Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a beloved food for many, but it is also an animal product that vegans abstain from consuming. This has led to the rise of vegan cheese, which is made from plant-based ingredients like nuts, nutritional yeast, and vegetable oils. While some people may not consider vegan cheese to be real cheese, it serves as a substitute for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. The taste, texture, and experience of vegan cheese can vary, and some varieties mimic traditional cheese more closely than others. It is also often more expensive and highly processed. Despite this, the vegan cheese market is growing, and new processes are being developed to make these cheeses taste even more like their traditional counterparts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Varies, from mild and nutty to tangy and savoury. Some varieties mimic traditional cheese closely, but many find vegan cheese enjoyable for its unique flavours. |
| Texture | Varies from soft and spreadable to firm and sliceable, though melting properties may vary. |
| Health | Vegan cheese is typically lower in fat, protein, and calcium than regular cheese and is likely gluten-free. It may be higher in sodium and saturated fats. |
| Lactose-intolerant friendly | Yes |
| Price | Expensive |
| Environmental impact | Positive |
| Ethical impact | Positive |
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What You'll Learn
Taste and texture
The taste, texture, and overall experience of vegan cheese can vary. While some vegan cheeses mimic traditional cheese closely, others have a subtle chemical flavour that is off-putting. The taste and texture of vegan cheese depend on the ingredients used, such as nuts, soy, peas, or other nutrient-dense foods, as well as the production process.
Vegan cheeses made from plant-based ingredients like nuts or soy can range from mild and nutty to tangy and savoury. Textures can vary from soft and spreadable to firm and sliceable, but the melting properties of vegan cheese may differ from those of dairy cheese. For example, vegan cheese may not melt in the same ooey-gooey way as dairy cheese when used as a pizza topping.
Some people find that vegan cheese does not taste exactly like dairy cheese, but they may still enjoy it for its unique flavours. Others may not like the taste of vegan cheese at all. It is important to note that not all vegan cheeses are created equal, and different brands may offer better taste and texture than others. Therefore, it is worth experimenting with different brands and varieties to find the ones that suit your preferences.
Vegan cheese is typically lower in fat, protein, and calcium than regular cheese and is likely to be gluten-free. It is also usually higher in sodium and may contain added additives to improve shelf life and melting abilities. The type of ingredients used to make vegan cheese can also affect its nutritional profile, with some varieties being high in saturated fat, such as those made with coconut oil.
Overall, the taste and texture of vegan cheese can be quite diverse, and it may take some time to find the right brand and variety that matches your taste preferences and desired texture. However, with the growing popularity of veganism and consumer interest in vegan cheese, cheesemakers are constantly developing new processes to make these cheeses taste even more like their traditional counterparts.
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Health benefits
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese, which is usually made from the milk of cows, goats, or sheep. It is made using ingredients like nuts, nutritional yeast, and vegetable oils, and its taste and texture can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. While some people may enjoy vegan cheese for its unique flavours and textures, others may prefer the taste of traditional cheese.
Vegan cheese has several health benefits compared to dairy cheese:
Cholesterol-Free
Vegan cheese alternatives do not contain cholesterol. In contrast, a slice of Cabot American cheese contains 7% (20 milligrams) of your daily cholesterol value.
Improved Gut Health
Vegan cheese does not contain lactose or casein, which are common causes of intestinal permeability and related issues such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and abdominal pain. Most vegan cheeses are made with gluten-free flours, like almond or tapioca flour, further reducing the risk of digestive issues.
Hormone-Free
Vegan cheese is free of animal growth hormones, eliminating any potential concerns about the impact of these hormones on the human body.
Lower Fat and Protein Content
Vegan cheese is typically lower in fat and protein than regular cheese. While this may be considered a drawback by some, it can be beneficial for individuals looking to reduce their fat and cholesterol intake.
Lactose-Intolerant Friendly
Vegan cheese is a good option for lactose-intolerant individuals who cannot consume traditional cheese due to their inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.
High in Fibre
Vegan cheese often contains high levels of fibre, which can promote a healthy digestive system and regular bowel movements.
Balanced Diet
Adopting a vegan diet often leads to a more balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which can have additional health benefits such as improved heart health, better digestion, and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
It is worth noting that some vegan cheeses may be highly processed and contain added sodium, preservatives, and colour additives. Therefore, it is important to read labels carefully and make informed choices based on individual health needs and preferences.
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Vegan cheese alternatives
Vegan cheese is a great alternative for those who are dairy-free or vegan, as it does not cause harm to animals. While it may not taste exactly like dairy cheese, vegan cheese is enjoyed by many for its unique flavours and health benefits.
The base of vegan cheese is typically made with wholesome ingredients such as nuts, seeds, tofu, oats, or beans. They are often thickened with starch or flour and given flavour with spices, herbs, and condiments. Some common ingredients found in homemade and store-bought vegan cheese include cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil or milk, and various types of starch and flour.
