It is made without the top eight allergens and contains no artificial flavors or colors, the company said.
“These innovative new additions to our plant-based portfolio are on-trend and give c-stores more delicious options to attract customers seeking plant-based options,” says Alyssa Barrett, customer marketing manager for convenience, Rich Products. “Operators can easily expand their menus, satisfy customers and help alleviate some of the labor constraints so many of them are facing.”
The options work for a variety of menu applications, from pizza and sandwiches to dips and sauces, and dayparts from breakfast to late night, Rich Products said. Convenience stores also can pair it with other plant-based menu items to appeal to more consumers. The two varieties are:
- Plant-based mozzarella shreds (Four per case, 2.5 pounds each)
- Plant-based American slices (Six per case, 1.5 pounds each)
Vegetable Spreads
Designed to elevate menus and provide more vegetable-forward, nutrient-packed options, Rich’s three new thaw-and-serve vegetable spreads are made from fresh and roasted vegetables, legumes and herbs and spices, and they do not contain the top eight allergens, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, the company said. They require no chopping, blending or mixing. The three varieties are:
- Savory Italian style spread (10 pouches per case, 2 pounds each)
- Savory Southwest style spread (10 pouches per case, 2 pounds each)
- Savory Mediterranean style spread (10 pouches per case, 2 pounds each)
Cauliflower Pizza Crusts
Cauliflower has emerged as a leader of the plant-based trend with its mild, versatile flavor and ability to complement a variety of ingredients, Rich Products said, and its gluten-free seasoned cauliflower pizza crust and flatbread are available in two new sizes:
- 12 by 5 inches gluten-free seasoned cauliflower flatbread (48 per case, 5.5 ounces each)
- 7.5 inches gluten-free seasoned cauliflower pizza crust (40 per case, 3.5 ounces each)
These crusts come in a freezer-to-oven format and are made with more than 20% cauliflower.
Based in Buffalo, N.Y., Rich Products, which rolled out a new line of donuts in the fall, manufactures a variety of foodservice products ranging from pizza, seafood and salads to cakes, cookies and icings. The family-owned company operates in more than 100 countries and has annual sales exceeding $4 billion.
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