Bushra Griffith
Vegan cheese has come a long way, and its increasing popularity means it's more readily available than ever. But does it taste good? Well, that depends on who you ask. Some people claim that vegan cheese will never taste as good as dairy cheese, while others argue that some brands come very close. Vegan cheese is generally considered healthier than dairy cheese, as it's lower in saturated fat and often contains added vitamin B12. However, it tends to have a higher sodium content and less protein. When it comes to taste, vegan cheese can vary from mildly cheesy to downright awful. It often lacks the creaminess, saltiness, and acidity of dairy cheese, and the texture can be crumbly and dry. However, some brands, like Violife, have been praised for their rich, silky texture and creamy flavour. Ultimately, while vegan cheese may not be an exact replica of dairy cheese, it has improved significantly, and some options are now passable or even tasty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Vegan cheese does not taste exactly like dairy cheese, but some brands come close. |
| Texture | Vegan cheese can be gooey, crumbly, dry, smooth, stretchy, sticky, or grainy. |
| Smell | Some vegan cheeses have a weird smell, while others have a cheesy aroma. |
| Nutritional profile | Vegan cheese is lower in saturated fat and often has added vitamin B12, but may have higher sodium content and less protein than dairy cheese. |
| Price | Vegan cheese can be pricey, but options like Trader Joe's offer affordable alternatives. |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cheese has improved but doesn't taste like dairy cheese
Vegan cheese has come a long way, and while it may not taste exactly like dairy cheese, it has improved in taste and texture. For those with dairy allergies or dietary restrictions, vegan cheese can be a game-changer, providing a cheesy flavour and experience.
Some brands come close to replicating the taste and texture of dairy cheese. For example, Violife, a popular vegan cheese brand, is said to have a rich, silky texture and a creamy flavour. It is also noted for its fast melting capabilities. However, some find the flavour to be too mild and lacking in cheesy tang. Another brand, Chao, is described as having a creamy texture and being suitable for veggie burgers. However, it may not be the best option for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its lack of stretchiness.
The taste and performance of vegan cheese can vary greatly between brands. Some may be dry, crumbly, or have an off-putting smell. Others may be too sweet or grainy, with a strong coconut flavour. It is worth noting that vegan cheese tends to have higher sodium content and lower protein levels than dairy cheese.
When it comes to specific varieties, vegan feta cheese has been known to impress with its classic brininess and soft, crumbly texture. It tends to be milder and less salty than regular feta, with a slightly intense acidity that fades quickly. Vegan camembert has also been noted to taste remarkably similar to its dairy counterpart when at room temperature.
While vegan cheese may not be an exact replica of dairy cheese, the advancements in the vegan cheese industry have brought it closer than ever before. With increasing demand and improvements in taste and texture, vegan cheese is becoming a more popular and satisfying alternative for those seeking a dairy-free option.
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Some brands are good, some are awful
Vegan cheese has come a long way, and its increasing popularity means that it is more readily available than ever. However, it is still a challenge to find vegan cheese that tastes as good as dairy cheese. While some brands are good, others are awful.
A flexitarian who eats mostly vegan and vegetarian food reports that Violife and Daiya don't taste quite right. Another reviewer describes Violife as "gooey" and says it sticks to the mouth. However, it is the fastest to melt and is, therefore, a good option for those who prefer a mild flavor.
Trader Joe's offers a varied and affordable selection of vegan cheeses. One reviewer finds the vegan Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese underwhelming. The cheddar, for example, is overly sweet, grainy, and tastes like coconut. However, it melts well, and the texture is much better once it is melted. The feta, on the other hand, is described as salty and slightly tangy, with a creamy texture that works well in a Greek salad and when baked with vegetables.
Good Food's review of vegan cheeses available at Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose finds that vegan feta has a classic brininess and soft texture and easily crumbles, like its dairy counterpart. It is salty but milder than regular feta, and the olive oil and oregano flavor does a good job of covering any synthetic taste. Their vegan camembert also has a remarkably similar taste to the dairy version.
While vegan cheese has improved in taste and texture, it still doesn't quite match up to dairy cheese. However, with so many options available, it is possible to find vegan cheeses that come close to the real deal.
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It's healthier than dairy cheese
Vegan cheese is generally considered healthier than dairy cheese. Firstly, it is lower in saturated fat, which is known to contribute to high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Vegan cheese also often contains added vitamin B12, which is essential for a healthy nervous system.
