Cheese Without Cows: Lebanon’s Plant‑Based Innovation in Dairy Alternatives
Lebanon’s culinary traditions are rich with dairy, from labneh and kishik to creamy desserts. Yet growing health concerns and ethical implications are reshaping the market, encouraging consumers to explore alternatives that align with wellbeing and compassion. Lebanese producers are responding to this shift by pioneering plant‑based cheese and milk alternatives, some of which are V‑Label certified. To showcase this transformation, we have prepared a selection of leading brands and their innovative products, highlighting how local producers are redefining dairy with healthier, ethical, and sustainable options.
Interview with Nuhad Sheikh, an Animal Rights Activist, Founder of Refq, & Creator of The Vegan Yogi
The Middle East Vegan Society had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Nuhad Sheikh, a vegan and animal rights activist whose motivations have changed because of her first rescued cat. In addition to being the creator of "Asante" bags—an artistic idea with opulent finishing that is created ethically and with love—Nuhad is also the founder of "RefQ," the first NGO in Northern Lebanon aimed at helping animals. Nuhad is also the creator of "The Vegan Yogi," plant-based foods for which her product, Vegan Yogi Labneh, recently got featured among Horecasho Innovations of the Year.