Randy Chandler
Nut cheese is a vegan alternative to traditional soft cheese spreads, typically made with cashews and nutritional yeast. It is a tasty and nutritious option for those who are dairy-intolerant or are looking for a new food to try. Nut cheese, particularly cashew cheese, is known to be calorie-dense, with one source stating that an ounce of cashew cheese contains 90 calories. However, the calorie content of nut cheese varies depending on the type of nut used and how it is processed. For example, the calorie content of walnuts was found to be 21% less when in their whole, raw form compared to when they were chopped or made into butter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in Nottin Ordinary cashew cheese | 90 Calories per ounce |
| Calories in America's Choice Natural Swiss Sliced Cheese, Mellow Nut | 80 Calories |
| Calories in cashew cheese | Calorie-dense |
| Calories in nuts | High in calories and calorie-dense |
| Calories in almonds | 160 calories per ounce |
| Calories in pistachios | 161.9 calories per ounce |
| Calories in walnuts | 146 calories per ounce |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in cashew cheese
Nut cheese is a versatile vegan alternative to dairy cheese, and cashew cheese is a popular type of nut cheese. It can be used in sandwiches, paninis, bagels, and as a sauce for pasta.
Nottin Ordinary cashew cheese contains 90 calories per ounce, with a macronutrient breakdown of 21% carbs, 66% fat, and 13% protein.
A recipe for vegan cashew cheese from Whole Foods includes the following ingredients: cashew butter, unsweetened plain almond milk, tahini, nutritional yeast, onion powder, fine sea salt, garlic powder, and white pepper. This cheese sauce can be thinned out with almond milk and tossed with hot pasta.
While nut cheeses may be a good alternative to dairy cheese for some, it is important to remember that oils and fats are calorie-dense. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes when including these foods in your diet.
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Nutritional value of nut cheese
Nut cheese is a delicious alternative to traditional soft cheese spreads, typically made with raw cashews and nutritional yeast. It is perfect for those seeking a dairy alternative or for adventurous foodies. Nut cheese is calorie-dense, with an ounce of cashew cheese containing about 90 calories, 66% of which come from fat.
While nut cheese is a good source of protein and fibre, it contains less protein and calcium than cheese made from mammal milk. Nut cheese is also nutrient-dense, with cashews offering various beneficial micronutrients. The exact nutritional composition of nut cheese can vary depending on the type of nut used and how it is processed. For example, raw, whole nuts typically contain fewer fat calories than chopped nuts or nut butters.
The process of making nut cheese is simple and healthy. Raw cashews are soaked until soft and then blended with other ingredients, such as nutritional yeast, to create a creamy texture. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B vitamins, which facilitate enzymes in breaking down macronutrients so the body can utilise energy properly.
Nut cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, such as grain bowls, pasta, or as a dip. However, due to its high-calorie content, it is recommended to practice portion control and treat it as an indulgent food or flavour booster rather than an everyday food.
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Nut cheese vs dairy cheese
Nut cheese is a vegan alternative to traditional dairy cheese. It is typically made from raw nuts, such as cashews, and nutritional yeast. Nut cheese can be made at home by blending raw, soaked cashews with nutritional yeast in a high-speed blender until smooth. It can be seasoned with additional flavours and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The texture will be similar to that of cream cheese and can be used as a spread or dip.
Nut cheese, specifically cashew cheese, is calorie-dense, with one ounce containing around 90 calories. However, the calorie content can vary depending on the type of nut used and how it is processed. For example, an ounce of almonds has approximately 160 calories, while an ounce of walnuts contains around 146 calories. The way nuts are chewed and processed can also impact the number of calories absorbed by the body.
In comparison, dairy cheese is also calorie-dense, with an ounce of Swiss cheese containing 80 calories. While dairy cheese is not a "light" food, it offers a good amount of protein and other nutrients. For example, nut cheese generally has less protein and calcium than dairy cheese, but it contains more fibre and beneficial micronutrients from the nuts.
When considering the nutritional value of nut cheese versus dairy cheese, it is important to note that both options are calorie-dense and can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Nut cheese is a good alternative for those seeking a vegan or dairy-free option, or for those who want to try a new recipe. However, due to its high-calorie content and low protein levels, nut cheese may be considered more of an indulgent food or flavour booster rather than an everyday staple.
