At Bidfood, we recently launched NORTHERN BL°C ice cream into our range. We’ve caught up with the team to get to know them and their offering a little better…
NORTHERN BL°C was launched in 2014 at the height of the street food revolution. Chefs were in, food was in — think tasting menus, sharing plates, seasonal ingredients and tiny dishes served ‘as and when they’re ready’. But no one was doing ice cream.
Enter NB°C. Using a blend of classic and pioneering techniques with premium ingredients and imaginative flavour profiles, we set out to change the ice cream game. From delivering samples to bars and restaurants around Leeds to serving our creations at street food festivals. We believed it was time for ice cream to be at the centre of the plate.
Fast forward 10 years: ice cream, reimagined
A decade later, NB°C has become a true expert in crafting indulgent ice cream. With just over 30 bold flavours in our lineup, at least half of them are vegan.
Why? Because we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy incredible ice cream without compromising on flavour or texture.
In 2018, we launched our vegan range – premium ice cream that just so happens to be made with vegan ingredients such as coconut oil, rather than milk and cream. Driven by a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, we wanted to create ice cream that could be enjoyed by consumers who follow a vegan diet, or are simply seeking a sweet treat.
“We use a mixture of vegetable derivatives, primarily pea and coconut, to create the cream-like texture and taste in our vegan ice creams. Our NPD process is always evolving, thanks to our experienced NPD team, to make sure we’re always creating the best vegan product we can”
Josh LeeNORTHERN BL°C Co-Founder
Vegan products: a growing demand
The demand for vegan products is only increasing. In 2021, research by The Grocer found that 15% of UK consumers had cut dairy from their diet and a further 42% had reduced their intake. As well as 20% who said they were buying more vegan in general.*
Furthermore, consumers are no longer just looking for vegan options – they want premium alternatives.
At NB°C, we pride ourselves on delivering a premium vegan product. Just like our dairy range, our vegan ice creams are versatile, and a hit with both chefs and customers alike. NB°C is now featured in some of the most innovative and exciting venues across the country, proving that great ice cream can be inclusive without compromise.
Pioneering the future of vegan ice cream
We’re constantly innovating, and our newest vegan creation is a must-try: Caramelised Biscuit Ice Cream. Sweet, creamy, and bold, this flavour is a real crowd-pleaser.
Our current bestselling vegan flavours are real classics. They include:
- Alphonso Mango & Passionfruit Sorbet
- Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla
- Caramel Sea Salt
Each one delivers the indulgence you expect from ice cream the only difference is that they’re vegan.
Seamless menu integration: versatile options for chefs
We know how important it is for chefs to offer versatile vegan alternatives that can be seamlessly swapped into existing dishes. Our vegan Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla is one of those perfect options. It’s creamy, rich, and works just as beautifully on its own as it does in a dish.
But we also love getting creative and pushing the boundaries of flavour. Our vegan Chocolate Blood Orange ice cream introduces a distinct, bold profile that brings an exciting twist to vegan menus.
Creative pairings: elevate your desserts
Looking for inspiration? Many of our restaurant stockists are using our vegan ice creams to create unforgettable pairings. For example:
- Our vegan Raspberry and Sorrel Sorbet is a sharp, zesty match for rich desserts like a dark chocolate torte or brownie. The fruity notes enhance the chocolate’s deep flavour without overpowering it, creating the perfect balance with every bite.
- For a timeless dessert, consider Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream. It’s a classic combination that can easily be made plant-based by swapping in our vegan Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla.
Discover More
Want to learn more about NORTHERN BL°C and explore our full range of vegan and dairy ice creams? Click here: Northern Bl°c brand solutions.