Randy Chandler
The rise of veganism has brought about a wave of vegan products, from burgers to sausages. However, replicating the unique characteristics of cheese is a challenge. The science of mimicking the texture, taste, and melt of cheese is difficult to get right, and many attempts at vegan cheese have been criticised for their lack of flavour and poor texture. But with the growing demand for vegan cheese, companies have been working to create alternatives that stand up to their dairy-based counterparts. So, does good vegan cheese exist?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Vegan cheese varies in texture, from powdery to smooth and creamy. Some have a crumbly texture similar to dairy cheddar. |
| Taste | The taste of vegan cheese ranges from mild and creamy to tangy and sharp, with some varieties mimicking specific types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta. Some brands are known for their strong flavor, while others are described as lacking flavor. |
| Meltability | Some vegan cheeses melt well, especially when steamed or microwaved, while others may become a stodgy mess. |
| Ingredients | Vegan cheese is often made with nuts (cashews, almonds), miso, coconut oil, starch, water, and various additives. |
| Brands | Popular brands include Violife, Moocho, Go Veggie, Miyoko's, Follow Your Heart, Chao, and Ty'K Affinage. |
| Price | Violife is mentioned as being one of the more expensive brands. |
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What You'll Learn
The challenges of replicating dairy cheese
Creating vegan cheese that successfully replicates dairy cheese is challenging. The most difficult part of manufacturing vegan cheese is replicating the texture, taste, and melting characteristics of dairy cheese. While some vegan cheeses succeed in replicating the flavour of dairy cheese, they often fall short in terms of texture and melting ability.
One challenge in replicating dairy cheese is finding suitable ingredients that can mimic the unique characteristics of dairy cheese. Some vegan cheeses are made with highly processed ingredients such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and additives, which may impact the taste and texture. On the other hand, some vegan cheeses made from more natural ingredients, such as nuts and soy beans, have been praised for their pure ingredient lists and health benefits. However, these cheeses may require more expertise to create, as they involve fermentation and aging processes to develop flavour.
Another challenge is achieving the right texture and melt. Vegan cheeses tend to have a powdery or starchy texture, which can leave a residue and affect the overall mouthfeel. They may also struggle to melt properly, with some becoming a stodgy mess instead of achieving the desired cheese pull. The melting ability of vegan cheese is particularly important for dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, and mac and cheese, where a smooth, unified melt is essential.
The variety of dairy cheeses available also poses a challenge for vegan cheese makers. Dairy cheese comes in numerous varieties, each with its own distinct flavour and texture, such as the briny tang of feta or the soft melt of mozzarella. Replicating the wide range of dairy cheeses and their specific characteristics can be a daunting task for vegan cheese manufacturers.
Despite these challenges, some vegan cheeses have received positive reviews for their flavour and texture. Violife, for example, offers a range of vegan cheese products, including mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese alternatives, that are known for their strong flavours and melting abilities. Other notable mentions include MozzaRisella's Classic mozzarella, Nush's almond milk-based cream cheese, and Palace Culture's cashew-based Herbes de Provence. These cheeses have been praised for their similarity in taste and texture to their dairy counterparts, whether eaten raw or cooked.
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The best vegan cheese brands
While veganism has become increasingly popular, cheese remains a difficult food to replicate. The science of replicating the texture, taste, and melting characteristics of cheese is complex, and many brands fall short of the mark. However, some brands are producing high-quality vegan cheese that can satisfy those cheese cravings.
Violife
Violife is a well-known vegan cheese brand, offering a wide variety of products, including mozzarella, cheddar, Mexican-style shreds, cream cheese, mature cheddar slices, dips, feta, and shaved parmesan. Violife's products are generally well-priced and perform well when melted, making them a good option for dishes like burrito bowls and paninis.
Follow Your Heart
Follow Your Heart offers a range of vegan products, including vegan feta, mozz and cheddar shreds, smoked gouda and cheddar slices, and grated parmesan. Their feta, in particular, stands out for its excellent flavor and dry, crumbly texture, making it a great addition to salads and antipasto plates.
Daiya
Daiya is a popular and accessible brand, offering shredded cheeses, slices, blocks, and cream cheese. They've recently updated their recipes with an 'oat cream' base, improving the meltability and overall experience of their products. Daiya's gluten-free frozen pizzas and key lime cheezecake are also worth trying.
Miyoko's
Miyoko's specializes in liquid pizza mozzarella, which is widely regarded as one of the best options for vegan pizza. Their cashew-based mozzarella is also excellent, whether used on pizza or melted into pasta sauce.
Herbivorous Butcher
While their selection is more limited, Herbivorous Butcher offers pretty good sliced vegan cheese.
Other notable mentions include Go Veggie, which offers cheddar-style shreds made with modified potato starch, and The Coconut Collab, which produces a range of vegan yogurts.
When choosing a vegan cheese, it's important to consider its intended use. Some cheeses are better suited for melting, such as on pizzas or grilled cheese sandwiches, while others are perfect for cheese boards or as a topping for salads.
