Cheese is often considered one of the hardest foods to give up when transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. However, the rise of innovative plant-based cheeses has made it easier than ever to enjoy the creamy, tangy, and rich flavors of cheese—without the dairy.
Vegan dairy-free cheese is made from various plant-based ingredients and comes in a variety of forms, from spreads to slices and blocks.
In this article, we’ll explore what vegan cheese is, how it’s made, the different types available, and why it’s a delicious and sustainable choice.
1. What is Vegan Dairy-Free Cheese?
Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, soy, and even vegetables. While traditional cheese is made from animal milk, vegan cheese mimics the texture and taste of dairy cheese without the use of animal products. These alternatives are often fortified with nutrients like calcium and B12, making them a healthier and cruelty-free option for cheese lovers.
2. Common Ingredients in Vegan Cheese
1. Nuts (Cashews, Almonds, Macadamias)
Nuts, particularly cashews, are one of the most popular bases for vegan cheese. Their rich, creamy texture makes them ideal for creating soft cheeses like spreads, ricotta, and even vegan cheesecake. When blended with water and fermented, cashews can create a smooth, tangy cheese that’s perfect for spreads or sauces.
2. Soy
Soy-based cheeses are widely available in supermarkets and tend to be used for firmer cheeses, such as slices and blocks. Soy’s versatility allows it to be transformed into everything from shredded mozzarella to cheddar-style slices.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is often used in vegan cheeses to replicate the fatty, creamy qualities of dairy cheese. It’s a key ingredient in many store-bought vegan cheeses, giving them a rich, smooth consistency.
4. Tapioca Starch and Agar-Agar
These plant-based thickeners are used to give vegan cheese a stretchy, melty texture, similar to traditional mozzarella or other soft cheeses. Tapioca starch is especially important in creating vegan cheese that melts well, making it ideal for pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches.
5. Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that adds a savory, cheesy flavor to many vegan dishes. It’s often used in homemade vegan cheese sauces, dips, and even sprinkled on top of dishes for a cheesy finish. It’s also packed with B-vitamins, adding a nutritional boost to vegan cheese.
3. Types of Vegan Cheese
1. Soft Cheese
Soft vegan cheeses are perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. Cashew-based cheeses often dominate this category, offering a smooth, creamy texture and a tangy flavor. These cheeses can be flavored with herbs, garlic, or smoked paprika for extra taste.
2. Hard Cheese
Hard vegan cheeses are ideal for slicing, grating, and shredding over dishes like pasta or pizza. Brands like Violife and Miyoko’s Creamery produce excellent vegan cheddar, parmesan, and gouda alternatives. These cheeses often rely on a combination of coconut oil, soy, and starches to create a firm texture.
3. Vegan Cheese Sauce
Cheese sauces made from vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cashews are popular for creating a creamy, rich texture without dairy. These sauces are often used for vegan mac and cheese, nachos, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
4. Meltable Cheese
Mozzarella-style vegan cheeses are commonly used for pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, and quesadillas. Products like Daiya and Follow Your Heart offer cheeses that melt and stretch, mimicking the traditional mozzarella experience.
4. How to Make Your Own Vegan Cheese
Making vegan cheese at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple recipe for a creamy cashew cheese:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked overnight)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup water (or more, for desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender or food processor.
- Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, water, and seasonings.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, and enjoy as a spread or dip!
This basic cashew cheese can be flavored with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or spices for variety.
5. Why Choose Vegan Dairy-Free Cheese?
1. Health Benefits
Vegan cheese is free from cholesterol and tends to be lower in saturated fat compared to traditional cheese. Many vegan cheeses are made from whole foods like nuts, which are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins.
2. Environmentally Friendly
The production of plant-based cheese has a significantly smaller environmental footprint compared to dairy cheese. It uses fewer natural resources, such as water and land, and produces less greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more sustainable choice.
3. Cruelty-Free
By choosing vegan cheese, consumers can enjoy their favorite cheesy flavors without contributing to the dairy industry, which is associated with animal exploitation and environmental harm.
6. Where to Buy Vegan Cheese
Vegan cheese is now widely available at health food stores, supermarkets, and online. Popular brands include:
- Miyoko’s Creamery: Known for its artisan-style, cashew-based cheeses.
- Violife: Offers a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan alternatives.
- Daiya: Specializes in meltable vegan cheeses for pizza, grilled cheese, and more.
- Follow Your Heart: Provides slices, shreds, and blocks in several flavors, including American and provolone.
Conclusion
Vegan dairy-free cheese has come a long way from its early days of bland, rubbery textures.
Today, plant-based cheeses offer the rich, creamy flavors of traditional dairy cheese while being healthier, more sustainable, and cruelty-free.
Whether you’re making your own cheese at home or trying out store-bought options, there’s a wide variety of vegan cheeses to satisfy any cheese lover’s cravings.
