California-based animal-free dairy producer New Culture has debuted its mozzarella product at Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles.
The tasting event took place on 7 June 2023 and was hosted by chef and restaurant co-owner Nancy Silverton, with a group of chefs, culinary influencers and media invited to try the product.
Described by the company as “the first of its kind,” the mozzarella is made using New Culture’s methods of creating animal-free dairy by replacing the essential dairy protein in cheese – casein – with an animal-free version produced through precision fermentation.
According to the company, the process makes it possible to replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy products while “radically” reducing cheesemaking’s environmental impact and without using any animal inputs. The cheese is lactose-free, cholesterol-free and free from any trace hormones or antibiotics.
As part of New Culture’s partnership with chef Silverton, the event gave guests the opportunity to try the mozzarella, which will launch on Pizzeria Mozza’s menu in 2024. Silverton said that New Culture has developed “something truly distinctive”, adding that the cheese has the “fantastic texture and meltability” of conventional mozzarella thanks to the animal-free casein.
The four-course meal was designed and prepared by Silverton and the Pizzeria Mozza team, designed to showcase the cheese’s versatility. It was chunked, shredded, sliced and baked in a variety of different menu items including pizza and arancini.
Matt Gibson, co-founder and CEO of New Culture said: “The evening was an incredible debut for our mozzarella! It’s such a privilege for New Culture to be partnering with the legendary Nancy Silverton to introduce our cheese to the world.
“This is a major step in our journey and a reflection of how far our team has come towards creating delicious, sustainable animal-free dairy that everyone can enjoy.”
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