There are many realistic-tasting vegan cheese options available today. For example, Kite Hill Foods Cream Cheese Alternative is an almond-based vegan cream cheese with a subtle tang and wholesome ingredients. Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese is another option that tastes just like dairy cream cheese. For those looking for a vegan feta cheese, Trader Joe's Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative tastes remarkably similar to dairy-based feta and is sold at a reasonable price. Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles is another good vegan feta option that is pre-crumbled, sharp, tangy, and melts well. Miyoko's Creamery also offers a range of vegan cheese products, including spreadable cheese wheels and liquid mozzarella, that are Non-GMO, Lactose-Free, Palm Oil-Free, Gluten-Free, and Soy-Free.
While vegan cheese may not melt in the same way as dairy cheese, it can still be enjoyed in various dishes. It is important to note that not all vegan cheeses are made with clean, wholesome ingredients, and some may contain unhealthy starches and vegetable oils. However, with the increasing popularity of veganism, there are always new processes being developed to make vegan cheese taste even more like traditional cheese.
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Making vegan cheese
There are many different recipes for making vegan cheese at home, and it can be a fun and rewarding process. Vegan cheese is typically made with plant-based ingredients like nuts, vegetable oils, nutritional yeast, and soy proteins. The taste and texture can vary, but many people find vegan cheese enjoyable and a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. Here are some tips and recipes for making your own vegan cheese:
Ingredients and Preparation:
Start with whole foods like tofu, cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Soak the nuts in water for about 4 hours to soften them before blending. You can also add herbs and other nuts to create unique flavors and textures. For a sweeter spread, add a few drops of vanilla essence, brown rice syrup, or maple syrup.
Simple Cheesy Sauce:
For a quick and easy option, blend cashews, water, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and salt until smooth. This sauce is delicious as a fondue or drizzled over nachos.
Cashew Cream Cheese:
Blend softened cashews with your desired ingredients in a food processor until you achieve the desired texture. Chill the mixture in the fridge for an hour or so before serving. This versatile cheese can be spread on toast or crackers or stirred into pasta.
Vegan Feta Cheese:
Blend macadamia nuts, lemon, and nutritional yeast to create a crumbly, rich, and creamy vegan feta cheese. This recipe takes about four days, but the authentic taste is worth the wait.
Vegan Parmesan:
Stir vegan cashew cream cheese into a courgette and ricotta pasta dish, or use it instead of cottage cheese in an open cheese and red pepper sourdough sandwich. Sprinkle vegan Parmesan on top for added flavor.
Tips:
When making vegan cheese, keep in mind that the flavors may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. The melting properties may also differ, so it may not melt the same way as dairy cheese. Experiment with different recipes and ingredients to find the ones you enjoy the most.
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Veganism and animal products
Veganism is a lifestyle and diet that excludes all animal products and by-products, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and other animal-derived substances. Vegans adopt this lifestyle for a variety of reasons, including ethical concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health benefits.
One of the challenges for people transitioning to veganism is giving up cheese, as it is a beloved food for many. Cheese is traditionally made from the milk of cows, goats, or sheep, and vegans avoid all animal-derived milk products. However, the market for vegan cheese alternatives has been growing, and these substitutes are typically made with nuts, nutritional yeast, vegetable oils, and other plant-based ingredients.
Vegan cheese has its own unique set of flavours and textures, and while some varieties mimic traditional cheese closely, others have their own distinct characteristics. The taste and texture of vegan cheese depend on the specific ingredients used, and they can range from mild and nutty to tangy and savoury. Some people find that vegan cheese does not melt in the same way as dairy cheese, and it may not provide the same "`ooey-gooey` experience" on a pizza, for example.
Vegan cheese also tends to be lower in fat, protein, and calcium than regular cheese, and it may be gluten-free. It is often processed and can be higher in sodium, so checking the labels is important. For those who are lactose intolerant or looking to reduce their cholesterol intake, vegan cheese can be a good alternative, but it may not always be healthier, especially if it contains saturated fats.
For those struggling to give up cheese while transitioning to veganism, there are some strategies that can help. One approach is to gradually reduce cheese consumption by removing one type of cheese at a time or by slowly incorporating new, dairy-free recipes. Another strategy is to finish up any remaining animal-based cheese in the kitchen before fully committing to vegan cheese alternatives. It is also helpful to remember that vegan cheese should be enjoyed as part of an overall healthy and balanced diet, and it can be a treat consumed in limited quantities.
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Frequently asked questions
Some vegans like vegan cheese, but it is not a staple of a vegan diet. Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients like nuts, peas, soy, or vegetable oils, and its taste and texture vary depending on these ingredients.
Vegans choose vegan cheese because it contains no animal products, unlike traditional cheese, which is made from the milk of cows, goats, or sheep.
Vegan cheese does not taste exactly like dairy cheese, but many people enjoy its unique flavors. Its taste can range from mild and nutty to tangy and savory, and some varieties mimic traditional cheese closely.
Vegan cheese can be made at home by blending soaked nuts with herbs, spices, and non-dairy milk or water.
Vegan cheese is typically lower in fat, protein, and calcium than regular cheese, and it may be gluten-free. However, it tends to be higher in sodium and saturated fats, so it should be consumed in limited quantities as part of a balanced diet.
