Patrick Oconnell
Vegan cheese has become increasingly popular as more people adopt veganism due to environmental, health, and moral concerns. However, replicating the texture, taste, and melting characteristics of dairy cheese is challenging, and not all vegan cheeses are created equal. Some may contain unhealthy starches and oils, while others may be highly processed or lack flavour. So, is any vegan cheese good? The answer is yes, but it depends on individual preferences and how the cheese is used in dishes. Some popular brands among vegans include Violife, Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Miyoko's Creamery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Salty, tangy, sour cream-like, overly sweet, grainy, strong, authentic, subtle |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, powdery, stretchy, meltable, crumbly |
| Ingredients | Cashews, almonds, shallots, coconut oil, potato starch, potato protein, nutritional yeast, water, oil, starch, natural flavour, paprika, annatto, beta carotene, vitamin B12, almond milk, organic cashews, filtered water, grapeseed oil, Himalayan sea salt |
| Brands | Trader Joe's, Molt Cheese, Daiya, Follow Your Heart, Violife, Miyoko's Creamery, Moocho, The Laughing Cow, Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen, Monty's Cream Cheese, Field Roast Chao, 365, Nurishh |
| Health | High in starches, vegetable oils, saturated fats, salts, cholesterol, calories, sugars, hormones |
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Taste and texture
Some people find the texture of vegan cheese to be off-putting. For example, one reviewer found the Moocho cheese line from Tofurky to have a powdery texture and lacked flavour. The reviewer also noted that the cheese melted in the microwave but turned into a "stodgy mess" that lacked the authentic cheese-pull factor. Another reviewer noted that while the vegan cheddar cheese they tried melted well, it was overly sweet, grainy, and tasted like coconut.
On the other hand, some vegan cheeses have been praised for their taste and texture. For example, Violife, a European brand that has been around since the 1990s, has been praised for its feta cheese, which is said to have a salty and tangy flavour that works well in a salad. Another reviewer also recommended Violife's feta, saying that it tastes exactly like regular dairy feta and has the same crumbly texture and salty taste.
Miyoko's Creamery is another popular brand of vegan cheese. Their products are Non-GMO, Lactose-Free, Palm Oil Free, Gluten-Free, and Soy Free. Their Smoked Gouda Cultured Plant Milk Cheese and Aged Herbes De Provence Cashew Milk Cheese have been praised for their flavour.
Some people have also had success making their own vegan cheese at home using ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast. For example, one person shared a recipe for vegan mozzarella made with cashews, lemon juice, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, white miso, Kappa-carrageenan, tapioca starch, salt, coconut oil, and water.
Overall, while there may be some variation in taste and texture among vegan cheeses, there are some options available that can provide a satisfying cheesy experience for those following a vegan diet or looking for a dairy-free alternative.
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Health benefits
Whether vegan cheese is good for health depends on the type chosen and the amount consumed. Vegan cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, but it should not be the sole source of nutrition. Here are some health benefits of vegan cheese:
Cholesterol-free
Vegan cheese is cholesterol-free, whereas dairy cheese contains cholesterol. For example, a slice of Cabot American cheese contains 7% (20 milligrams) of the daily cholesterol value. Consuming cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
Improved gut health
Vegan cheese is lactose-free, which can improve gut health. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive issues, so vegan cheese can be a better option for those with lactose intolerance or gut issues.
Reduced acne and bloating
Dairy products often contain hormones and saturated fats, which can cause acne and bloating. By eliminating these compounds, vegan cheese may help reduce acne and bloating.
Lower environmental impact
Vegan cheese has a lower environmental footprint than traditional cheese. Dairy cheese production involves distressing cows, goats, and sheep, contributing to a higher carbon footprint. By opting for vegan cheese, individuals can minimize their impact on the environment.
Fewer calories and fats
Some vegan cheeses, particularly those made with nuts or beans as the main ingredient, have lower calories and saturated fats. For example, vegan cheese made from cashews provides healthy fats and is low in saturated fat.
