Strauss Group launches CowFree line with precision-fermented dairy alternatives

Strauss Group has launched CowFree, a new line of products made with animal-free dairy proteins, marking the first time such offerings have reached Israeli supermarkets. The range is built on beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), a protein identical to one found in cow’s milk but produced through precision fermentation rather than livestock farming.

The initial CowFree releases – Yotvata CowFree drink and Symphony CowFree cream cheese – are set to appear on shelves across Israel in the coming weeks. Both are fortified with calcium and provide complete proteins containing all essential amino acids. Because the protein is structurally identical to that of cow’s milk, however, the products are unsuitable for individuals with milk protein allergies.

Strauss said the Yotvata drink will carry Rubin Mehadrin kosher certification, while the Symphony spread will be certified by the Rabbanut. Additional CowFree products are expected to follow.

The launch places Strauss among the first companies worldwide to commercialize precision-fermented dairy at scale, joining a small but growing group of global players using biotechnology to create animal-free versions of key dairy proteins. The company said the move reflects its purpose of 'Nourishing a Better Tomorrow' by bringing food-tech innovation directly to consumers.

Shai Babad, President & CEO of Strauss Group, said the announcement was a milestone for both the company and Israeli shoppers. “The announcement we are making today to the Israeli consumer is part of a series of innovative initiatives led by Strauss as part of our strategy execution,” he said. “Our investment in advanced food technologies, and our ability to make them accessible to everyone, reflect both our expertise and our purpose. Our success is measured not only by business results but also by the positive impact on the community and Israeli society. We will continue to advance the food industry in Israel through innovation, excellence, and social responsibility.”

For Strauss, the product line aims to meet multiple dietary needs. Consumers who observe the separation of meat and dairy in meals will be able to enjoy a cappuccino with Yotvata CowFree even after eating meat. Those who are lactose-intolerant can consume the products without discomfort, since fermentation removes lactose. Vegans and people reducing animal-based foods can also add Symphony CowFree to their diets.

Ariella Schiffenbauer Weiss, General Manager of Strauss Dairies, framed the launch as an extension of the company’s broader dairy strategy. “The launch of CowFree marks another stage in the evolution of our dairy operations, as part of our vision to listen to our consumers and provide them with a wide variety of choices for every need and every occasion,” she said. “As a leading food company in Israel, we are committed to continuing to surprise and delight with tasty, innovative, and nutritious products – giving consumers true freedom of choice.”

Strauss emphasized that CowFree is not only about replicating dairy but about opening new opportunities in the category. Precision fermentation, the company noted, offers a platform for producing proteins at scale without reliance on cows, with potential benefits for supply stability, sustainability, and product development.

Barak Weinstein, Head of Strauss Neo, the group’s food-tech division, described the product line as a major step forward. “CowFree products are set to transform the dairy consumption experience and redefine the category,” he said. “This product line, created with unique technology, represents a turning point in the food industry. It is a category that bridges technological innovation and culinary excellence. The new products provide fresh solutions for a wide range of consumers whose needs have only been partially addressed until now. Yotvata and Symphony CowFree bring consumers great taste and high-quality protein, and open new possibilities for those who separate meat and dairy, as well as for vegans.”

Strauss is introducing CowFree at a time when global demand for alternative proteins continues to expand. Precision fermentation in particular has drawn attention for its ability to deliver authentic animal proteins without the use of animals, a technology that has seen investment and development accelerate in recent years. By bringing these products to market, Strauss has taken a step that few legacy food companies worldwide have attempted at this scale.

With more products planned under the CowFree brand, the company said it intends to broaden the range of choices available to Israeli consumers while aligning with international trends in sustainable nutrition. For Strauss, the launch reflects both its ambition to lead in food-tech and its commitment to expanding consumer choice through innovation.