Animal-free ice cream brand Coolhaus widens its scoop in Singapore

Animal-free dairy products seem paradoxical, but Perfect Day, a California-based food tech company, makes Coolhaus ice cream without cow's milk.

By Kenneth SZ Goh / 6 Nov 2022

Dessert, ice cream, Kenneth SZ Goh

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With chunks of dark chocolate and peanut butter swirls, Coolhaus ice cream looks every bit the indulgent treat — except it doesn’t contain cow’s milk. Instead, the American ice cream is made from animal-free dairy developed by scientists.

Launched in Singapore in July, Coolhaus is produced by Perfect Day, a California-based consumer biology company that makes animal-free dairy and products such as cream cheese, milk and ice cream. In 2020, Perfect Day produced the world’s first animal-free whey protein through precision fermentation. In this process, genetically engineered microorganisms are used to produce specific products, including whey protein, rennet in cheese and enzymes and flavouring agents in food products.

A digital copy of whey protein’s genetic sequence, similar to those in cows, is mixed with microflora, sugars, vitamins, and minerals in a fermentation tank. After the mixture is metabolised, whey protein is produced and then filtered and dried into pure protein powder that can be made into various food products.

Molecularly identical to cow protein, whey protein has the same nutritional value, and its products yield a rich, creamy mouthfeel. Perfect Day supplies its protein powder to food manufacturers producing animal-free dairy products. Earlier this year, it collaborated with confectionery giant Mars to produce its first animal-free chocolate bar, and it recently announced a tie-up with food conglomerate Nestle to pilot animal-free milk. In the past year, Perfect Day has increased its production of protein powder by 500 per cent due to mounting demand, according to spokesperson Anne Gerow.

Besides being a food supplier, Perfect Day also runs four consumer food brands, including Coolhaus and whey protein powder brand California Performance Co., which are available here.

Bringing animal-free dairy ice cream to Singapore

A Coolhaus pop-up event (Photo: Coolhaus)

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Coolhaus’ ice cream has been a hit since the brand launched here in July, says Li Zhengxi, Perfect Day’s Singapore Country Manager. In pop-up events, the brand distributed 3,000 scoops of ice cream every day for four days. Founded at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2009, it has six flavours, including Peanut Butter N’ Fudge, Mint Chocolate Chip and Vanilla.

Besides being retailed at major supermarkets such as FairPrice and CS Fresh, it has also collaborated with the Privé restaurant chain on a peanut butter ice cream pie. Li also shares that the production volume of Coolhaus ice cream, made locally from Perfect Day’s whey protein powder, has doubled month-on-month.
Our main target audience consists of those who love dairy. Many consumers are also attracted to us because it is lactose-free. After having to stay away from dairy products due to being lactose-intolerant, they can finally indulge.

Related: Where to find the best gourmet ice cream and gelato in Singapore

A more environmentally-friendly ice cream treat

Coolhaus

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Having a planet-friendly, sustainable production process also resonates with millennials and Generation Z, who make up a large portion of customers who have also taken to the fun and quirky branding.

“They want to be socially responsible and contribute to the sustainability movement in their small way,” Li adds. According to Perfect Day, animal-free dairy generates up to 97 per cent fewer greenhouse gases, uses up to 99 per cent less water, and consumes about 60 per cent less energy than traditional dairy.

In addition, animal-free dairy products are an alternative for consumers who want more lactose-free options instead of plant-based products, says Li. The increasing number of coffee joints that use oat and soya milk also indicate that there is a demand for it.

However, It is important to note that one of the challenges of introducing Coolhaus to Singapore is the low awareness of animal-free food products among consumers.

Giving consumers the opportunity to sample the product and compare it to dairy counterparts is one way to address this issue. Li says, “When they realise that it tastes good, has nutritional value, is cholesterol-free, has price parity, and is better for the planet, it will lower the barrier to switch from dairy products.”

Later this month, Coolhaus will launch four new flavours, including Mocha Fudge and Hojicha ‘N Boba, as well as its Sammies ice cream cookie sandwiches. By the end of this year, Perfect Day will also launch a new milk brand here. Additionally, Li says local food manufacturers partnering with Perfect Day, will launch more animal-free dairy products next year.

Related: Gourmet Ice Cream: the scoop on the best ice creams to keep close

Dessert, ice cream, Kenneth SZ Goh