After a long delay in the release due to “unforeseen production challenges,” I’m happy to announce The Laughing Cow Plant-Based Wedges are now arriving in stores. The Garlic & Herb variety is rolling out first, exclusively to Whole Foods stores. But starting in spring, both the Original and Garlic & Herb flavors of Laughing Cow dairy-free cheese wedges will begin hitting other grocery stores nationwide.
Laughing Cow Plant-Based is Rolling into the Dairy-Free Cheese Section
It took them 150 years to get started, but the French cheesemaker known as Bel is gaining momentum in the industry of cheese alternatives. They successfully launched Dairy-Free Boursin in 2020, followed by Plant-Based Babybel in 2022. And beginning this month, you’ll be able to find the following Laughing Cow Plant-Based spreadable cheese wedges in the vegan cheese section.
Garlic & Herb
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almond), coconut oil, sunflower oil, modified food starch, corn starch, tricalcium phosphate, less than 2% of each: salt, pea protein, citrus fiber, garlic powder, parsley, lactic acid, citric acid, spice, onion powder, natural flavor, yeast extract, chive, cyanocobalamin (vitamin b12). contains: almond.
Nutrition (per 1 wedge): 35 calories, 3g fat, 60mg sodium, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein. Fortified to achieve the following RDA percentages: 10% calcium.*
The Laughing Cow Plant-Based FAQs
What are the Ingredients for the Original Variety?
Bel Brands hasn’t released the ingredients for the Original just yet. The Garlic & Herb Laughing Cow Plant-Based wheels are landing in stores now, but the Original isn’t rolling out until spring. But we imagine the ingredients will be pretty much identical, minus the garlic and onion powder.
Do they Really Taste like Classic Laughing Cow Wedges?
According to representatives at Bel Brands, it’s pretty darn close. In addition to flavor and texture, the cheesemakers at Bel Brands worked to recreate the classic experience of eating a Laughing Cow cheese wedge. Consumer feedback was key in creating that nostalgic “creamy, smooth, and soft cheese texture that spreads beautifully onto crackers, vegetables, and more.”
Are The Laughing Cow Plant-Based Cheese Wedges Truly Dairy Free?
The short answer is yes, they are dairy-free by ingredients. Please note, that there will be some confusion over the “vegan” products created by Bel Brands. Their Boursin Dairy-Free, Babybel Plant-Based, and the new The Laughing Cow Plant-Based wedges are all made without any dairy ingredients. However, the original announcement of the wedges was paired with a new Nurishh product line from Bel Brands that is made with “animal-free dairy.” Nurishh was a dairy-free brand, but now they have a dairy line that is labeled as “animal-free.” Confusing? Indeed. Just know that The Laughing Cow Plant-Based cheese alternative is not dairy and is made with dairy-free ingredients (as listed above), according to the company.
Will there be More Laughing Cow Dairy-Free Flavors?
Yes! They are currently working on spicy flavors of Laughing Cow Plant-Based Wedges that they hope to release in 2025.
More Facts on The Laughing Cow Plant-Based Wedges
- Price: $4.49 per 8-wedge package
- Availability: The Laughing Cow Plant-Based Wedges are sold at Whole Foods stores in the U.S. Starting in spring 2024, they will also roll out to the Kroger family of stores and other major grocers nationwide.
- Certifications: The Laughing Cow Plant-Based Wedges are Certified Vegan.
- Dietary Notes: By ingredients, The Laughing Cow Plant-Based Wedges are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, keto-friendly, and vegetarian.*
- For More Product Information: Visit the Laughing Cow website at www.thelaughingcow.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.