A startup is turning to microbreweries for a dairy-free twist on vegan cheese, aiming to create a product that melts like the real thing.

Ted Jin, co-founder of AuX Labs, says their bioreactor process can produce casein without cows. This could make vegan cheese cheaper and more authentic while helping struggling breweries survive.

The opportunity comes as microbreweries face tough times due to declining alcohol consumption during the pandemic. For now, AuX works with these breweries but sees a future where they provide kits for independent production of casein.

This innovation could significantly reduce environmental impact compared to traditional cheese-making and opens new possibilities in food systems beyond just dairy replacements.