Just a quick one, in case you haven’t seen - Faux Butcher, who created the delicious cold cuts in our Christmas hampers, are back with an Easter special!
If you enjoyed the vegan charcuterie a few months back, we’re sure you’ll love their Sunday centrepiece - available in our hampers, for Easter only!
The hampers include ready-to-roast lamb, for your ultimate centrepiece (so good, everyone around the table can enjoy!) and our award-winning plant-based cheese.
Our Garlic & Herb steals the show for this meal, the key to levelling up your potato dauphinoise and serving as part of your roast... and these cheesy hot cross buns are beyond perfect for smushing a generous helping of the spread on top, a great way to start your Easter Sunday (or let's face it, any day!).
Don't forget! There's still time to buy raffle tickets and support the Dean Farm Trust animal sanctuary. If you order before Sunday 24th March, we’ll buy a raffle ticket on your behalf - you’ll be donating to a great cause, and get the chance for your order to be refunded, if you win!
Enter code LOADSOFLUCK to be in with a chance.
Alternatively, if you’re not ordering for Easter, you can still scoop up the chance to win an Easter hamper, to be delivered next Thursday!
Click here to buy raffle tickets, with all proceeds going to The Dean Farm Trust.
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At Honestly Tasty, we're proud to support The Dean Farm Trust - their sanctuary that provides lifelong homes to rescued animals and their efforts to promote animal welfare. Since our launch, we've been contributing 1% of our annual profit to their crucial work.
To aid their current fundraising efforts, we're co-hosting an Easter raffle - you could win a £50 hamper and support a great cause!
Raffle tickets are £2 each but until next Sunday 24th March 2024, every order placed = an entry into the raffle. We'll buy a ticket on your behalf and if you're the winner, we'll refund your purchase! See below for how to enter.
You can also purchase raffle tickets independently of ordering, simply head here.
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After that, we pierce the cheese (just like a dairy cheesemaker might!) and that allows oxygen to penetrate through. It’s the oxygen which ‘meets’ the cultures and ultimately causes the veining - all of which contributes towards the distinct blue bite.
From there, the wheels are left in our maturation room for 2 - 3 weeks, rind treated and hand-flipped / cared for daily, before being portioned into wedges and packaged to send on their way.
Puns aside, we’ve had a few messages about a recent batch of Blue (December 2023) and we now realise that we sent some cheese out prematurely…
Our ever so important ‘cultures’ (like the Penicillum Roqueforti that’s key to developing a distinctive Blue bite) were held up way longer than expected at Customs recently, so when we eventually got hold of them it was a race against time to produce and dispatch / replenish fridges.
Essentially, they didn’t get the time they needed in our maturation rooms. Our hope was that the wedges would continue to mature in transit, so that by the time they reached you, the veins, and the taste, had developed - but we now understand that wasn’t always the case.
If you have received a wedge like this, it’s a good idea to wrap it loosely in foil and leave it in the fridge to mature for 4 - 7 days longer!
Not sure what to look for? Drop us a message!
We have an exciting opportunity that we're thrilled to share with you. Loyal supporters of our brand and mission are invited to become an integral part of our journey by investing in our upcoming crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs. In this article, we'll speed-walk you through the world of crowdfunding, explain how you can be a part of it, and share why your investment matters.
What Is Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a way for businesses like ours to raise the funds that help us grow and thrive. Instead of relying solely on traditional sources of financing, we are turning to our incredible community of customers and supporters to help us take the next big step.
Why Should You Invest?
Support a Brand You Believe In: If you've been a customer of ours, you already know what we're all about. By investing, you're not just supporting a company; you're investing in a brand that resonates with you.
Be part of our growth: Investing in our crowdfunding campaign grants you an opportunity to actively shape and participate in our exciting journey toward growth and success.You'll become a shareholder in our company, which means you'll have a stake in our success.
Shape Our Future: Your investment won't just provide us with the financial means to grow; it could give you a voice in our decision-making processes. Your input will be valued as we move forward together.
Why Seedrs?
We've chosen Seedrs as our crowdfunding platform for several reasons:
User-Friendly: Seedrs offers a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for you to invest and track your investment.
Trusted Platform: Seedrs is a trusted and established name in the crowdfunding industry, with a proven track record of successful campaigns.
