From the Blog
New Vendor! Rebel Cheese
Give up cheese and eat it too.
Once upon a time, two lifelong foodies found themselves at a crossroads. Having embraced a vegan lifestyle, their cravings for traditional Swiss-style cheeses grew ever stronger—a longing fueled by cherished memories of spring picnics and festive holiday charcuterie spreads. Yet, every plant-based cheese they tried failed to capture the flavors and textures of their past joys.
Determined not to settle, they embarked on a culinary adventure in their home kitchen. They studied under dairy experts and challenged everything they thought they knew about vegan cheese. Countless experiments—and just as many failures—followed. Eventually, their persistence paid off: they succeeded in creating actual cheese made from plants, with all the complexity and delight they remembered.
Their journey took them from aging cheeses in a tiny wine fridge to overseeing production in a 9,000-square-foot factory. Along the way, their passion resonated with cheese lovers and vegans alike. Their company, Rebel Cheese, quickly gained a following and was even featured on Shark Tank in December 2023.
Founders Fred Zwar and Kirsten Maitland captivated the sharks with their story and flavors, ultimately striking a deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for $750,000 in exchange for 10% equity.
Rebel Cheese’s innovative approach didn’t just win over investors. They were named Best Artisanal Cheese by both readers and editors, narrowly clinched the top spot in the Veggie Awards, and became a Nexty Award finalist in the Dairy Alternative category. The New York Times took notice, too, highlighting their Austin-based creamery as a true game-changer in the world of plant-based cheese.
Their crowning achievement, a cave-aged Brie, is meticulously tended by hand, boasting a creamy, mild center and a bloomy rind that brings just the right hint of funk. Together with favorites like smoked cheddar and tomato herb fromage, Rebel Cheese continues to inspire new traditions and tastiest memories for all who seek gourmet flavors made from plants.
New Pioneer Food Co-op
New Pi is a food co-operative, owned by over 35,000 members, home-grown in Iowa. We welcome everyone to our store, regardless of membership, and focus on local and sustainable food solutions. New Pi has strong roots in Iowa City’s local food community, and continues to partner with local growers, food, and sustainability organizations to enrich Linn and Johnson County communities.