Andy Montoya
Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and is a popular alternative for those following a vegan diet or those who are lactose intolerant. Vegan cheese is often made from nuts, vegetable oils, and other plant proteins. While vegan cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it is often highly processed and may not be more nutritious than dairy cheese. In terms of calories, vegan cheese can be lower or higher than dairy cheese, depending on the brand and ingredients used. For example, Violife's smoked provolone slices are 60 calories each, while Miyoko's cashew-based cheese may be high in fat and should be eaten sparingly.
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What You'll Learn
Some vegan cheeses are highly processed and less nutritious
Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and comes in a variety of styles and flavours. While vegan cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it is often highly processed and may contain unhealthy ingredients.
Some vegan cheeses are highly processed and may contain large amounts of refined oils, preservatives, colour additives, and sodium, gums, thickeners, starches, and fillers, while lacking substantial nutritional value. These ingredients can be converted to sugar by the body and may contribute to health issues such as heart disease.
On the other hand, some vegan cheeses are made from whole foods and have a shorter, more recognisable list of ingredients. For example, Green Peppercorn French-Style Soft Cheese contains just six ingredients: cashew nuts, filtered water, green peppercorns, sea salt, lemon juice, and L. Acidoophilus, a common probiotic in dairy products. This variety has 90 calories per ounce and 1.5 grams of saturated fat, along with 4 grams of protein.
Miyoko's Creamery offers another example of a vegan cheese brand with minimal and real ingredients. Their products are Non-GMO, Lactose-Free, Palm Oil-Free, Gluten-Free, and Soy-Free. They also include live cultures to support gut health. However, it is important to note that their products may be high in fat due to the use of cashews, so consumption should be moderated for those with heart disease.
In summary, while some vegan cheeses are highly processed and less nutritious, others are made from whole foods and offer significant nutritional benefits. It is important to read nutrition labels and choose varieties made from recognisable, whole food ingredients to ensure a nutritious and healthy choice.
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Vegan cheese made with cashews may be high in fat
Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and comes in a wide selection of styles and flavors. It is usually made from soy, nuts (such as cashews and macadamias), and vegetable oils (such as coconut oil). Some recipes use root vegetables like potatoes and carrots as a base.
Vegan cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, but it should not be the only source of nutrition. Some types of vegan cheese are highly processed and contain large amounts of refined oils, preservatives, color additives, and sodium while lacking nutritional value. However, some brands, like Treeline and Miyokos, offer tasty and soft vegan cheeses with minimal and real ingredients, including live cultures.
Vegan cheese made with cashews can be high in fat. For example, a sliceable cashew cheese recipe from Loving It Vegan contains 6g of fat per 71-calorie serving. Cashews are essential to the base and consistency of cashew cheese, and they also contribute to its flavor and texture.
While vegan cheese made with cashews may be high in fat, it can be a healthier option than store-bought cheese, which often contains gums, oils, and fillers. Making vegan cheese at home is easy, and it ensures that you know exactly what goes into your food.
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Some vegan cheeses have similar calories to dairy cheese
Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and comes in a variety of styles and flavours. It is often crafted from unexpected ingredients, such as root vegetables, nuts, vegetable oils, and aquafaba. While vegan cheese can be part of a healthy diet, it is important to note that not all vegan cheeses are created equal. Some are highly processed and may contain unhealthy starches, refined oils, preservatives, colour additives, and sodium, while lacking substantial nutritional value.
On the other hand, some vegan cheeses are made with minimal and whole food ingredients, such as cashews, coconut oil, and live cultures, offering superior nutritional value. For example, a 1-ounce serving of Green Peppercorn French-Style Soft Cheese made with cashew nuts has 90 calories and 1.5 grams of saturated fat, while also providing 4 grams of protein. Similarly, Daiya's "Mozzarella Style Shreds" and Sargento Sliced Mozzarella Cheese contain similar amounts of calories and fat, although the dairy cheese has more protein and calcium.
