Jessie’s Pizza in Hallam serving up plant-based toppings for vegan customers
It looks like a standard pizza but this cheesy creation from a Hallam pizzeria is not what it seems, and foodies are lining up to take a bite.
South East
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The young manager of a Hallam pizza joint is on a mission to leave no pizza lover behind, with a vegan creation that looks too good to be true.
Chloe Appelman, 22, who manages Jessie’s Pizza, said she reached out to the community on Facebook last year to see what people wanted from their local pizza shops.
“I posted in the Melbourne Gal Pals and received more than 350 comments and the majority said vegan cheese,” Ms Appelman said
“It was something that we looked at and worked with our stock suppliers to make sure they could get it for us and we tried it and starting selling it from there.”
She said customer feedback had been extremely positive.
“We had so many people come in saying they had seen our post in Melbourne Gal Pals and other vegan groups.
“When it comes to vegan it’s a lifestyle choice and we respect that and want to cater for everyone. We also have halal, gluten free and our vegan cheese also benefits our lactose intolerant customers.”
Over the past few years, the number of vegan products on store shelves and in eateries has skyrocketed. Vegan cheese comes in many varieties and it is made from an assortment of plant-based ingredients.
Several different nuts are often used for vegan cheesemaking and cashews are the most versatile because of their creamy texture. Tapioca, tofu, yeast and almonds are also used for vegan cheese.
Ms Appelman said the owners of the family-owned business had been supportive of her career.
“I was really lucky – when I turned 16 I got a job here and I started off as a junior working three to four nights a week.
“When I left school the owners offered me a traineeship that lead to management and I’ve been so lucky to have these opportunities and support.”
“I also want to thank our customers for their ongoing support of the business – we’re very appreciative.”