Randy Chandler
Chao Cheese is a vegan cheese alternative produced by Field Roast, a company that makes plant-based meats and cheeses. The product is coconut-based and seasoned with fermented tofu, and it comes in various flavours, including Creamy Original, Coconut Herb, Tomato Cayenne, Smoked Original, Spicy Original, and Garden Herb. It has received generally positive reviews, with some people praising its taste, texture, and meltability. However, others have criticised its price, noting that it is more expensive than other vegan cheese options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth, slightly rubbery, creamy |
| Flavor | Mild, buttery, tangy, earthy |
| Smell | Neutral, lightly tangy |
| Melting | Melts well |
| Ingredients | Filtered water, coconut oil, modified corn and potato starch, potato starch, fermented tofu, sea salt, natural flavor, olive extract, beta carotene |
| Diet | Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free |
| Price | $4.99-$5.98 |
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What You'll Learn
Chao cheese is a good vegan cheese option
Chao cheese is a coconut-based cheese alternative, seasoned with fermented tofu. It is dairy-free and gluten-free, containing no gluten ingredients. The slices are firm, but not too firm, and they peel apart easily. They are also said to have a strong cheesy odour, reminiscent of unwrapping a block of mozzarella or a tube of string cheese.
The taste of Chao cheese has been likened to Swiss, Provolone, and Munster cheese, with a hint of butter. It has a rich, bold, and earthy flavour, with a slight tanginess. It is a good cheese to snack on, and it also melts well, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Chao cheese is produced by Field Roast, a company that specialises in plant-based meats and cheeses. The product has received positive reviews from consumers, with many praising its taste, texture, and meltability. Some reviewers have even claimed that it is better than real cheese.
However, one drawback of Chao cheese is its price, which tends to be higher than that of its competitors. Despite this, it is still a good option for those seeking a vegan cheese alternative, offering a pleasant surprise with its impressive mimicry of dairy cheese.
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It has a mild, subtle taste and a neutral smell
Chao cheese is a vegan cheese alternative produced by Field Roast. It is coconut-based and seasoned with fermented tofu, and it comes in Creamy Original, Coconut Herb, Tomato Cayenne, Smoked Original, Spicy Original, and Garden Herb flavours.
Chao cheese has a mild, subtle taste and a neutral smell. It has been described as having a "hint of Swiss, provolone, and butter" and as being buttery. The fermented tofu gives it a unique tanginess, and it has a smooth texture with a bit of squeakiness when cold. The slices are firm, but not too firm, and they peel apart easily.
The neutral smell and mild flavour of Chao cheese make it a good option for those who are not fans of strong-smelling or aged cheeses. It is also a good choice for those who are new to vegan cheese, as it does not have an overpowering flavour. The mild taste and smell of Chao cheese also make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to crackers and cold cuts sandwiches.
While some people may prefer vegan cheeses with a stronger flavour, the mildness of Chao cheese can be a positive attribute for those who are looking for a more subtle option. The subtle flavour allows the cheese to complement other ingredients in a dish without overwhelming them. Additionally, the neutral smell can be advantageous for those who are sensitive to strong odours.
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It melts like regular cheese
Chao cheese is a vegan cheese alternative produced by Field Roast. It is made from coconut oil and fermented tofu, and it is marketed as a "coconut cheese alternative". Despite this, many reviewers note that it does not have a coconut taste.
One of the most impressive features of Chao cheese is its ability to melt like regular cheese. In fact, it has been described as melting "just.like.regular.cheese", and "like a dream". This makes it a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as other dishes that require melted cheese, such as nachos and pizza.
The texture of Chao cheese has been described as smooth and creamy, with a slight squeakiness when cold. It is firm but not crumbly, and it peels apart easily. The taste is mild and buttery, similar to Swiss or Provolone cheese, with a tangy smell.