It is important to note that not all vegan cheeses are healthy. Some vegan cheeses are highly processed and may contain additives, preservatives, refined oils, and high amounts of sodium. It is crucial to read labels and choose vegan cheese with simple, whole-food ingredients. Additionally, moderation is key, and vegan cheese should be consumed as part of a balanced diet that includes various whole foods.
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Nutritional yeast
In addition to its use in sauces and dips, nutritional yeast can be used to make vegan cheese at home. For example, a recipe for vegan mozzarella includes cashews, lemon juice, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, white miso, Kappa-carrageenan, tapioca starch, salt, coconut oil, and water.
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Coconut oil
Some people with coconut allergies also seek out non-coconut oil-based vegan cheeses. While coconut allergies are rare, they do exist, and those affected must be vigilant when purchasing vegan cheese. Some supermarkets stock coconut-free vegan cheeses, such as Nush almond milk cream cheese, available at Sainsbury's. Other coconut-free options include Oh Grate by I Am Nut Okay, a parmesan alternative available from specialist shops, and Philadelphia vegan cheese, though the exact ingredients of the latter are unclear.
For those who enjoy making their own vegan cheese, cashew cheese sauce is a popular option. It can be made by blending cashews with spices, water, and lemon juice, and is a tasty addition to pasta dishes. Another recipe for homemade vegan cheese involves soaking cashews in boiling water, then blitzing them with nutritional yeast, salt, paprika, turmeric, lemon juice, yellow mustard, and minced garlic. A boiled potato or carrot can also be added to this mixture for bulk.
In summary, while coconut oil is a prevalent ingredient in vegan cheese, there are valid reasons why some consumers may wish to avoid it. These include health concerns, taste and texture preferences, and allergies. Fortunately, there are coconut-free alternatives available on the market, and it is also possible to make delicious homemade vegan cheese without coconut oil.
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Popular brands
There are many popular brands of vegan cheese available on the market. Some of the most well-known brands include Violife, Follow Your Heart, Chao, Miyoko's, and Treeline. These brands are known for their flavour, texture, or meltability, with some shining on a charcuterie board and others in hot dishes. For example, Miyoko's liquid pizza cheese has been described as one of the best approximations of melted pizza cheese. Miyoko's Creamery, founded by celebrity chef Miyoko Schinner, offers a wide range of products, including vegan cheese wheels, slices, mozzarella, and butter.
Other popular brands include Kite Hill, which offers rich ricotta and creamy non-dairy spreads made with high-end almonds. Three Girls Vegan Creamery, an Italian plant-based eatery in Guilford, Connecticut, is also a popular choice. For those looking for fancy, artisanal cheeses, Rebel Cheese offers a variety of options, including smoked cheddar, cave-aged brie, pepper jack, chevre, and gruyere.
Some other well-known brands include Good Planet, which offers a coconut-oil-based cheese that is free from nuts, soy, and gluten. Good Planet's vegan cheese has a mild flavour and a surprisingly decent texture, especially in shreds. For those who enjoy cashew-based cheeses, brands like Nuts for Cheese and VegNature have received positive reviews for their products, which some claim are indistinguishable from dairy cheese.
Lastly, for those on a budget, TJ's vegan cheeses offer a more affordable option, although the quality can be inconsistent. Their mozzarella-style shreds melt decently for the price, and their cream cheese works well in both cold and warm dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular vegan cheese brands include Violife, Daiya, Follow Your Heart, Trader Joe's, Miyoko's Creamery, Molt Cheese, and Nurishh.
Violife offers a wide range of vegan cheese products, including mozzarella, cheddar, Mexican-style shreds, cream cheese, mature cheddar slices, dips, feta, and shaved parmesan.
Some alternatives to store-bought vegan cheese include making your own vegan cheese at home with ingredients like cashews, almonds, shallots, and nutritional yeast. Nut-based cheeses can be delicious, but they tend to be expensive.
Vegan cheeses tend to be healthier than dairy cheese because they do not contain hormones, cholesterol, or saturated fats found in dairy cheese, which can cause acne, bloating, clogged arteries, and heart disease. However, not all vegan cheeses are made with clean, wholesome ingredients, and some may contain unhealthy starches and vegetable oils.
