The country's best vegan cheeses will go head-to-head in the national vegan cheese awards being held in Auckland tonight.
The Vegan Society is holding its second national vegan cheese awards in Auckland tonight. Photo: The Vegan Society
It is the second time The Vegan Society's holding the awards to celebrate everything vegan cheese.
Over 30 cheese's from around the country will be judged by food and beverage industry judge Aaron Pucci, president of NZ Chef Association Jasbir Jazz Kaur, veteran vegan cheesemaker Alara Varnel and owner of Auckland restaurant Khu Khu, Michael Khuwattanasenee.
Plant cheeses are usually made from cashew or other nuts, kumara or coconut oil.
Vegan Society spokesperson Claire Insley said July was actually vegan cheese month so it was a great time to excite Kiwis about this burgeoning industry.
"With the increasing number of delicious vegan alternatives to dairy cheese coming onto the market, we are delighted to showcase their excellence and let Kiwis taste the best for themselves. No longer will people have to guess which is the best vegan cheese for melting on pizza, or to put in a sandwich, our awards will let them know which is the best.
"Kiwis just love their cheese and can often find it hard to give up. That's why so many plant based cheese producers have stepped in to fill this market niche."
Supermarkets know that vegan cheese is on the rise as they are seeing a 30 percent increase in plant based foods, especially in the chiller section, Insley said.
The cheesemakers Let Them Eat Vegan would be the ones to beat this year - last year they took out the Supreme Winner award with their cheddar spread, Insley said.