Miyoko's Creamery offers a range of Non-GMO, Lactose-Free, Palm Oil Free, Gluten-Free, and Soy-Free vegan cheese options. Their products, such as Smoked Gouda Cultured Plant Milk Cheese and Aged Herbes De Provence Cashew Milk Cheese, are known for their delicious flavours and gut health benefits. Treeline and Miyokos are two additional brands that offer tasty and soft vegan cheeses with minimal and real ingredients, including live cultures. However, these cheeses are made with cashews, which can be high in fat, so consumption should be moderated for those with heart disease.
Violife is another popular brand that offers tasty vegan cheese options. Their smoked provolone slices have 60 calories each, although it is important to note that their products are not specifically designed as diet foods. Overall, when choosing vegan cheese, it is recommended to look for products with a short, recognizable ingredient list and solid overall nutrition facts. Making your own vegan cheese at home can also be a healthier option, as it allows for greater control over the ingredients used.
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Vegan cheese can be made with root vegetables
Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and comes in a wide selection of styles and flavors. It is 100% animal-free and usually made from soy, nuts (such as cashews and macadamias), and vegetable oils (such as coconut oil). Some vegan cheeses also derive from agar, tapioca, peas, and arrowroot.
Vegan cheese can also be made with root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, which result in a very soft, gravy-like cheese sauce. The vegetables are cooked until soft and then blended with other ingredients like water, oil, salt, and spices to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Some of the more processed types of vegan cheese contain large amounts of refined oils, preservatives, color additives, and sodium, while being nutritionally deficient. However, there are also minimally processed vegan cheeses made with whole foods, such as cashews, white beans, and nutritional yeast, which provide a creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Making your own vegan cheese at home is often healthier than store-bought options, as it allows you to control the ingredients used and avoid gums, oils, and fillers. Homemade vegan cheese recipes typically use a combination of cashews, coconut oil, salt, garlic, and olive brine, resulting in a creamy, spreadable, and delicious product.
Overall, vegan cheese made with root vegetables is a viable option for those seeking a dairy-free alternative, and homemade versions can be tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs.
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Nutritional yeast is a low-calorie vegan cheese alternative
Vegan cheese is made from a variety of plant-based ingredients and comes in a wide selection of styles and flavors. They are usually made from soy, nuts (such as cashews and macadamias), and vegetable oils (such as coconut oil). Some vegan cheeses also derive from agar, tapioca, peas, and arrowroot.
Nutritional yeast is a common ingredient in vegan cheese, as it adds a cheesy flavor. Nutritional yeast is like straight protein and is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. It can be sprinkled on roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, soups, or pasta for a cheesy flavor. It is also shelf-stable. Nutritional yeast is often used in vegan cheese sauces, which can be made in just 3 minutes. These sauces are stretchy and remind some of real cheese.
Vegan cheese can be a healthy alternative to regular cheese, which is inflammatory and linked to chronic inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. However, some types of vegan cheese are highly processed and may contain large amounts of refined oils, preservatives, color additives, and sodium while being void of substantial nutritional value.
Some vegan cheeses are made with cashews and can be high in fat, so they should be eaten sparingly, especially by those with heart disease. Making your own vegan cheese at home is often healthier than store-bought, as store-bought cheese may contain gums, oils, and fillers.
Overall, nutritional yeast is a low-calorie vegan cheese alternative that can be used to add a cheesy flavor to dishes. It is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to reduce their dairy intake.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the brand and type of vegan cheese. Some vegan cheeses have similar calorie counts to dairy cheese, while others are lower in calories. For example, Violife smoked provolone slices are 60 calories each.
Violife is a good option for low-calorie vegan cheese. Their smoked provolone slices are only 60 calories each, and their feta cheese is also recommended. Miyoko's is another popular brand that makes vegan cheese with minimal and real ingredients.
Vegan cheese can be highly processed and may contain unhealthy starches and vegetable oils that the body converts to sugar. Some vegan cheeses may also be high in fat. It is recommended to choose vegan cheese with a short, recognizable ingredients list and solid overall nutrition facts.
