Our Mission

At Panacheeza we are dedicated to changing the way people eat, to create a healthier world.

We pride ourselves on minimal ingredients to inspire confidence in those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Our plant-based parmesan will tantalize your taste buds while upholding your health, all without missing out on your favorite dishes!

Founder of Panacheeza

JANESSA

“As a vegan I was missing out on my favorite dishes, so I reimagined Parmesan using plant-based ingredients. Now my family and I can experience the traditional Italian dishes I grew up with and, frankly, they taste even better!”

About Our Cheese

Panacheeza is a plant-based, grated parmesan cheese made of 5 ingredients: organic cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, Himalayan pink sea salt, and apple cider vinegar. Developed on the premise that food should taste good and be good for you, our mission is to provide a dairy-free alternative to parmesan that upholds good health.

Our Story: Honoring Heritage, Health, and Heart

Janessa’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in her European heritage, where traditions of resilience, family, and flavorful cooking were passed down through generations. Her unique blend of Maltese, Italian and British ancestry infuses her creations with an old-world sensibility—crafted with care, inspired by memories, and cherished in every bite.

A Legacy from Italy to England

On her father's side, Janessa’s roots stretch from England to Italy. Her grandfather, Vernon Martin, served in the British Army as a Royal Engineer, stationed in Italy, where he met Lillian Benettini—Janessa's Nonna. The pair wed and welcomed their first child in England, before deciding to pursue new opportunities in Toronto, Canada in 1954.

Maltese Heart and Soul

On her mother’s side, Janessa's family hails from Malta, a small Mediterranean island rich in culture and history. Her grandfather, John Gerada, was a fisherman from the south, and her grandmother, Rita Aquilina, lived in the north to escape the devastation of wartime bombings. After the war, Rita and John found each other, and their love blossomed, symbolizing resilience and hope. 


In 1954, John and Rita began their journey together. Driven by hopes for a brighter future, they immigrated to Toronto, Canada, where they lovingly raised six children. Rita embraced her role as a homemaker, enriching her family with the flavors of her Mediterranean heritage. Known for her handmade ravioli, prepared entirely from scratch, Rita’s cooking was a celebration of wholesome, clean ingredients and the warmth of family gatherings.

A Granddaughter’s Bond

Janessa, the first granddaughter of Rita’s ten grandchildren, shared a profound connection with her grandmother. Their bond was that of a devoted grandmother and granddaughter, strengthened by countless hours spent together in the kitchen. Side by side, they explored Toronto’s culinary treasures, from health food stores to bakeries and cultural hubs in “Little Malta.” Rita’s kitchen was a sanctuary of tradition and wellness, where simple ingredients became magical meals and timeless lessons.


Under Rita’s guidance, Janessa learned that health and wellness begin with what we eat. Rita’s curiosity for new foods led her to introduce Janessa to innovative ingredients like tofu noodles, a bold choice at the time. Inspired by her grandmother’s passion for wellness, Janessa adopted a plant-based lifestyle, reshaping her culinary approach and building a pantry dedicated to whole, plant-powered foods in an era when such options were rare.

The Birth of Panacheeza

Through Panacheeza, Janessa honors her grandmother’s legacy of health-conscious cooking and shares her passion for clean, wholesome flavors with the world. Each Panacheeza product reflects Janessa’s commitment to Mediterranean-inspired, plant-based eating, embodying the spirit of her Maltese and Italian heritage. Today, Panacheeza invites families everywhere to experience the warmth and wisdom of Rita’s kitchen—a tribute to a life well-lived and the power of heritage to shape our future.