Bushra Griffith
Vegan cheese has become increasingly popular with the rise of veganism. Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil, tofu, and starch. While it is designed as an alternative to dairy cheese, the question remains: does it taste like cheese? Well, it depends on who you ask. Some people claim that vegan cheese is a poor imitation of dairy cheese, lacking the signature creaminess and tanginess of the real thing. Others, especially those with dairy allergies or intolerances, praise vegan cheese for its similar taste and texture to dairy cheese. Ultimately, the taste of vegan cheese varies depending on the brand and type, with some options reportedly tasting more like cheese than others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Opinions vary, with some people stating that vegan cheese does not taste like real cheese, while others claim that certain brands come close. |
| Texture | Vegan cheese typically has a different texture from dairy cheese, often described as smoother and creamier. It may also be grainier or gooey and stick to the mouth. |
| Meltability | Many types of vegan cheese melt well, especially when used in dishes like grilled cheese, lasagna, or pizza. However, some varieties may take longer to melt or not melt at all. |
| Ingredients | Water, oil, starch, natural flavor, paprika, annatto, beta carotene, coconut, tofu, and fermented tofu are common ingredients in vegan cheese. |
| Brands | Popular brands of vegan cheese include Violife, Daiya, Miyoko's, Chao, Follow Your Heart, Trader Joe's, Go Veggie, Tofutti, Kite Hill Foods, and Field Roast. |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cheese brands and their reviews
Vegan cheese is a mixed bag—it can be delicious, but it can also be bland or rubbery. However, there are many options available today, and some brands are definitely getting it right. Here is a list of some of the best vegan cheese brands and their reviews.
Violife is a European brand that has been around since the 1990s and is now widely available in the US. It offers a wide variety of vegan cheese products, including mozzarella, cheddar, Mexican-style shreds, cream cheese alternatives, mature cheddar slices, cheese dips, feta, and shaved parmesan. Violife is one of the more expensive brands, but it is well worth the price. Its products have a strong flavor and savory notes, and the slices melt well when steamed in a pan.
Kite Hill uses an almond milk base for its cream cheese, along with enzymes, xantham gum, and mushroom extract. It offers a range of flavors, including strawberry, garden veggie, chive, and everything. Kite Hill's cream cheese is one of the more expensive options, but it has a strong and acidic flavor, resembling dairy-based cream cheese, and leaves little aftertaste.
Misha's cheese is a cashew-, almond-, and shallot-based vegan cheese that comes in a variety of flavors. Its smooth and spreadable texture makes it perfect for a butter board, and it pairs well with oil-based sauces like chimichurri, salsa macha, chili crisp, or tapenade.
Moocho offers dairy-free shreds that melt beautifully and taste great. Their mozzarella shreds are perfect for lasagna or baked pasta, while their fiesta blend and cheddar shreds can be used in tacos, casseroles, and other dishes.
Go Veggie offers vegan cheese slices, shreds, blocks, and spreads, as well as grated vegan parmesan. Their products have about six grams of protein per serving and 50% less fat than traditional dairy cheese.
Daiya Foods offers a range of dairy-free, plant-based products, including vegan cheese sticks and mac and cheese. Their products are deliciously cheesy and free from gluten, soy, eggs, fish, and shellfish.
Chao is another brand that offers slices that melt well and taste great.
Miyoko's liquid pizza cheese is considered one of the best approximations of melted pizza cheese. They also offer a cashew-based mozzarella that can be used on pizza or melted into pasta sauce.
Other notable mentions include Nuts for Cheese, a Canadian brand that sells delicious cashew cheeses, and VegNature, a Quebecois brand whose cashew cheese is said to be indistinguishable from dairy cheese. Spread 'Em Kitchen also offers a tangy and delicious Greek-style vegan cheese.
While finding the perfect vegan cheese can be a challenge, these brands offer some excellent options that taste and melt remarkably well, providing satisfying alternatives to traditional dairy cheese.
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Vegan cheese taste and texture
Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese, made without any animal products. The taste and texture of vegan cheese can vary greatly depending on the brand and type, with some options tasting more like real cheese than others.
Taste
Vegan cheese can range from mild to strong in flavour, with some varieties being described as salty, tangy, nutty, or earthy. Some vegan cheeses may also have undertones of coconut oil, while others may taste just like dairy cheese. For example, some vegan feta cheeses are said to taste like a hybrid of goat cheese and feta, while others are described as having a rich, silky texture and a creamy flavour.
Texture
The texture of vegan cheese can also vary, with some varieties being described as smooth, creamy, or gooey, while others may be grainier or less appealing. Some vegan cheeses melt well, especially when used in cooked dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or pizzas. However, others may not have the same stretchiness or ""pull" as traditional cheese, and may not add the same level of cheesiness to a dish.
Overall Impressions
Overall, opinions on the taste and texture of vegan cheese vary. Some people find that it is a decent alternative to traditional cheese, especially when melted, while others find that it falls short in terms of flavour and texture. It is worth noting that personal preferences and expectations may play a role in how people perceive the taste and texture of vegan cheese.