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The best vegan cheeses for specific dishes
While vegan cheese has come a long way, it can be tricky to find one that melts, splits, grates, and tastes right. Here are some of the best vegan cheeses for specific dishes:
For Pizza
Miyoko's Cashew Milk Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza. It melts and stretches nicely, and some people even use it for their own homemade cashew mozzarella recipe. Miyoko's liquid cheese is also a good option, as it is the least expensive per ounce and works well with veggie toppings. For a gourmet option, Miyoko's Smoked English Farmhouse is a good choice, providing a nice complexity of flavours without being overpowering. If you're looking for something more akin to junk food cheese, Follow Your Heart shreds will satisfy your cravings.
For Pasta
A soft, organic cashew nut- and miso-based cheese is a great option for pasta as it almost melts in your fingers and has a sharp, lemony flavour. It also has a spreadable texture, which can be nicely incorporated into pasta. For a creamier option, vegan cream cheese is a great addition to a tomato and basil pasta.
For Sandwiches
Field Roast Chao Slices melt into a creamy, gooey texture, making them perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. The slices have a smoky flavour and a creamy texture. For a more classic option, Babybel now offers a plant-based cheese that is a close copy to its original. It is a bit firmer with a slightly smoky flavour.
For Crackers
A coconut-based cheese with fermented tofu is a great option for crackers as it has a creamy, silky texture. It also has a touch of that cheesy, funky taste. For a harder cheese option, Virgin Cheese, a Southern California-based cashew cheese company, offers unique flavours such as Port Wine White Cheddar and Swiss.
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The best vegan cheeses in specific countries
While there is a wide range of vegan cheese options available, replicating the texture, taste, and melting characteristics of cheese is challenging. However, some countries have a broader range of vegan cheese options than others.
The United States and the United Kingdom dominate the vegan cheese market, with almost 500 and 375 options, respectively. Germany comes in third, with Canada and Italy close behind. These countries offer a wide range of choices for plant-based cheese enthusiasts. Spain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands also offer over 200 options each, while Australia has around 132 choices.
When it comes to specific brands, Violife is often regarded as the leader in vegan cheeses. They offer a diverse range of products, including mozzarella, cheddar, Mexican-style shreds, cream cheese alternatives, mature cheddar slices, dips, feta, and shaved parmesan. Violife's shreds are particularly notable, as they melt well and have a strong cheddar flavor.
Miyoko's is another popular brand that offers organic, high-quality vegan cheese without seed oils or gums. Their products are widely available in various grocery stores. Rebel Cheese is also worth mentioning, known for its artisanal plant-based cheeses, including smoked cheddar, cave-aged brie, pepper jack, chevre, and gruyere.
Some other notable mentions include Follow Your Heart, which offers a range of vegan products, including a well-reviewed vegan feta with a dry and flavorful consistency. Moocho, a spinoff of the Tofurky company, offers flavorful vegan cheese that melts well. Their mozzarella, in particular, is mild and creamy with a slight tartness.
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The best vegan cheeses according to texture
The texture of vegan cheese is one of the most challenging aspects of replicating dairy cheese. While some vegan cheeses have a plasticky texture, others have a smooth and solid texture. Here are some of the best vegan cheeses in terms of texture:
Violife Cheddar is perfect for melting on enchiladas, roasted potatoes, and other dishes. While it may not be the best when eaten cold, it is excellent when melted and has a strong cheddar flavour.
Cathedral City Plant-Based Cheese is said to be "really good" by a Reddit user.
Chao Creamy Original is a good option for sub sandwiches, especially when served cold.
Miyoko's Liquid Pizza Mozzarella is a favourite for pizza among vegans.
Babybel Snacking Cheeses are made with modified food starch, coconut oil, and calcium citrate. They have a subtle tangy aftertaste and a texture similar to biting into a piece of clay. While the texture may be unusual, the overall experience is enjoyable.
Boursin is a vegan cheese that tastes and feels like regular Boursin. It is garlicky, herby, and spreadable.
Vegan Queso made with cashews is considered the best option for those who can consume nuts. It has the perfect texture for dipping and drizzling over nachos or tacos.
Vegan Ricotta made with coconut and fermented tofu has a creamy and savoury texture with a touch of tang. While it may not taste exactly like dairy ricotta, it is an excellent option for recipes that call for this ingredient.
Vegan Cheddar is a good option for those seeking a creamy texture that lingers. While it may not be as sharp as traditional cheddar, it has a lovely mild flavour.
Vegan Cheese Slices have a nice, almost smoky flavour and a creamy texture. They melt into a stretchy consistency, making them ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, good vegan cheese does exist. However, it can be difficult to find a vegan cheese that replicates the texture, taste, and melting characteristics of dairy cheese.
Some popular vegan cheese brands include Violife, MozzaRisella’s Classic, Nush, and Cathedral City Plant Based Cheese.
Vegan cheeses are often made from coconut oil, nuts (usually cashews), or a combination of the two.
The taste of vegan cheese can vary widely depending on the brand and type. Some people find that vegan cheese has a more pronounced flavour or a tanginess that resembles dairy cheese. Others find that it tastes buttery, plasticky, or like ground powdered rice.
