A SOMERSET cheesemaker has started the New Year with a bang after its plant-based cheeze scooped a national award.

Applewood Vegan, part of the local Norseland cheese portfolio, recently won its 15th award at the Veggie Awards 2023.

The accolade was earned by their increasingly popular Applewood Vegan Bites.

This plant-based snack, described by award judges as "little bites of joy," was granted the silver gong in the vegan fridge/freezer category.

This is the second recognition for this specific product, which only hit supermarket shelves last spring.

The success story is further sweetened as judges concluded that in terms of taste, these vegan bites are almost indistinguishable from their non-vegan counterparts.

They said: "It has a mouth-watering smoky Applewood smell and taste, along with a soft, pleasingly creamy texture - not too crumbly.

"Delicious!"

Brand Manager for Applewood Vegan, Ffion Davies said: "What a way to start 2024, collecting our 15th award for Applewood Vegan - and our second for the Bites in less than a year as the Bites also won the Gold Award in the Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative category in the prestigious International Cheese Awards last summer."

Highlighting the product's attributes, Ms Davies noted that the bites, each containing only 45 calories, are perfect for anyone seeking healthier snacking options.

She said they are tailor-made for lunchboxes for both children and adults.

Applewood Vegan Bites are full of vitamin B12 and calcium.

The product is formed from coconuts, ensuring it is dairy, lactose, soya, gluten, and palm oil-free.

Norseland, situated in Ilchester, Somerset, provides a range of dairy and vegan cheeses.

Applewood's Vegan Bites can be purchased in Morrisons and Asda stores across the United Kingdom.