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Vegan cheese ingredients
Vegan cheese is made from various nuts, seeds, soy, tapioca, oils, and other ingredients. Many recipes for vegan cheese use cashews as the base, which gives the cheese a smooth and creamy texture. Other common ingredients include coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, salt, and nutritional yeast. Some recipes also include sweet potatoes, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and spices like smoked paprika, chipotle pepper, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
One popular recipe for vegan cheese includes softening cashews by soaking or boiling them, then blending them with refined coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, and salt. This creates a creamy, spreadable cheese that can be served with crackers or bread or used as a topping for pasta, roasted vegetables, or toast. The olive brine adds a tangy, aged flavor to the cheese, while the garlic and salt enhance the overall flavor.
Another recipe for a spicy vegan cheese includes blending cashews with garlic, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, olive oil, and water. This creates a creamy, oozy cheese that can be served with tortilla chips or used as a topping for pasta or nachos. For extra spice, you can add chipotle pepper or pickled jalapeños, and for a smoky flavor, you can add smoked paprika.
The taste and texture of vegan cheese can vary depending on the brand and recipe. Some people find that it doesn't taste exactly like dairy cheese, but there are some brands and recipes that come close. Violife, Daiya, and Miyoko's are mentioned as brands that make decent vegan cheese. Overall, while vegan cheese may not be an exact replica of dairy cheese, it offers a delicious and creamy alternative for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for something new to try.
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Vegan cheese recipes
Whether or not vegan cheese tastes like cheese is a matter of debate. Some people claim that it does not taste like cheese at all, while others say that some brands are close to the real thing. In any case, there are many vegan cheese recipes that you can try at home, and some of them are said to taste just like the real deal.
One of the simplest and most delicious vegan cheese recipes is a creamy, sharp, and strong blue cheese made using traditional cheese-making techniques and only four ingredients. Nutritional yeast is the magic ingredient that gives this cheese a distinct depth of flavor, and the fiery bits of pepper don't hurt either! This vegan blue cheese slices and shreds well, making it perfect for an appetizer tray, snack plate, or cold sandwich.
Another impressive-looking vegan cheese that tastes like the real thing is camembert. It even has the distinctive white, flowery rind! You can make this cheese with a few simple ingredients from your local health food store. It is delicious with a sprinkle of olive oil and served with fresh basil and tomatoes.
If you're a fan of feta, you can make a mouth-watering vegan version with a crumbly feta-like texture using almonds. A dash of lemon juice and flaky sea salt ensures it tastes just as fresh and salty as traditional feta. You can also make a vegan version of goat cheese using the same basic recipe and adding different herbs and spices.
For those who want a more complex flavor, there is a recipe for vegan cheese balls coated in mixed seeds and dried cranberries. The sweetness from the cranberries balances the savory flavors of this festive vegan cheese, while cashews give it a smooth texture. Agar makes it easy to slice and serve with crackers.
Finally, for those who want a quick and easy option, there is a recipe that only takes 15 minutes and uses five ingredients. This vegan cheese is creamy and delicious, and it's cheaper and better than store-bought! The optional add-ins like coarsely ground black pepper, lemon zest, or crushed red pepper flakes will give it a little extra kick.
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Vegan cheese alternatives
While vegan cheese hasn't 100% replicated the taste and texture of dairy cheese, it's still a great alternative for those who are dairy-free or vegan. The base of vegan cheese is typically made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, tofu, oats, or beans. They're often thickened with starch or flour and given a realistic flavor with simple flavoring agents like spices, herbs, and condiments. Here are some popular vegan cheese alternatives:
Miyoko's Creamery Cheese Wheels
Miyoko's Creamery is a well-known vegan cheese brand, and their spreadable cheese wheels are a popular option. They are made with wholesome ingredients and can be enjoyed on baguettes, crackers, crudites, and more.
Kite Hill Foods Cream Cheese Alternative
Kite Hill Foods offers an almond-based vegan cream cheese with a subtle tang. It is made with wholesome ingredients and can be used in recipes or spread on a bagel.
Trader Joe's Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative
This vegan feta cheese alternative from Trader Joe's is a close second to the real thing. It tastes remarkably similar to dairy-based feta and is sold at a reasonable price.
Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles
Follow Your Heart offers a good vegan feta option with their feta crumbles. They are sharp and tangy, melt well, and are allergen-friendly. They're perfect for adding to pasta salads, leafy green salads, or oven-baked flatbreads.
Babybel Plant-Based Cheese Rounds
These vegan cheese rounds from Babybel are a favorite among many. They can be peeled like the regular Babybel cheeses and enjoyed as a snack or spread on bread as a cream cheese alternative.
Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese
Tofutti's Better Than Cream Cheese is a vegan cream cheese that tastes just like dairy cream cheese. It's perfect for making vegan cheesecake or any dish that calls for an authentic cream cheese flavor.
Violife
Violife is a vegan cheese brand that offers a variety of cheese alternatives. While some people find their products tasty, others find that they don't taste quite right.
In addition to these brands, there are also some homemade alternatives that people use as cheese substitutes. Some examples include avocado, fried eggs, tahini, and nutritional yeast.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the brand. Some brands are amazing, while others are awful. Some people say that vegan cheese will never be 100% accurate, but there are some options that come close.
There is no consensus on which brand of vegan cheese tastes the most like real cheese. Some sources claim that Daiya tastes the most like real cheese, while others claim that Violife, Miyoko's, or Follow Your Heart taste the most like real cheese.
Daiya has been said to have the texture that is closest to real cheese, as it melts nicely and doesn't stick to teeth. However, it does not have much stretch.
