The Business of Alt Protein: Consumer taste preferences in dairy-free products
Caroline Cotto
NECTAR
Event description
Based on blind sensory analyses of 98 dairy-free products across 10 categories with more than 2100+ consumers, NECTAR’s report explores which dairy-free categories are winning with everyday eaters, where the biggest gaps remain, and what the sensory data tells us about the road ahead. Attendees will learn how to apply NECTAR’s public sensory dataset to their own work, with practical takeaways for formulators, brands, and investors alike. The presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A.
Meet the speaker
Caroline Cotto
DIRECTOR OF NECTAR, FOOD SYSTEMS INNOVATIONS
Caroline Cotto is a Director at Food System Innovations (FSI) where she leads NECTAR, an initiative accelerating the protein transition with taste. By conducting large-scale sensory panels of sustainable protein products and operationalizing the resulting data, NECTAR aims to create category-level value and empower stakeholders across the supply chain to make sensory-informed decisions. Prior to FSI, Caroline co-founded Renewal Mill, an award-winning upcycled food startup. She served as the inaugural board president of the Upcycled Food Association, the world’s first trade association for upcycled brands. She regularly mentors food, tech, and circular economy startups. Caroline studied at Georgetown University and served as a Fulbright Fellow (Taiwan). She has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30, 50 NEXT by 50 Best Restaurants, and Grist 50 lists.
Upcoming events
View all events
2026 Climate Solutions Prize Festival
Bruce Friedrich joins the Climate Solutions Prize Festival to explore why the future of climate action must include the future of food.
From Planning to Competitive Proposal: Advancing Alternative Proteins Planning Grants Information Session
Join us to gain a clear understanding of the program and how to position your work for larger-scale funding.
The Science of Alt Protein: Plant protein colloidal state and techno-functionality
Take a deep dive into the importance of the colloidal state of proteins when using globular plant proteins as functional food ingredients.
Business of Alt Protein: The Importance of Sensory Science for Alternative Proteins
Join us on June 30 for a Business of Alt Protein webinar on the importance of sensory science for alternative proteins.
