CHICAGO — Bel Brands USA, maker of cheeses under such brands as The Laughing Cow and Babybel, is entering the plant-based cheese alternative market with a new brand: Nurishh.

Certified plant-based and lactose-free, Nurishh is created with Bel Brands’ French cheesemaking methods. Nurishh is vegan, dairy-free and a good source of calcium and vitamin B12, according to the company. The plant-based cheese is available in six varieties: cheddar style slices, mozzarella style slices, provolone style slices, cheddar style shreds, mozzarella style shreds, and cheddar and mozzarella style blend.

“Food plays a big role in cultivating happy and healthy moments, because the simple act of sharing a meal holds the power of bringing families together,” said Florian Decaux, plant-based acceleration director for Bel Brands. “Nurishh can help you create dishes that bring everyone to the table — like a perfectly melted grilled cheese or a delicious cheesy pizza.”

Nurishh products will be available at select retailers and via Amazon Fresh in April, with nationwide in-store availability increasing throughout the year.