Shavuot is here — and while tradition says “bring on the dairy,” Israeli food-tech startups are saying, “let’s reinvent it.”
From lab-grown casein to potato-based milk proteins, Israel is rapidly becoming a global leader in the next generation of dairy: sustainable, animal-free, and wildly creative.
Here are five exciting innovations reshaping how (and what) we pour, spread, and slice this Shavuot.
From Spuds to Spreadable: The Potato That Became Cheese
Meet Finally Foods, the company turning potatoes into dairy. Yes, really.
Using genetic engineering, Finally Foods developed a method for growing casein—the key protein in cow’s milk—inside potatoes. The result? A plant-grown, animal-free protein that can be used to make real cheese and yogurt. It’s creamy, sustainable, and a game-changer for dairy lovers who care about the planet.
Milk Without the Moo: Fermenting the Future
Imagindairy is creating milk proteins like casein and whey through precision fermentation. By using engineered yeast, they produce proteins that are molecularly identical to those in traditional milk—without a single cow in sight.
The kicker? These proteins can be used to make animal-free dairy products that taste, cook, and behave just like the real thing. It’s techy, tasty, and totally in tune with modern values.
Peas Please: The Rise of Cowpea Milk
Say hello to Better Pulse, an Israeli startup making dairy alternatives from cowpeas (black-eyed peas).
This legume-based milk isn’t just rich in plant protein—it’s also water-efficient, soil-friendly, and a smart choice for climate-conscious eaters. Think of it as the future of oat milk… with more bite.
Stretch Goals: Real Cheese, No Cows Required
Craving that stretchy, gooey cheese pull—but want to skip the dairy? DairyX has the answer.
Using fermentation and bioengineering, they’ve recreated casein proteins that give cheese its signature texture. This means dairy-free cheese that melts, stretches, and satisfies—no compromises, no animals.
Remilk Revolution: When Creaminess Meets Clean Tech
Remilk is scaling up fast with its fermentation-based dairy platform. Their milk proteins are lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and antibiotic-free, but chemically identical to those in cow’s milk.
Already approved in multiple countries, Remilk is building the world’s largest animal-free dairy facility in Denmark. It’s not a dream — it’s happening.🌿
Got a favorite dairy-free brand or recipe you love for the holiday? Share it in the comments below — we’d love to hear what’s on your Shavuot table.