Daiya Foods and partners invest $16M to enhance plant-based cheese

Daiya Foods, Ingredion, Ingredion Plant Based Protein Specialties and Lovingly Made Flour Mills are combining their expertise to use Canadian pulses, such as pea and fava, in the development of new protein ingredients and plant-based cheeses.

A combined total of $16 million has been invested into the project, with Protein Industries Canada committing $5.8 million and the partners together committing the remainder.

“The value of investing in these companies lies in the outcomes of projects like this one,” said PIC CFO Kassandra Quayle said. “This investment is providing benefits to all of Canada. It’s strengthening our economy, and providing our families with new, great-tasting less expensive food options.”

Throughout the project, Ingredion and IPBPS will turn Canadian pulses into functional ingredients for use in Daiya’s plant-based cheeses. At the same time, Lovingly Made Flour Mills will develop extruded pulse ingredients for use in Daiya’s products.

“At Daiya, our goal has always been to create plant-based products that deliver the same taste and texture experience as traditional dairy. This collaboration allows us to improve the nutritional profile of our cheeses while ensuring they match the flavour and quality that consumers expect from dairy products. By incorporating Canadian pulses and advancing our fermentation technology, we’re excited to bring even better-tasting, protein-rich options to the table that are accessible to all Canadian families,” said Jamie Siu, Daiya Foods’ director of advanced research & technology.