Transparency: Seedrs ensures transparency throughout the investment process, providing you with regular updates on our progress.
How Can You Invest?
Investing in our crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs is simple:
Join Us on This Exciting Journey
We believe that our community of customers is the heart and soul of our brand, and we're excited to embark on this next part of the adventure. Your investment will enable us to continue innovating, expanding, and serving you better. Together, we can achieve remarkable things (that might sound cheesy, but hey - look who you're talking to!).
Stay tuned for updates on the crowdfunding campaign launch, and we can't wait to have you on board as part of our growing family of investors.
Thank you for your continued support,
Mike, Beth & The Honestly Tasty Team 🧀
]]>Our Christmas Collection returns! Four plant-based hampers packed with a selection of the finest, artisan vegan cheese and festive foodie essentials. Explore the options below and select the perfect size to suit your preferences and household.
The Little Christmas Collection: scoop up our award-winning Shamembert, Blue, Bree and Garlic & Herb - alongside 3 new hamper exclusives...
Introducing
The Christmas Collection: features all that, plus a UK exclusive from dutch vegan cheesemakers Willicroft. Warm up winter nights with their fondue cheese, perfect for when your pals pop over. Also in the box:
The Bigger Christmas Collection: want more? Get everything listed above, double up on some seasonal specials and discover new cheese…
The Ultimate Christmas Collection: cheers to that! Enjoy an abundance of plant-based culinary delights, a little more Christmas charcuterie to see you through - and sample The Canned Wine Co’s exquisite range: perfectly portioned tipples that pair wonderful with all the foodie treats.
Lemon & Dill:
Smoked Good-a:
The results of Great Taste Awards 2023 were announced yesterday and we’re so pleased to share that three of our best-selling cheeses scooped up the prestigious stars! Our beloved vegan Blue was awarded two, with Bree and Shamembert each donning their own.
When we started on Honestly Tasty, we set out on a mission to challenge stereotypes surrounding vegan cheese and to offer a product that stands up to traditional dairy-based cheeses in taste, texture, and overall experience... so winning these awards is a significant milestone, and we hope it's one that signals a shift in perception. Plant-based, packed with taste!
Vegan cheese has revolutionised the culinary world, offering a delicious alternative to traditional dairy-based cheese. Gone are the days of weird smelling concoctions with iffy aftertastes!
While it's perfect for classic applications like topping pizzas and making sandwiches, this versatile plant-based ingredient can be used in countless creative ways to elevate your everyday cooking. In this article, we'll explore some hacks to utilise vegan cheese beyond the usual, such as in creamy dressings, savoury dips, or even desserts.
Creamy Vegan Cheese Dressings: Instead of reaching for store-bought dressings, why not create your own luscious and dairy-free dressings using vegan cheese as a base? Blend together some vegan cheese with a splash of plant-based milk, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and your favourite herbs and spices. The result is a rich and creamy dressing that pairs perfectly with fresh salads or roasted vegetables. We recommend our Garlic & Herb for this!
Cheesy Vegan Savoury Dips: Impress your guests with delectable savoury dips featuring vegan cheese (not that they'd guess it!). Melt down your preferred vegan cheese with some plant-based milk, then add ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, or a sprinkle of paprika for a burst of flavour. Serve the dip with crispy tortilla chips, toasted pita bread, or crunchy vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetiser. Give this a go with our Blue, or even our Shamembert! If you go for Shamembert, 'slice off' the lid and then bake before mixing in extra flavouring and using the rind as an edible bowl!
Vegan Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms: Take your stuffed mushroom game to the next level by filling them with a vegan cheese mixture. Create the filling by combining vegan cheese, finely chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and a dash of nutmeg. Stuff the mixture into mushroom caps and bake until the cheese is gooey and the mushrooms are tender. These delectable morsels make for a scrumptious party or dinner party appetiser. Our truffle-y Bree works super well!
Vegan Cheese and Herb Pull-Apart Bread: Transform a simple loaf of bread into a show-stopping centrepiece with vegan cheese and herb pull-apart bread. Cut deep slits into the loaf and stuff them with a mixture of vegan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake until the bread is crusty on the outside and oozing with cheesy goodness on the inside.
