Much-loved brand FLORA, more commonly known for its range of spreads, is entering a new category, launching a thickened plant cream that pours, whips and cooks just as well as its dairy counterparts.
With over 25 per cent of the population believing they have a food intolerance1, dairy milk alternatives are on the rise in Australia, with a 14.6 per cent increase during 2020-212.
Currently, the plant-based cream category is dominated by products that utilise coconut and oat as their base, imparting an underlying flavour to dishes. Until now there has been no direct substitute for dairy cream that shares the same great taste or cooking ability.
Made from lentils, FLORA thickened plant cream has a clean, neutral taste, is 100 per cent plant- based, palm oil free and vegan, giving cooks back some flavour control.
Head of marketing, Anita Hancock, explains that the introduction of FLORA into the plant-based cream category is the first step in the brand’s roadmap towards becoming 100 per cent plant-based.
“For FLORA, we recognised a real gap in the cream category with no current plant-based alternative for those who enjoy creamy sweet and savoury dishes without compromising on taste or performance. This is why we’ve developed a thickened plant cream to rival the competition,” Hancock says.
“As we move toward becoming 100% plant-based, this is our first step in the market. Our plant-based cream is not just for those with lactose intolerances or dairy avoiders, it’s for everyone trying to include a little more plant in their week.”
Amassing over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and food service industry, Upfield chef Wesley Valenton believes that this plant-based cream will change the way we cook.
“As a chef, I’m always looking for plant-based alternatives to dishes that are attainable and currently there hasn’t been such a versatile plant-based cream option on the market that stands up in the kitchen – whether cooking hot sauces or preparing cold desserts; this new product fills that gap perfectly, changing the way we look at dairy alternatives.
“I have been lucky enough to trial FLORA’s thickened plant cream and it has pleasantly surprised me with how similar it is to a dairy cream, with the added benefit that it doesn’t split or curdle under high heat, acid or alcohol applications.
“It’s smooth and thick, suiting every dish – from soups and pastas to all types of desserts like a velvety chocolate tart or even as a base for a dairy-free ice cream – all without an underlying coconut taste,” says chef Wesley.
The FLORA Thickened Plant Cream 500ml RRP: $6.50 can be found in the chilled section in all major supermarkets.