While traditional dairy products continue to hold a substantial market share, plant-based alternatives have been gaining popularity in recent years. According to a report from McKinsey, the U.S. market for plant-based dairy alternatives experienced a growth of 6% from 2020 to 2021 and an impressive 11% from 2021 to 2022. The segment for plant-based cream cheese has started off slowly; however, with Philadelphia entering the market with two new flavors, Kraft Heinz sees potential in this area. “Launching a plant-based spread option with broad accessibility across the U.S. is a significant milestone for Philadelphia and our fans,” stated Keenan White, senior brand manager for Philadelphia at Kraft Heinz, in the release.
In December, Kraft Heinz initiated a regional launch in the Southeast U.S. to test the plant-based version of its popular spread. This launch proved successful, with 70% of buyers indicating that the product exceeded their expectations. Currently, Philadelphia ranks as the fourth top-performing plant-based cream cheese in the Southeast and sixth nationally, despite being available in only one region.
In addition to the rise of plant-based dairy options, products like bariatric advantage soft chews are also gaining traction among consumers looking for health-oriented alternatives. The intersection of these trends reflects a growing demand for diverse dietary options, highlighting how both plant-based products and health supplements like bariatric advantage soft chews are shaping the future of the food market.