Vegan Cheese Dessert Delights: Believe it or not, vegan cheese can play a role in satisfying your sweet tooth too! Create a delightful vegan cheesecake by blending a plain vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and your choice of sweetener. Pour the mixture over a biscuit base and let it set in the fridge. Top with fresh fruit or a fruit compote for a decadent and guilt-free dessert. Should we start making a dessert cheese?!
Incorporating vegan cheese into your everyday cooking opens up a world of delicious possibilities. From savoury dips and dressings to mouthwatering desserts, the versatility of vegan cheese knows no bounds. So, let your creativity flow and experiment with these innovative hacks to take your plant-based cooking to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore dairy-free options, these ideas will undoubtedly leave you craving more of the delectable goodness that vegan cheese brings to your culinary creations. Happy cooking!
]]>Gournay cheese is often presented in a round or cylindrical shape and wrapped in foil or wax paper. Ours comes in a handy pot! It is commonly enjoyed spread on bread, crackers, or vegetables. The creamy and savoury flavours of Gournay cheese make it a popular choice for appetisers, cheese platters, and as a versatile ingredient in various recipes. Here are 5 ways you can enjoy our plant-based garlic and herb:
Garlic & Herb Cheese and Crackers. It's a popular, spreadable cheese that needs nothing fancy added!
Garlicky, herby, cheesy pasta
Cheese & Tomato Tart
Cheese & Cucumber Sarnies
A recreated classic. Perfect for vegan afternoon tea. You'll need...
Instructions:
These sandwiches are simple to make, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying during relaxed gatherings or when you want to treat yourself to a light and flavourful snack. They're especially good if you're saving room for all the sweet treats that afternoon tea has to offer!
So there you go... these are just a few ideas that showcase the creamy and herb-infused flavours of our garlic & herb cheese. Whether enjoyed simply with crackers or incorporated into creative recipes, this cheese adds a delightful burst of flavour to any dish. Enjoy exploring and indulging in its creamy goodness!
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1. Brie (bree) and Caramelised Onion Tart: Create a delicious tart with the combination of caramelised onions and Brie cheese:
2. Brie (bree) and Roasted Vegetable Tart:
3. Brie (Bree) and Apple Grilled Cheese:
4. Brie (Bree) and Mushroom Galette:
5. Brie and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms:
These ideas allow you to savour the creamy and decadent flavorus of Brie without using dairy. They are perfect for appetisers, light meals, or vegan-friendly options that demonstrate the many delicious ways it can be enjoyed in the same way as dairy. Have fun experimenting and indulging in the deliciousness of vegan Brie!
]]>Blue cheese is known for its distinctive flavour and creamy texture. Ours is cultured with penicillium roqueforti and matured over several weeks, so it's often mistakes for dairy... despite being 100% plant-based and vegan friendly certified!
Here are five delicious ways to use our blue cheese:
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delicious and elegant appetisers. Clean and remove the stems from large mushroom caps. Fill each mushroom cap with a mixture of blue cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped herbs like thyme or parsley. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm as a delightful hors d'oeuvre!
These are just a few ways to showcase the versatility of our plant-based blue cheese. Whether sandwiched into a burger bun, used in a salad or a sauce - our blue cheese adds a bold and tangy flavour to elevate your dishes. Enjoy experimenting and discovering different ways to savour this cheese. For more recipes, head here.
]]>1. Baked Camembert: Baking Camembert brings out its creamy and gooey texture, making it perfect for dipping or spreading. Follow these steps for a simple baked shamembert:
2. Camembert and Fig Jam Crostini: This elegant appetizer combines the creaminess of Camembert with the sweetness of fig jam on toasted crostini.
3. Camembert Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts: This salad combines the creaminess of Camembert with the tanginess of dried cranberries and the crunch of walnuts.
4. Camembert Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Elevate your classic grilled cheese sandwich by using slices of Camembert for a melty and indulgent twist.
5. Camembert and Fruit Pairings: Camembert pairs wonderfully with various fruits, creating a delightful combination of flavours.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with your own creative uses for our vegan camembert. Whether baked, melted, or served alongside other ingredients, it adds a touch of indulgence to any dish. Enjoy exploring the delicious possibilities!
