People start their business based on a passion, and that is precisely what Margaret Coons, founder & CEO of Nuts For Cheese and 2025 EOY Entrepreneur of the Year Ontario, is known for.
Nuts For Cheese started in 2015 at a farmer’s market in London, Ontario, out of a desire and passion to create and share delicious, plant-based cheeses with others. While working as a vegan chef, Margaret started experimenting with nuts and seeds to create creamy, plant-based cheeses. What started as a solo venture, has grown into a dedicated team helping to craft a line of artisanal dairy-free products that are now available across Canada (and beyond). “Although we have been growing for almost 11 years now, we are still a small company at heart with deep local roots,” says Claire Santos, Marketing Specialist at Nuts For Cheese.
Nuts For Cheese offers communities across Canada and the U.S. a delicious, feel-good alternative to dairy, without the use of fillers, gums or added starches! With a 25,000 sq. ft. BRC AA+ certified facility in London, Ontario, they’re proud to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
Nuts For Cheese uses organic cashews to make their homemade cashew milk, which serves as the base for their dairy-free cheese. It is rich in healthy fats, protein and minerals. They sell dairy-free cheeses, cream cheeses and dips.
Moreover, in efforts to demonstrate corporate social responsibility, Nuts For Cheese strengthens food equity in London and surrounding communities through donations to the London Food Bank, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, and Bub’z Soup Kitchen on the Oneida reserve. Nuts For Cheese also donates over 2,000 free product coupons each year to organizations hosting community-focused events and helps to introduce plant-based eating to new audiences and support causes that align with its values. These efforts reduce product waste and help community members access vegan food that might otherwise be out of reach.
Nuts For Cheese was recently named London’s Manufacturer of the Year. Their commitments are in organic ingredients, inclusivity, and sustainability. “What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that we’ve remained committed to our values, producing 100% organic, vegan products while continuing to invest in our local community,” Claire Santos describes.