Another benefit of vegan cheese is that it lacks cholesterol, which is mostly found in animal products, especially animal fats. However, it should be noted that many vegan cheeses are made with coconut oil and other saturated fats that can also affect cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is important to consider vegan cheese in the context of a balanced diet that includes fibre, minerals, and vitamins.
Vegan cheese is also a great option for those who are lactose intolerant, as it does not contain lactose, which is commonly found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a prevalent issue worldwide, and vegan cheese provides an alternative for those who experience this condition.
While vegan cheese may be healthier in some aspects, it is important to note that it typically contains less protein than dairy cheese. It may also have a higher sodium content, so it is crucial to compare labels and consider the overall nutritional profile when making a choice between vegan and dairy cheese.
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It's usually more expensive and harder to find
Vegan cheese is generally more expensive and harder to find than regular cheese. This is partly due to the fact that it is often produced in smaller batches and with more specialized ingredients. Additionally, the process of making vegan cheese can be more complex and time-consuming than that of traditional cheese, which can drive up the cost.
Some people may be hesitant to try vegan cheese due to the higher price tag and limited availability. However, it is important to note that the quality and taste of vegan cheese have improved significantly in recent years. Vegan cheese producers have made incredible strides in matching the taste and texture of dairy cheese, making it a more appealing option for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to reduce their dairy intake or their carbon footprint.
While it may be pricier and less accessible than regular cheese, vegan cheese can still be found in some specialty stores and online retailers. Some popular brands that offer vegan cheese alternatives include Violife, Sheese, Daiya, Chao, and Follow Your Heart. These brands can often be found in major supermarkets, such as Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Whole Foods, making them more accessible to consumers.
It is worth mentioning that the taste and texture of vegan cheese can vary greatly between brands. Some people find that certain vegan cheeses have a strange smell, a dry and crumbly texture, or an overly sweet taste. However, others have found success in using vegan cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, and even Greek salads, where the rich savoriness of the cheese comes through.
In conclusion, while vegan cheese may be more expensive and harder to find, it is worth trying if you are curious about dairy-free alternatives. With the increasing demand for vegan cheese, we can expect to see more options becoming available, making it easier and more affordable to incorporate vegan cheese into our diets.
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It's better when melted
While vegan cheese has come a long way in terms of taste and texture, it still has a long way to go before it can perfectly replicate the melt and stretch of regular cheese. However, some vegan cheeses do melt well and are better when melted.
One way to improve the texture of vegan cheese is to combine it with other ingredients. For example, America's Test Kitchen has a recipe for a vegan nacho dip that uses potatoes to create a more cheesy consistency. In addition, some specialty (usually high-priced) vegan cheeses can melt like real cheese, though the vast majority do not.
Some specific brands of vegan cheese that melt well include Follow Your Heart, Earth's Own, Violife, and Miyokos Creamery. These cheeses can be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, and other dishes where melted cheese is desired. For example, one person reported that they made a grilled cheese sandwich with Earth's Own cheese and that it melted decently and tasted the best out of the vegan cheeses they had tried. Another person said that they used Miyokos Creamery mozzarella to make a grilled cheese and that it melted amazingly.
In addition to store-bought options, some people have had success making their own vegan cheese that melts well. For example, one person shared a recipe for vegan mozzarella made with tapioca starch and cooked chickpeas instead of cashews.
Overall, while vegan cheese may not always live up to the melt and stretch of regular cheese, there are some options that do melt well and can be used to create delicious, cheesy dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on individual preferences and the brand of vegan cheese. Some people find that it doesn't taste as good as regular cheese, while others prefer it.
Yes, some popular brands include Violife, Daiya, Good Planet, and Chao. However, it's worth noting that people have varying opinions on the taste of these brands.
Yes, there is a wide array of vegan cheese options available, including spreadable and sliceable varieties. They are usually made from coconut oil, starch, nuts, or soya beans.
Vegan cheese is generally considered healthier than dairy cheese as it's lower in saturated fat and often fortified with vitamin B12. However, it may have a higher sodium content and less protein than regular cheese.
Vegan cheese can be used in various dishes, such as pizzas, mac and cheese, sandwiches, and salads. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with crackers. Experiment with different brands and recipes to find what works best for your taste preferences.