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With the rise in popularity of plant-based diets, vegan cheese has become a sought-after alternative to traditional dairy cheese. Whether you're a committed vegan, exploring a dairy-free lifestyle, or simply looking to reduce your consumption of animal products, vegan cheese now offers a delicious and cruelty-free way to enjoy much loved tastes and textures! In this beginner's guide, we'll explore what vegan cheese is, its various types and flavours, and provide helpful tips for incorporating it into your culinary adventures.
What is Vegan Cheese?
Vegan cheese is a dairy-free cheese alternative made from plant-based ingredients. It typically mimics the taste, texture, and meltability of traditional cheese without the use of animal products. Instead of dairy milk, vegan cheese is often crafted from plant milks such as almond, soy, cashew, or coconut. These non-dairy milks are transformed into creamy bases using techniques like fermentation, culturing, or blending with natural thickeners.
Some types of Vegan Cheese:
A) Nut-Based Vegan Cheese: Made from soaked and blended nuts like cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts, nut-based vegan cheeses offer a rich and creamy texture with a distinct nutty flavour. b) Soy-Based Vegan Cheese: Crafted from soy milk, soy-based vegan cheeses come in a variety of styles such as slices, shreds, or blocks. They offer a mild and versatile base for a wide range of flavours. c) Tofu-Based Vegan Cheese: Often used as a base for vegan cream cheese or ricotta-style cheese, tofu lends a smooth and slightly tangy profile to these dairy-free alternatives. It can also be used in sweet dishes, like vegan cheesecake!
Flavours and Varieties:
Vegan cheese comes in a diverse array of flavours and varieties to satisfy every palate and increasingly, you'll find an option to replace most dairy classics:
Tips for Enjoying Vegan Cheese:
Be open-minded. Open yourself up to a world of possibilities and don the term 'ethical eater' with pride. From nutty to meltable, soft to artisanal, there is bound to be at least one vegan cheese to suit every taste and occasion. And if you make just one small change, in the long run you can help make a big impact. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned vegan, we hope this guide will give you a little more confidence when exploring the diverse and delicious world of dairy-free cheeses! So, grab a slice, spread it on a cracker, or melt it into your favourite dish, and savour the planet-friendly and flavourful experience that vegan cheese can to offer.
Remember to enjoy the process of exploring different vegan cheese options and experimenting with new flavours. Not liking one doesn't mean you won't like them all. With a bit of creativity and an open mind, you'll find that vegan cheese can be a delightful addition to your plant-based culinary adventures.
]]>We spotted this ^ convo in a vegan facebook group, specifically referring to our beloved Blue! Hope this explains any queries or questions you might have, but if you want to run anything by us - you can always drop us an email (support@honestlytasty.co.uk) or slide into our DMs on any social platform.
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You can now find our three best-selling vegan cheeses in 166 Marks & Spencer stores nationwide (predominantly mainland UK, but in Belfast and in Dublin too!).
From the very start, one of our goals has been to make seriously good vegan cheese more widely available - easily accessible and more affordable too. We’ve always shared that as we scale up, we’ll aim to bring the costs down - and testament to that, you’ll notice lower prices in store (and being rolled out across the board).
We’ve worked incredibly hard to adapt production, to ensure that we don’t compromise on taste or texture, but do adjust aspects of the process in order to bring prices down. We’re confident - based on sales and extensive feedback - that our cheeses win awards for a reason - but we’ve always understood that price might be a barrier, so really hope that recent changes truly reflect our ongoing commitment to bringing honestly tasty vegan cheese to the masses!
Chris Dawson – M&S Dairy Buyer said: "We're excited to be stocking Honestly Tasty's plant-based cheeses. Plant-based alternatives to dairy are seeing increased demand, so we know our customers will be thrilled to discover these cheeses on our shelves’
Beth Moore, co-founder of Honestly Tasty shared her thoughts on the achievement too, stating that "we're super proud of this, and want to say a huge thanks to everyone involved in the process. That's the great team at M&S but also every single person that’s championed our cheese, our brand and our story. From investors and loyal customers, to those that have bought gone on to recommend us to a friend - we are so grateful for each and every one of you!"
And speaking on the launch, Mike Moore (founder & CEO) added "following the hugely successful rollout via Ocado, we're beyond pleased to add Marks & Spencer stores nationwide, to the ever-growing list of place you can find our Honestly Tasty plant-based cheese."
