Randy Chandler
Chao Cheese is a vegan cheese product made by Field Roast. It is dairy-free and made from fermented tofu and coconut oil. The product comes in slices and provides an umami, buttery flavor and firm bite that could fool most die-hard cheese enthusiasts. Chao Cheese is available in a variety of flavors, including Creamy Original, Spicy Tomato, and Coconut Herb. It is also gluten-free and non-GMO. While Chao Cheese is vegan and dairy-free, it is important to note that it does contain soy from the fermented tofu used in its production.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soy-free | No |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Dairy-free | Yes |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| GMO-free | Yes |
| Organic | No |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Chao cheese is made from fermented tofu and coconut oil
Chao cheese is a vegan cheese made from fermented tofu and coconut oil. It was created by the Seattle-based vegan meat brand Field Roast, which combined Vietnamese techniques for fermented tofu with its own coconut-based cheese. The result is a rich and creamy vegan cheese product that rivals dairy in flavour and texture.
Chao, or fermented tofu, is a popular street food in Vietnam and is considered a traditional Asian cheese. It has a strong, sweet flavour and a soft and fatty texture. The tofu is fermented for at least one month in a brine of water, salt, and usually rice wine. This fermentation process transforms the tofu into creamy cubes with a rich, cheesy flavour and a soft, paste-like texture.
The process of making fermented tofu is believed to have originated in China around 200 BC. Today, it is commonly found in Asian supermarkets and can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, marinades, and dipping sauces. It can also be combined with other ingredients to create a marinade for tofu, seitan, or tempeh.
Field Roast's Chao cheese is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. The company uses fresh, whole-food ingredients like grains, vegetables, legumes, and spices to create its artisanal plant-based meats and cheeses. Their Chao slices are designed to be paired with their vegan meat deli slices and are available in a variety of flavours, including Creamy Original, Smoked Original, and Spicy Original.
Cheese Curls: Are They Gluten-Free?
You may want to see also
It is vegan and gluten-free
Chao Cheese is a vegan cheese product that is made from fermented tofu and coconut oil. It has a super cheesy taste and texture, providing the perfect umami, buttery flavour and firm bite that could fool most die-hard cheese enthusiasts. In addition to being totally vegan, Chao Cheese is also gluten-free and non-GMO. The product is crafted with fresh whole-food ingredients such as grains, vegetables, legumes and spices, and it is high in protein thanks to vital wheat gluten.
Chao Cheese slices are available in a variety of flavours, including Creamy Original, Spicy Tomato, and Coconut Herb. They can be purchased at retailers such as Giant, Whole Foods, Walmart, Food Lion, Meijer, Hannaford, Kehe, and UNFI, as well as at select Costco supermarkets.
The Creamy Original flavour has received positive reviews, with tasters describing it as surprisingly buttery and pleasant, with a depth of flavour that is unexpected in a plant-based cheese. It also melts in a manner similar to real cheese when placed on a veggie burger, although it can become too liquid if left for too long.
Chao Cheese is a great option for those seeking a dairy-free, vegan cheese that still delivers on taste and texture. It is perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and other culinary applications where cheese is typically used. With its availability in major retailers and its competitive pricing, Chao Cheese is an accessible and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional cheese.
Gluten-Free String Cheese: Is Roseli a Healthy Option?
You may want to see also
It can be purchased from Walmart, Food Lion, Meijer, Hannaford, Kehe, and UNFI
Chao Cheese is a vegan cheese alternative made with fermented tofu and coconut oil. It is dairy-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free. The cheese slices are seasoned with a traditionally fermented soybean curd called Chao by the Vietnamese.
Chao Cheese can be purchased from several retailers, including Walmart, Food Lion, Meijer, Hannaford, Kehe, and UNFI. It is also available at Target and on Amazon. The suggested retail price for Chao Cheese is $5.99 per package, although the price may vary depending on the location.
In addition to these retailers, it is worth noting that Chao Cheese will soon be available at 150 Costco supermarkets across the south/midwestern U.S. and Ontario, Canada. This expansion will make the product even more accessible to consumers.
When purchasing Chao Cheese, it is important to note that it must be kept refrigerated and should never be frozen. Each package has a "'use-by'" date printed on the packaging to ensure freshness.
Overall, Chao Cheese is a popular vegan cheese alternative that is widely available at various retailers. Its unique blend of fermented tofu and coconut oil provides a satisfying umami, buttery flavor and a firm bite, making it a favorite among those who enjoy plant-based options.
Trader Joe's Queso Cheese Dip: Gluten-Free?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is a good alternative to real cheese
Chao Cheese is a good alternative to real cheese for several reasons. Firstly, it is a vegan product, making it suitable for those who do not consume dairy or animal products. It is crafted from plant-based ingredients such as grains, vegetables, legumes, and spices, offering a flavourful and high-quality alternative to traditional cheese. Chao Cheese is also gluten-free, GMO-free, and crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a healthier and more environmentally conscious choice.
One of the standout features of Chao Cheese is its taste and texture, which have impressed both dairy-free eaters and cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is made from fermented tofu and coconut oil, resulting in a buttery, umami flavour and a firm bite that rivals real cheese. The Creamy Original flavour, in particular, has received praise for its surprising depth of flavour and melting capability, enhancing dishes such as veggie burgers and sandwiches.
In addition to taste, Chao Cheese offers variety and convenience. It comes in multiple flavours, including Creamy Original, Spicy Tomato, and Coconut Herb, catering to different preferences. The slices are also easy to use, peeling and shredding well, making them versatile for various culinary applications. The fact that they are widely available at major retailers and supermarkets further adds to their convenience.
While Chao Cheese contains a higher amount of saturated fat and sodium compared to real cheese, this is a common trait among alternative cheese products. Overall, Chao Cheese provides a palatable and satisfying option for those seeking a dairy-free or vegan alternative. Its unique flavour, meltability, and accessibility make it a good substitute for real cheese, contributing to the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives in the food industry.
Change is Inevitable: Embrace it Like 'Who Moved My Cheese?
You may want to see also
It is not organic
Chao Cheese is a vegan cheese product by Field Roast. It is made from fermented tofu and coconut oil, providing an umami, buttery flavour and firm bite. The product is dairy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
While Chao Cheese is made from plant-based and fresh whole-food ingredients, it is not organic. Field Roast has stated that their products are not currently organic. The company focuses on creating accessible plant-based meats and cheeses, and using all-organic ingredients would considerably raise prices.
Field Roast's priority is to make their products affordable and accessible. They use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients where possible, such as spices and flours, but they do not use certified organic ingredients. This decision is intentional to keep prices competitive and to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
The company has been pioneering the plant-based industry since 1997, creating flavourful and high-quality products. Their goal is to satisfy consumers with products that are high in protein and made from vital wheat gluten, which is wheat flour with the starch removed, leaving pure wheat protein.
While Chao Cheese is not organic, it offers a tasty, dairy-free, and vegan alternative to traditional cheese. It has gained popularity for its flavour and texture, providing an option for those who are dairy-free or seeking plant-based alternatives.
Cheese Restaurants: Gluten-Free Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Chao Cheese contains soy from fermented tofu.
Chao Cheese is made from a base of coconut oil and fermented tofu, with added starches and flavourings.
Chao Cheese contains modified corn and potato starch.
Yes, Chao Cheese is a vegan product.
Chao Cheese comes in Creamy Original, Spicy Tomato, and Coconut Herb varieties.
