BioCheese launches Australia’s first high-protein dairy-free cheese

Cheddar Shred with Protein is the first high-protein cheese product launched by BioCheese, the vegan brand owned by Bio Dairy Free. The company said the product was developed in response to demand for foods offering functional health benefits.

The new product uses BioCheese’s existing base of coconut oil, modified starch and chicory-root fibre, with pea protein added. Vicky Pappas, chief executive of My Co, the investment firm that owns Bio Dairy Free, said pea protein provided the required performance in a shredded, meltable format while fitting the brand’s allergen-friendly positioning.

BioCheese describes the product as having a rich savoury Cheddar flavour and a smooth melt. It is intended for use in dishes including salads, toasted sandwiches and tacos. The 200g pack sells for A$9, equivalent to $6.41, at a price above conventional Cheddar sold at Coles.

Pappas said the price reflected the position of the company’s convenience range. She added that narrowing the difference between the product’s price and that of dairy Cheddar was a priority, saying the company was working towards price parity.

BioCheese has sold vegan cheese in Australia since 2014 and offers alternatives including Cheddar, parmesan, feta, halloumi and cream cheese. Pappas said the launch was intended to address nutrition in dairy-free food more broadly, rather than protein alone.

The product was launched as demand for protein-related claims rises among Australian consumers. Research cited by the company identifies protein as the country’s most important on-pack nutritional detail, while Innova Market Insights has reported increased interest in high-protein and high-fibre claims, particularly in plant-based foods. The launch follows the April introduction of Nothing Else, a direct-to-consumer brand of clean-label protein-isolate powders by Australian Plant Proteins, another My Co business.