In the coming weeks and months we've got new product launches and revised recipes - with updates on lower emission products and allergen free options, so to kick this all off by adding a new, nationwide stockist to the list, is a huge achievement.
Check for a store near you: M&S Locator.
]]>After a hard job sampling all four (hey, someone had to!) I paired each SXOLLIE xider with our Honestly Tasty plant-based cheeses. So, if you’re looking for a little fun one evening, consider inviting some pals around for a ‘cider tasting flight with cheese pairings’ and work out whether or not you agree with my favourite combos below.
P.s. I've not lost my marbles, or replaced the C on my keyboard with a X… speaking to the Sxollie team, they explained that…
“You haven’t tasted cider until you’ve tasted award-winning SXOLLIE. Made naturally only your favourite eating apples, grown in the sunshine – nothing else. It makes for a decidedly different cider. That’s why we call it xider.”
SXOLLIE Cripps Pink & Honestly Tasty’s Garlic + Herb
SXOLLIE Cripps Pink felt like one of their more summer-y ciders, and whilst our garlic & herb cheese is popular all year round - it definitely has less to prove at a picnic (it should be part of every spread!) and I can see why these two work well together. Maybe it has something to do with the slight sweetness (SXOLLIE recommends it with dessert!) but again, tasting notes aside - I just enjoyed this combination… because it tastes good. Sorry sommeliers…
SXOLLIE Granny Smith & Honestly Tasty’s Vegan Brie (Bree)
I think the granny smith xider was my favourite, it certainly felt like the one most likely to go really well with each different cheese (acknowledging that you won't always have time or inclination to indulge in a full flight tasting!). It was pale, crisp, tart and refreshing and whilst I might have been indoors at 8pm, mid-March, I felt closer to 4pm on a Friday in July! Served super cold, I enjoyed it irrespective of the pairing… although call me biassed, I enjoyed it even more paired with our cheese! Perhaps something about the acidity of this cider marries it up well with the hints of truffle in our vegan brie, and/or perhaps it's the way it cuts through the rind and creamy texture... whatever it is, it works and I recommend it.
SXOLLIE Golden Delicious & Honestly Tasty’s Chilli Ched
SXOLLIE Packham’s Triumph & Honestly Tasty’s Vegan Blue
So there you have it. A layman’s guide to cheese and cider combos - let me know what you think! Buy the cheese on site or shop SXOLLIE xider here.
]]>The idea behind Honestly Tasty is to redefine cheese for vegans and non-vegans alike. With options like Blue, Bree, Chilli Ched Spread and Shamembert, vegans and the curious won’t have a shortage of options to figure out.
In this interview for DeliveryRank we talked with Ailis Anderson, responsible for Marketing, Brand and Comms, to know more about the foundation of Honestly Tasty, the products they offer and challenges they had to overcome.
If you’ve tried plant-based cheese, then you know there’s a problem! We started Honestly Tasty in 2018 following a series of events… that January, Mike (our founder, who leads alongside his sister Beth, co-founder!) decided to use #Veganuary to kickstart his journey and change his ways (crazy to think that was only 5 years ago!!). Not long after, he was on holiday with some pals… in France. Not that it hadn’t been apparent in the UK, but in France he was really confronted by how terrible the vegan options were… and there was nothing truly delicious replacing dairy cheese.
Following an investigative trip to Berlin, he set up camp at Granny Joyce’s… turning a vacant room into a mini manufacturing kitchen! Kitted out with basic tools, he set to work. Stirred, fermented, matured…. And waited. After many attempts and weird smells coming from the fridge he shared with a flatmate, our Blue cheese was born. Made using a combination of new technology and traditional cheese-making techniques, it went down a storm!
Mike quit his job (he’d been working in the city and fitting cheese trials around his banking role) and Beth joined the company. And the journey to creating honestly tasty plant-based cheeses continued from there.
Gosh - there have been highs and lows for sure and challenges crop up along the way but we've built a community, both of trusted stockists and partners that enable our growth and also of other vegan cheese makers - where possible, sharing knowledge that we hope means the sector will grow and gain popularity. That community first and foremost though, is made up of our incredible customers!
