The Rise of Cheese Snacks
The Vegetarian Alternative Conquering the Foodservice and QSR Industry
In recent years, a remarkable shift has taken place in the food industry, with more and more people opting for vegetarian and vegan options. This change in dietary habits has led to a growing demand for tasty alternatives to traditional meat dishes. One notable trend we are witnessing is the increasing popularity of fried cheese snacks. In this blog post, we will discuss why fried cheese snacks are gaining popularity in both the foodservice and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry and how they provide a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
- The rise of vegetarian and vegan diets:
More and more consumers are choosing to reduce or completely eliminate meat from their diets. Whether for health reasons, ethical considerations, or environmental awareness, the demand for vegetarian and vegan options has grown exponentially. This has forced food companies to provide creative and flavorful alternatives that meet the growing needs of consumers. - The appeal of fried cheese snacks:
Fried cheese snacks offer a combination of two factors that appeal to many people: the satisfying taste of cheese and the crispy texture of fried food. By frying cheese, a unique flavor experience is created that attracts both meat lovers and vegetarians. The creamy and salty nature of the cheese contrasts perfectly with the crispy exterior, resulting in an irresistible snack. - Diversity in cheese varieties:
Another advantage of fried cheese snacks is the diversity of cheese varieties that can be used. From mozzarella to cheddar, and from camembert to goat cheese, there are countless variations possible. This diversity allows the foodservice and QSR industry to offer a wide range of flavors and textures, making the snack appealing to a broad audience. - Foodservice and QSR Industry respond to the trend:
The foodservice and QSR industry have quickly responded to the growing demand for vegetarian alternatives, and fried cheese snacks have become a popular choice on menus worldwide. From cafeterias to fast-food chains, more and more restaurants are adding fried cheese snacks to their offerings. These snacks can be served as appetizers, as part of a meal, or even as standalone snacks.
As a producer of processed cheese, St. Paul has the ability to create delicious cheese fillings for fried snacks. With our expertise, we can create different cheese combinations and flavors specifically developed for fried cheese snacks. From creamy melting cheese fillings for mozzarella sticks to delightful flavorful fillings for fried camembert, St. Paul can provide the perfect cheese filling that will indulge consumers’ taste buds.
We have developed several cheese snacks in collaboration with our customers that are currently trending and receiving a lot of attention in the foodservice and QSR industry, such as:
- Mozzarella Sticks: This classic snack has always been beloved but is now gaining even more popularity. Mozzarella stick fillings are produced on our mozzarella line according to an Italian recipe. The mozzarella stick is then breaded and fried. The melted cheese with its incredible stretch, combined with the crispy exterior, is a winning combination.
- Camembert Bite: The Camembert Bite is a snack with a crispy breadcrumb coating and a filling of melted camembert cheese. The result is a combination of a crunchy exterior and a creamy, smooth interior. Camembert bites are often served with a dipping sauce that complements the cheese flavor.
- Chili Cheese Nuggets: Chili cheese nuggets are small, bite-sized balls made from a mixture of cheese and chopped jalapeno peppers. They are typically breaded and then fried until golden brown and crispy. These snacks combine the creaminess of melted cheese with a spicy kick from the peppers.
- Cheese Pillows: Cheese Pillows are filled puff pastry appetizers with a soufflé cheese filling that we have specially developed. This processed cheese is particularly suitable for snack processing due to its melting properties. The cheese becomes soft when heated but does not melt out. This snack offers a delightful combination of crispy puff pastry and melting cheese.