Chao cheese has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from those who have tried it, with many people stating that it is the best vegan cheese they have ever tasted. Some reviewers even claim that it is better than real cheese. The consensus seems to be that Chao cheese is a high-quality product that is well worth the price.
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It is coconut-based and seasoned with fermented tofu
Chao cheese is a vegan cheese alternative produced by Field Roast. It is coconut-based and seasoned with fermented tofu, which adds an "umami" factor to each flavour. The cheese slices are designed to peel easily, shred well, and melt like regular cheese.
The full list of ingredients in Chao Creamy Original includes filtered water, coconut oil, modified corn and potato starch, potato starch, fermented tofu (soybeans, water, salt, sesame oil), sea salt, natural flavour, olive extract (antioxidant used as a preservative), and beta carotene (colour).
The addition of fermented tofu to the cheese's ingredient list is notable, as it is this ingredient that sets Chao cheese apart from other vegan cheese alternatives. Fermented tofu, or "chao", is a traditionally fermented soybean curd. It is seasoned with coconut, which gives the cheese its unique flavour. While some consumers have noted a mild coconut taste when the cheese is melted, others have stated that there is no coconut flavour at all.
Chao cheese has received positive reviews from consumers, with many praising its mild, buttery, and creamy flavour. It has been compared to Swiss, provolone, and white cheddar cheese, with a hint of butteriness. The cheese has a smooth texture with a slight squeakiness when cold, and a tangy odour that is less strong than other vegan cheese products. Overall, Chao cheese is considered a good option for those seeking a vegan cheese alternative that mimics the taste and texture of dairy cheese.
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It is pricier than competitors
While Chao cheese slices have received positive reviews for their taste, texture, and creaminess, some consumers have noted that they are pricier than competing products in the vegan cheese market. Field Roast, the company behind Chao cheese, is known for its high-quality plant-based products, and this is reflected in the pricing of their offerings.
The price of Chao cheese slices has been a point of discussion among consumers, with some considering it expensive compared to other options. The slices are typically priced at $4.99, and while they may be found on sale for a lower price, the regular cost is higher than that of similar vegan cheese products. This price point has been described as "really reasonable" by some, while others have expressed that the higher cost compared to competitors may deter people who are new to dairy-free alternatives.
Field Roast products, including Chao cheese, tend to be priced higher than competing options, and this is often attributed to their focus on high-quality ingredients and production processes. The company uses whole food ingredients and unique components like fermented tofu to create their cheese alternatives, resulting in a premium product that commands a higher price. While the quality justifies the price for some consumers, others may find it challenging to incorporate Chao cheese into their regular diets due to the cost.
The pricing of Chao cheese slices can vary depending on the retailer and the specific product within the Chao cheese lineup. For example, the Creamy Original slices, one of the most popular varieties, may be found for $4.99 at Whole Foods or on sale for $3.50 at Safeway. The Coconut Herb and Tomato Cayenne slices, which offer unique flavor profiles, may also vary in price depending on the retailer and availability.
While the price of Chao cheese slices is higher than that of some competitors, it's important to consider the overall value proposition. Many consumers have praised the taste, texture, and melting capabilities of Chao cheese, positioning it as a leading option in the vegan cheese market. For those seeking a high-quality, delicious, and dairy-free cheese alternative, Chao cheese presents a compelling option, despite its higher price point compared to some competitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Chao cheese has a mild, subtle taste, similar to Swiss or provolone cheese. It has a smooth texture with a hint of squeakiness when cold. It is also said to have a buttery taste.
Chao cheese is a vegan product, meaning it is made without any animal products or derivatives. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option than dairy cheese, which requires industrial meat and dairy consumption.
Chao cheese can be found at most major grocery stores, including Walmart, Whole Foods, and Safeway. It is usually priced between $3.50 and $5.98.
Chao cheese slices can be used in a variety of ways. They can be eaten straight out of the package or melted on grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, or burgers. They can also be shredded and used as a topping.