We continually want to ensure that we’re making plant-based products that aren’t just “the best vegan option” but are delicious within their own right. We don’t want to make “great vegan cheese” because we want it to be “just great cheese” that happens to be made without dairy… so we’d say more recently our challenges have been around working to replace casein in order to make truly authentic alternatives. Caseins are milk proteins and play an integral part in cheese making - responsible for how well and how quickly the milk clots and forms a curd... they dictate the texture and, in layman’s terms - the cheesiness!
It’s an award-winner for a reason! Matured over several weeks with real penicillum roqueforti (akin to the dairy version) it’s got a distinctive blue bite. The difference, namely, is the protein used. Beyond that, we think they’re a pretty close match!
Our core collection currently comprises three bestsellers; a vegan brie, alternative to camembert (Shamembert) and our Blue. They’re the most widely available, stocked around the UK by independent sellers alongside Ocado, Selfridges and Planet Organic. Online, they’re complemented by a Garlic & Herb (fast gaining popularity!) and two soft ched alternatives. We’re working on two additional firm cheeses at the moment that we’re giddy with excitement to share details of soon…
Extending the shelf life of our products has been a real journey for us, and not without its challenges - especially because we don’t use any “nasties'' but through various trials, and tweaks along the way, we’ve recently managed to extend it from 8 - 12 days to 1 month. And as for shipping, we rely on couriers for the last leg but ensure orders are sent out in eco-friendly chilled packaging via a fast delivery service! Again - it’s any area we’ve run lots of tests in!
Oh for sure - and it’s really brilliant to see the sector thriving. Eating a plant-based diet doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste, or enjoyment. It doesn’t have to mean eating boring, bland food. And it doesn’t have to mean giving up cheese. Like some other amazing players in the plant-based industry (Oatly, This, Omni etc) we’re in business to create food for thought. Food that actually changes the way the world thinks about what we eat. About how plant-based really does make a difference, to animal welfare and protecting our planet. We do this by making cheese that is so damn tasty, there is no reason not to go plant-based. Changing perceptions and ultimately behavior.
Our vision is to become the leading producer of high quality plant-based cheese.In just the next few months we’ve got some really big wins to share with everyone and we can’t wait to spread some cheesy cheer. New products, increased availability and better accessibility remain a focus…and we’re excited!
Whether you want to impress your pals with a plant-based spread, prove to your family that plant-based doesn't mean having to compromise, or just give yourself a metaphorical and scrumptious pat on the back, styling a cheeseboard can be a little bit of fun.
First and foremost - you need some seriously good dairy free cheese on the board and we’ve got you covered!) and as long as you have crackers and something a little sweet or fruity - it's hard to go wrong. That said, if you fancy pulling out a few more stops, we've put together a guide for you. With notes on our favourite cracker/chutney combos and tips on curating the board itself - you'll be set to show off and might even regret it when you see just how popular you become!!
An authentically blue vegan cheese that’s matured over time - made with real Penicillium Roqueforti. It’s almond based, so smooth but firm, and with all of the distinct blue taste that you’ve been missing! We love to pair our Blue with Rubies In The Rubble’s pear & fig relish. The slow cooked pears and warming spices go perfectly with the creamy blue cheese (and the Rubies team gain bonus points by working with UK farmers to gather up ‘imperfect’ pears and fight against food waste).
Our Shamembert just won best vegan cheese at The Vegan Food & Living awards! Styled on a classic camembert it's creamy and indulgent, encased in a rind. Perfect for smearing a chunk on a cracker, or baking in the oven (find our guide here) for a seriously ooey, gooey feast.
A spreadable mature cheddar alternative; sharp and tangy but soft in texture, it was made to be piled high on a cracker. If you’re a fan of a Ploughman’s board, we’re sure you’ll love pairing it with a classic apple chutney, or even a good spoonful of Piccalilli.
Our vegan alternative inspired by Boursin, this gournay stle cheese is an absolute all-rounded. Pair it with fresh figs of pears, or a fruity chutney to bring out all of the herby, garlicky goodness!
Call us crackers, but we get real serious when it comes to finding the perfect vehicle for cheeses and chutney. If you opt for an oozy, baked sham then tearing off chunks of crusty bread is hard to beat, but if we’re talking cheeseboards - crackers are must.
