Vita Pizza with Potato Cheezz is conquering school canteens
In 2022, Aviko Rixona introduced Potato Cheezz, the world’s first plant-based cheese alternative made from potatoes. Just two years later, the innovation is rapidly gaining traction: Potato Cheezz is winning international awards and is already being used by leading food producers. A great example of this breakthrough is the collaboration with QME Food Innovations and caterer Innergy. Together, we now supply the so-called Vita Pizza to around 70 schools in the Netherlands. “The pizza is a big success,” says Lucas Metsaars, Business Development Manager at Aviko Rixona. “In blind taste tests, children even preferred it over a classic Margherita.”
The Vita Pizza is not just any pizza. Its base is made from 100% whole wheat flour, combined with a Mediterranean-style tomato sauce and Potato Cheezz. Thanks to a refined fermentation process, the crust tastes just like a traditional pizza base – without the typical whole wheat aftertaste. The pizza is packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals, and fully complies with the Dutch Nutrition Centre’s Healthy School Canteen guidelines and the JOGG (Youth at a Healthy Weight) programme. “But most importantly,” Lucas emphasizes, “it just tastes really, really good.”
Sustainable alternative with minimal CO₂ emissions
In addition to taste and nutrition, sustainability plays a key role in the Vita Pizza. Potato Cheezz has a remarkably low product carbon footprint. While traditional cheese production emits an average of 6 to 10 kilograms of CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of product (depending on the cheese type), all three variants of Potato Cheezz remain well below 1 kilogram CO₂-equivalent (LCA < 1). “An impressive result,” says Lucas, “which perfectly aligns with global efforts to reduce climate impact.”
More plant-based innovations
Potato Cheezz demonstrates that plant-based possibilities go far beyond what we currently know. Within Aviko Rixona and parent company Cosun, many plant-based alternatives are in development. One of the latest is TexaPure – an ingredient that optimises both meat and plant-based products. “With TexaPure, producers can reduce the amount of meat in their recipes by up to 15%,” Lucas explains. “That not only lowers the CO₂ footprint and costs, but also improves flavour and mouthfeel.”
Vita Pizza for everyone
And the Vita Pizza? It’s not just for schools. “The good news is that the pizza is available to any food provider in Europe and the UK,” says Lucas. “School canteens, company restaurants, sports clubs, theme parks, foodservice – it can be rolled out anywhere. The pizza weighs 140 grams, is Ready to Heat, and suitable for all ages – with or without additional toppings.”
More information
Curious about Potato Cheezz’s sustainable impact? You’ll find everything in Aviko Rixona’s sustainability report or on our website.
