We are the first and only dairy-free, artisan, plant-based cheesemaker in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland! That’s a mouthful, but so are our 100% dairy-free, plant-based, cultured and non-cultured alternative cheese products.
The long and short of it is, we think that no one should have to go without the things they love most in the world. So for me, a cheese-lover-til-I-die, I missed that most of all when I went first went vegan. But from the moment I gave up dairy, my asthma cleared, I was off all inhalers, my eczema cleared and I felt so much better overall, so there was no going back. Plus I love my planet, the environment & the cows way too much to ever consume dairy again. So, I had no choice, I had to make my own!
The journey begins
After 10 years of experimenting like a mad scientist with different recipes and live cultures using various techniques like dehydrating and culturing, I found a way that I could scratch that proverbial cheese itch, without sacrificing my health or that of the planet!
So a few years ago, when we moved to Scotland, I was building up my nutritional therapy practice and thought it would be a good idea to do some of the local farmers markets to get to know the community; I also really just wanted to offer some healthier options that I just wasn't seeing locally. Within months, word had spread and Left Coast Culture was born.
What moves us
We care deeply about the future of food, about the impact we have on the planet and those in it, and of course, about our own health. Plant-based eating is not perfect, but it does reduce so much of the harm to our planet. The positive impact it makes is really the driving force behind all of our decisions.
What we do and where we do it
Everything we produce is lovingly handcrafted by us, small batch and with so much love and care. We are supported by such a rich, incredible community here in the Highlands and beyond as our customers now reach from John O'Groats to Brighton! ,We love and value, each and every person that has continued to express interest, love and support and it is because of this community that we were able and continue to make it through these challenging times.
Depending on what we're making, we use some traditional cheese-making techniques where we use traditional (plant-based) cultures, form and age the cheeses, on others we use various plant-based ingredients to come up with tasty flavours for our meltable cheeses, we also use temperature controlled environments, some modern techniques we’ve learned along the way and a whole lotta love! And, of course, all of our products are 100% tested on willing humans.
Our products are not only for those who can’t or choose not to eat dairy, but for anyone who loves good food and has a curious spirit. That makes our products the most inclusive of all! They really are for everyone.
Why “Left Coast Culture?”
Although now living amongst the incomparable landscape of the Scottish Highlands, I am originally from Western Canada, born in the beautiful province of British Columbia; home for me is the gorgeous West Coast (often referred to as the “left coast” for its progressive political leanings) and Alberta.
Naming the company Left Coast was my way of having a little bit of home with me here in the Highlands. As for the “Culture” part, well it’s a bit of a play on words really. In a nutshell (pardon the pun), some of the cheeses and spreads I make are cultured with live, bacterial enzymes of some sort, so there is that!
But, the other side to it, is because there is definitely a subculture around the plant-based lifestyle. For many, myself included, it is more than a diet, it is more than a passing fad, it is a way of living and being and I feel very grateful and happy to have found it and be a part of it.
I also want to try and create some positive change in the world, if I can. I want to help change those stereotypes of what vegan/dairy-free cheese is like, I want to help people make those leaps to a healthier life, to help people feel better while at the same time helping the cows and the planet- so for me- this is really about creating a culture of sorts, a community if you will.
If I can help be a part of some sort of change in perception, in our customs and behaviour in our society where food, the environment, animal welfare, and our health intersect - then I would have achieved something I can be proud of and essentially this is my mission! We believe a just and sustainable future is plant-based and we’d love you to join us.
