Cream “cheese” and the Whole30īecause so many people reported missing cheese on the program, and because these cheese recreations were designed to mimic the texture and taste of the real deal, I fully expected Whole30’ers to struggle with the inclusion of these products. Then, we waited and watched… and what we found over the next few years surprised me (in the best way possible). Over the next few years, the Whole30 team made it clear across all of our messaging that while homemade “cashew crema,” unsweetened coconut yogurt, and almond milk “cream cheese” were technically compatible with the Whole30, these products could easily become “food with no brakes,” and to consume with caution. They understood our position, and we agreed to stay in touch. If we ever decide to change our stance and bring this category into our partnership, Kite Hill is my absolute first choice to work with, so I’ll certainly get in touch. Note, nut cheeses and dips ARE still (compatible) on the program, with a strong caveat that these should be used with caution, especially if you know you rely on cheese as a comfort or stress-relieving food, OR if cheese is a trigger for other food cravings (like wine or crackers). As we’ve learned, a Whole30 Approved endorsement is often seen in the community as carte blanche to enjoy the food or beverage without thinking critically about whether that item is appropriate for their Whole30. Because cheese is so often a crave-worthy comfort food, and because the program is designed to help people break unhealthy attachments and emotional relationships with food, we’ve decided not to bring any cheese recreations into our official Whole30 Approved program. In a 2016 social media survey, a surprising number of Whole30’ers said the food they comfort themselves with the most when they’re not on the program is cheese.
I still hadn’t seen much chatter about Kite Hill products in the Whole30 forum or on social media, but I was afraid once they grew more popular, trouble would brew. When their marketing director reached out in 2018 to inquire about a potential partnership, I still wasn’t convinced their products were right for our program.
We agreed to stay in touch, but at the time, I told them I’d have to think a bit more about how or if their products were a good fit for Whole30. But I had a lot of doubts about how their products would be used, and whether they had a role in a healthy Whole30 reset. While their products weren’t yet well-known within the Whole30 community, I was immediately impressed with the taste, texture, and ingredient panel, and knew they were a technical fit for the program rules. I first connected with Kite Hill at the trade show Expo West in March 2017.
I’m here to answer all of these questions, and give you a peek into how Whole30 HQ thinks about the program, the rules, and our recommendations, including who we choose to elevate as Whole30 Approved partners. However, I’m certain many of you are asking, “Why are you promoting a cheese replacement as Whole30 Approved? Doesn’t that fall under the Pancake Rule? And since Kite Hill has been on the Whole30 scene for many years… why now?”
(Don’t knock it until you try it.) Adding our Whole30 Approved seal to their line of dairy-free cream cheese and ricotta was an exciting moment for all of us on the Whole30 HQ team. I’ve been a fan and user of their products for many years, and love nothing more than swiping, smearing, and slathering a layer of their delicious flavors over my Whole30 meals, veggies, and most recently, meat sticks. Of course, Kite Hill isn’t at all new to Whole30’ers, or me. It’s official! We’ve happily welcomed Kite Hill to our Whole30 Approved family.
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