{"id":4190,"date":"2021-11-30T15:06:48","date_gmt":"2021-11-30T21:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/?p=4190"},"modified":"2022-01-20T18:28:35","modified_gmt":"2022-01-21T00:28:35","slug":"cheese-please","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/en-CA\/viewpoints\/cheese-please\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheese, Please!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cheese, Please! <\/h1> <\/div><\/div>

Creamy, comforting and oh-so versatile, cheese is synonymous with many consumers\u2019 favorite meals and snacks. Creative operators, retailers and manufacturers are taking the opportunity to play up the indulgent appeal of cheese across dayparts, while also emphasizing its high protein content.<\/strong><\/p>

On the restaurant side, cheese is commonly found in dishes with social media appeal. Cheese and charcuterie boards are growing in US restaurants, with everything from \u201cbuild-your-own\u201d options to carefully curated platters. A caf\u00e9 in Texas even offers cheese and meat in a cone for on-the-go eaters.<\/strong> In Japan, innovative desserts feature layers of colorful, multi-textured ingredients\u2014including cream cheese foams. Kakigori, or shaved ice, can be topped with strawberry, mango or matcha cheeses. Cheese also serves as an eye-catching burger or sandwich topping. An African fast-casual chain features burgers topped with indulgent ingredients such as deep-fried cheese patties\u2014a fun format that sets this dish apart.<\/p>

Cheese-forward snacks range from sweet to savory, often with a nod to nutritional value or healthful attributes.<\/strong> These claims can be useful for targeting various demographic groups. Snacking is the driving force for cheese category growth in Asia, with options like almond cheese bites in South Korea and thick, creamy Taiwanese cheese tea beverages introducing consumers to new flavors and formats. Cheese on its own is a common snack throughout Europe, while South American consumers enjoy sweet cheese snacks on the go\u2014such as cottage cheese with guava, apple-cinnamon or strawberry toppings. Energy bars and snack mixes can also be great ways to bring cheese into the snacking space.<\/p>

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Consumers across North America<\/strong> believe that cheese is a good source of protein, and that sentiment is reflected in the items found on retail shelves. Roasted garlic and Gruy\u00e8re, and bacon, mushroom and Swiss are some of the unique flavors that have launched in the sausage category with high-protein claims. In the UK, halloumi \u201cburgers\u201d serve as a meatless high-protein option with convenient preparation methods. Which brings us to another facet of the cheese trend: the plant-based revolution.<\/strong> Some of today\u2019s most interesting cheese products are actually dairy free. Vegan versions of smoked Gouda, mozzarella and more can be created with nuts and legumes to meet consumer demand.  <\/p>

In markets where cheese consumption is just starting to emerge as a trend, chefs and manufacturers can spark trial and curiosity by introducing different types of cheese into familiar recipes. Educating consumers is the key to success!<\/strong><\/p>

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