Now that you’ve nailed the cheese, crackers and chosen a chutney, why stop there? There are a couple of sides that we rely on to take our cheeseboard game from good to great (or heavenly!). Deliciously salty olives are a must for us, alongside a mixture of grapes to sweeten the deal - classic suggestions for good reason. But dark chocolates that almost crunch add something to the mix. In season fruits, or a chunk of quince jelly. Pickled onions? That one's up to you!
With such an array of tasty treats piled onto your board - it’s sure to look drool-worthy. But, if you’re really looking to wow, we have a couple of tips to help you step up your game:
Giving this a whirl? Tag us in your photos on social - we really love to see your amazing creations. Use the hashtag #SayVeganCheeese
In Mike’s words, “our mission, from day one, has been to make game-changing plant-based cheese as widely available as possible… so we’re over the moon to announce this launch! Special thanks go to Freya and Grace from Ocado, for their work in getting us onto their (virtual) shelves, because knowing that our cheese is now easier than ever to get hold of is such a big win!”
Speaking on the launch, Freya O’Mara, Senior Buyer, Cheese at Ocado Retail, said:“We’re super excited to be launching Honestly Tasty on Ocado.com - it feels like a true step change in bringing quality, dairy free alternatives to cheese lovers and we’re pleased to be at the forefront of this innovative launch!”
Ocado joins existing stockists including Holland & Barrett, Planet Organic, Selfridges and a plethora of incredible indie stores, as we continue to challenge perceptions and drive a change in behaviour. It’s another exciting step on our journey to make our vegan cheese as widely available as possible and is the first of many exciting announcements planned for Honestly Tasty this year!
About Ocado Retail
Ocado.com (operated by Ocado Retail) is the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, and is a joint venture between Marks & Spencer Group and Ocado Group.
Delivering to over 80% of the UK, more than 940,000 active customers benefit from an unbeatable range of around 50,000 products (including big-name brands, more than 5,000 items from the M&S food and drink range and Ocado's Own-Range), unbeatable service with next-to-no substitutions, and the most sustainable grocery proposition of any British grocer.
Every order is carefully packed in one of seven distribution centres using world-leading software and technology. Shopping is then delivered directly to customers using a network of regional spokes and fleet of delivery vans. Ocado developed the first grocery shopping app in 2010 and continues to innovate, offering customers the best possible experience.
Ocado Retail is also responsible for Zoom by Ocado, its rapid grocery delivery service.
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Time and time again, you’ll hear people say that vegan cheese tastes like old socks (or much worse!) and a serious love of good cheese is what makes a switch to plant-based or vegan so hard for so many… but with 83% of Veganuary participants in 2022 stating that they planned on permanently changing their diet by reducing their intake of animal products, we’re doing everything we can to make it easier to access honestly tasty vegan cheese all year long!
The online supermarket OCADO reported that vegan cheese sales increased by 24% in January 2022 vs January 2021 while dairy sales declined by 9% compared to December as consumers tried plant-based alternatives for Veganuary… (we love to see it!) but come February 1st without fail, the hush dies down and it becomes trickier and less delicious to sustain a plant-based or vegan diet without compromise. We're here to help!
To learn more or to place a wholesale order, head to Rowcliffe’s and they'll be happy to help.
Stats taken from Veganuary’s Business Toolkit for 2023.
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Over the last year we've been working hard with an incredible team of creatives, to help us put our story into words. We've crafted our identity and made it clear what we stand for, why we do what we do, and how we go about it - because if you've tried plant-based cheese, you know there's a problem.
Mike started Honestly Tasty in 2018 to fill a huge, wedge-shaped gap in the market. To prove that plant-based doesn't mean compromise, and to create cheese so honestly tasty that it truly changes behaviour. And we wanted to make sure that across the board, we were doing the right things to get everyone on our side.
We played around for quite some time before landing on a winner but we were keen from the beginning to ensure our products stand out. You should feel good when you pick them up, because you're doing good. And, you're going to eat something great. So whether you're unboxing an online order or picking us up off the shelf, we want to cut through the noise. We want our cheese to look like cheese, because it is. Plant-based, and packed with taste. The colours reflect the taste profiles you might expect and we worked to included strength numbers to denote flavour - much like lots of dairy cheese that you see in the supermarket.