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How to make nut cheese
Nut cheese is a versatile, vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to cheese boards. Nut cheese is also highly customizable, with options to adjust the flavour, texture, and spiciness to your preference.
To make nut cheese, you will need a food processor or blender, and the following ingredients:
- Nuts (cashews, macadamia nuts, blanched almonds, or raw sunflower seeds)
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Coconut oil (or canola oil, vegetable oil, or vegetable shortening)
- Salt
- Garlic (or garlic powder)
- Other spices (e.g. paprika, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, dill, rosemary, parsley, or basil)
- Agar agar powder (for setting the cheese)
- Optional ingredients for flavour: nutritional yeast, tahini, carrot, dijon mustard, olive brine
First, prepare the nuts. If you have a powerful blender, you can skip this step and blend the nuts straight away. Otherwise, you can briefly soak the nuts in boiling water for 15 minutes, or soak them in water for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.
Next, add the nuts and other ingredients (except the agar agar powder) to your blender or food processor. Blend until you have a smooth mixture. For a basic cashew cheese, you can simply add cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the food processor, and pulse until the cashews form a coarse, wet meal.
Once your mixture is ready, it's time to set the cheese. Add the agar agar powder to a saucepan with water and heat until it boils, stirring regularly. After boiling for 1 minute, remove from the heat and pour the mixture into your cheese blend. Blend everything together until smooth.
Quickly pour the mixture into a dish, as it will start to set up fast. You can use a round dish sprayed with non-stick spray, or a dish lined with parchment paper.
Your nut cheese will be ready to serve once it has set. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for later use.
Please note that the calorie count for nut cheese will vary depending on the ingredients and proportions used. As an example, 1 oz of Nottin Ordinary cashew cheese contains 90 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 21% carbs, 66% fat, and 13% protein.
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Nut cheese recipes
Nut cheese is a great vegan alternative to dairy cheese and can be made from cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, or even seeds. Nut cheese is usually creamy and mild in flavor, with a similar texture to dairy cheese. Nut cheese typically has a high fat and calorie content, with one ounce of cashew cheese containing 90 calories, 66% of which are from fat.
Basic Cashew Cheese
This recipe uses raw cashews as the base, along with refined coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, and salt. First, soften the cashews by soaking them in water for at least 6 hours or boiling them for about 10 minutes. Then, add the cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a food processor and pulse until a coarse, wet meal forms. With the motor running, slowly add water to the mixture until the cheese is smooth and thick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Herb-y Cashew Cheese
This recipe is similar to the basic cashew cheese, but includes fresh herbs such as thyme, dill, rosemary, parsley, or basil. The cheese is soft and spreadable, perfect for a cheeseboard with crackers, grapes, and vegan wine.
Macadamia Feta
This dairy-free feta is made with macadamia nuts and is a great introduction to baked vegan cheeses. The process is similar to the basic cashew cheese, but with the additional step of squeezing out the liquid using a cheesecloth. This cheese pairs well with seeded crackers, watermelon, and vegan rosé.
Smoky Vegan Cheese
This 10-minute recipe includes smoked paprika and maple syrup, creating a delicious, spreadable appetizer. Serve it simply with crackers and grapes.
Spicy Vegan Brie
This almond-based cheese has a crumbly texture and a spicy, smoky flavor. It is a great option for melting on paninis, grilled cheese, or pizza due to its high moisture and fat content.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in nut cheese varies depending on the type of nut used and the quantity consumed. For example, cashew cheese contains around 90 calories per ounce, while other nut cheeses may have different calorie counts.
Yes, nut cheese tends to be calorie-dense due to the high-fat content of nuts. However, the number of calories absorbed by the body may be lower than the labelled value due to the concept of "bioavailability".
Traditional dairy cheeses tend to have a higher protein content and may be a better option for those watching their calorie intake. However, nut cheeses made from raw nuts and nutritional yeast can offer a good balance of flavour and nutrition.
The processing of nuts can impact their metabolizable energy (ME) value. Whole raw nuts tend to have the fewest fat calories, followed by chopped nuts, while nut butters tend to have higher fat calories.
Yes, nut cheeses are a great alternative for those who are dairy-intolerant or vegan. They can be a good source of fibre and other beneficial micronutrients, and they can add flavour and nutrition to various dishes.