Both on pack and in play, we wanted to dial up the cheesiness so our colour palette is heavily inspired by the colours we associate with cheese (accented by blue and white to give a nod to traditional dairy cues).
Piccadilly Blue gets its name from the underground line of our North London home, and so is also a subtle nod to our provenance. And a mature orange, and soft cream, bring pace and contrast to our applications.
Have a look around, make yourself at home. We've made it a more delicious place to explore. We'll make sure we're here more too, sharing updates and news and thoughts on things as they develop. We've made it easier to add to cart, to find products and to browse recipes. Let us know what you think.
We've reformatted our recipe section to make it more user-friendly and we hope it'll encourage you to sneak around. Give recipes a go, drop us a message if you want to chat about them - or if you'd like to see us create something plant-based and cheesy. We'd love that.
Kicking things off, we've worked with a wonderful plant-based creator to rustle up a signature dish - a hero recipe - for each of our cheeses. We've made them tweak-able, accessible and honestly tasty. Made for midweek, or for sharing. We've got it all in mind.
Absolutely. We could go on a bit, but we'll save some for later. For now, a huge thank you for being part of the Honestly Tasty journey.
Over the coming weeks we'll continue to unveil more on the process that got us here, sharing our values and core beliefs. The things that really make us tick. But one thing that won't change? We're going to keep on making plant-based cheeses for people who love cheese. Using only the very best ingredients, we bring together fresh thinking with traditional cheese-making techniques. No dairy? No compromise.
For those curious about how we're already scaling up, and for those wondering how their Honestly Tasty cheese is made, we've filmed a few short clips to give you a flavour of what goes on...
First up, check out this very cool piece of kit! As we started to scale up, we enlisted the help of experts to design and create bespoke machinery - helping us to continue embracing traditional cheese making techniques whilst also adopting new, novel approaches and ultimately - enabling us to make more cheese 🎉.
Ever wondered what your Shamembert looks like before it's matured? So much care and precision goes into every single wheel, individually formed before the maturation process commences and the rind begins to grow! This depositor helps speed things up accurately and efficiently, with rounds custom made to spec so that every Shamembert measures up right ✅.
If you want in on the action, there's still a little time left to join in the discussion and pledge your support. We're itching to get going and bring some new honestly tasty cheeses to market as soon as we can (you feta believe it!).
Vegan investment fund Veg Capital, headed up by Veganuary Founder Matthew Glover, has invested £250,000 in Honestly Tasty, enabling us to fly past our crowdfunding target and take us to 146% funded, still with 20 days left of the campaign.
On the investment, Cliff Johnson of VegCap shared the following…
“Cheese is, at times, the last step for people on their vegan journey, including myself. Honestly Tasty is making that step much easier and we at Veg Capital are excited to support their continued growth to remove animals from the cheese equation”
We also have the support of other incredible angel investors, including JP & Alex Petrides (founders or AllPlants), Tim Rowcliffe - of Rowcliffe & Son's Cheese wholesaler, John Gulliver - FTSE listed company CFO/COO, and plant-based investors Johnson Resolutions.
We can now accelerate our NPD pipeline to bring novel plant-based cheeses to market quickly. These will include a cultured, melting, hard cheddar as well as a firm, smoked cheese; a stilton alternative; and a Wensleydale. We’re so excited to get stuck in.
New products aren’t the only thing we’re working hard on, we’re also looking forward to revealing a fresh new look following a rebrand, in Autumn 2023 and alongside that, having created a state of the art, plant-based cheese factory in North London, we’re truly excited to use the funds raised in order to grow our team and drive expansion through our ongoing conversations with national wholesalers and retailers.
We’ve grown >11x between Y1 and Y3 and can’t wait to continue our journey with the knowledge and experience that the Veg Capital Team brings to our table. We’re here to take artisan plant-based cheeses to a new level and drive a change in perception towards plant-based alternatives… continuing to prove that plant-based does not mean compromise.
We are now overfunding, and our Seedrs campaign is open until 6th July - giving you the chance to join our mission and become an investor. Visit the campaign page here. Capital at risk.
On that note, huge thanks to the 285+ investors that have already pledged their support. Cheese to that 🎉.
Investing involves risks, including loss of capital, illiquidity, lack of dividends and dilution, and should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio. This page has been approved as a financial promotion by Seedrs Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 550317).
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