Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, but is it plant-based? The traditional feta cheese is made from dairy, but the good news for vegans and vegetarians is that there are now numerous plant-based alternatives available. These vegan feta cheeses are typically made from ingredients like tofu, cashews, almonds, and macadamia nuts, and they aim to replicate the distinctive salty, tangy, and crumbly characteristics of dairy-based feta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Food | Cheese |
| Food Category | Vegan |
| Food Texture | Creamy, Crumbly, Spreadable, Cubable |
| Taste | Salty, Tangy, Savory, Rich, Cheesy |
| Ingredients | Tofu, Coconut Oil, Lemon Juice, White Vinegar, Nutritional Yeast, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cashews, Kalamata Olive Brine, Agar Agar Powder |
| Recipe Availability | Available Online |
| Recipe Difficulty | Easy |
| Recipe Time | Quick |
| Recipe Cost | Cheap |
| Allergens | Nuts (optional) |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese substitutes
Feta cheese is made from sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk (up to 30%). However, it can also be made with other types of milk, such as cow's milk, though this is not considered "real" feta. If you are looking for a plant-based substitute for feta cheese, there are several options available:
Vegan Feta Cheese
There are recipes for vegan feta cheese that use tofu as a base. The tofu is typically extra firm or medium-firm and is drained but not pressed. It is then combined with other ingredients such as refined coconut oil, lemon juice, and herbs to create a salty, tangy, and crumbly cheese that resembles traditional feta.
Non-Dairy Substitutes
If you are looking for a dairy-free option that is not necessarily vegan, there are a few alternatives to feta cheese:
- Salted capers: While this won't provide the same visual or substance as feta, it will add a salty flavour to your dish.
- Hummus: Adding a dollop of creamy hummus can provide a similar substance and flavour hit as feta.
- Avocado: Chunks of avocado can add creaminess and substance to your dish. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime and some sea salt flakes can enhance the flavour.
- Olives: A handful of olives can provide a salty burst of flavour similar to feta.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a burst of flavour and a touch of sweetness to your dish.
- Nuts: Roasted almonds or other nuts like pine nuts, pistachios, macadamias, or cashews can add texture, crunch, and flavour to your dish.
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Vegan feta cheese recipes
Feta cheese is a dairy product, but there are vegan alternatives that can be made at home. Vegan feta cheese recipes typically use tofu as a base, with added ingredients to create a salty, tangy, and crumbly texture similar to that of traditional feta cheese.
Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu
- Refined coconut oil
- Lemon juice
- White miso paste
- Green olive brine
- Spices (oregano, thyme, salt)
Method
- Press a block of extra-firm tofu to remove excess water.
- Cut the tofu into cubes.
- Prepare a marinade with coconut oil, lemon juice, white miso paste, green olive brine, and spices.
- Place the tofu cubes in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably 48 hours, to allow the tofu to absorb the flavours.
- Use the vegan feta cheese in salads, on flatbreads, in pasta, or as a topping for roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations
- Some recipes suggest microwaving the tofu for about 50 seconds before marinating to improve texture.
- For a soy-free alternative, you can use pumpkin seed tofu or fava bean tofu instead of regular tofu.
- If you are allergic to coconuts or prefer a different flavour profile, vegetable shortening can be used instead of coconut oil, but the texture may differ.
- Omit the oil entirely for a spreadable consistency.
- For a nut-free option, use all almonds instead of cashews, but note that the cheese will be grainier and less creamy.
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Vegan feta cheese ingredients
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep or goat's milk, so it is not plant-based. However, there are vegan alternatives to feta cheese that are made from plant-based ingredients. These vegan feta cheeses aim to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional feta cheese while being dairy-free.
One popular ingredient used in vegan feta cheese is tofu, specifically extra-firm tofu. The tofu is pressed to remove excess liquid, cut into cubes, and then marinated to infuse flavour. The tofu provides a protein-packed base that can be crumbled or cubed, mimicking the texture of traditional feta cheese.
Another key ingredient in some vegan feta cheese recipes is refined coconut oil. Coconut oil is essential for achieving the desired firmness and texture. When chilled, coconut oil solidifies, giving the vegan feta cheese a solid structure similar to that of dairy-based feta. It is important to use refined or deodorized coconut oil to avoid any coconut flavour in the final product.
To season the vegan feta cheese and enhance its flavour, various ingredients can be added. Lemon juice adds a sharp, tangy note, while white miso paste contributes an aged, umami flavour. Green olive brine, thyme, oregano, and salt are also used to infuse the characteristic salty, briny notes associated with feta cheese. Additionally, ingredients like nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, and onion powder can be included to round out the flavour profile.
These vegan feta cheese recipes aim to provide a versatile, dairy-free alternative that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to baked recipes, offering a plant-based option that delivers on taste and texture.
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Vegan feta cheese taste and texture
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep or goat's milk, so it is not vegan-friendly. However, there are vegan alternatives available that aim to replicate the taste and texture of feta cheese.
Vegan feta cheese is typically made from tofu, which is pressed and marinated to create a firm, crumbly texture similar to that of traditional feta. Some recipes also include nuts, such as almonds and cashews, to add a creamy texture and enhance the flavour. Coconut oil is another important ingredient, as it hardens when cold, giving the cheese a firmer texture.
In terms of taste, vegan feta cheese aims to replicate the tangy, salty, and briny flavours of traditional feta. The addition of ingredients like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast enhances the tangy and savoury profile of the cheese. Some recipes also include white miso paste, olive brine, oregano, and salt to further develop the flavour.
The texture of vegan feta cheese can vary depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used. Some recipes produce a smooth and creamy cheese, while others result in a firmer, cubeable texture. However, the goal is always to create a crumbly texture similar to that of dairy-based feta.
Overall, vegan feta cheese aims to provide a versatile alternative to traditional feta, offering a tangy, salty, and crumbly cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and wraps to pasta and flatbreads. With a few key ingredients and preparation techniques, vegan feta cheese can closely resemble the taste and texture of its dairy-based counterpart.
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Where to buy vegan feta cheese
Feta cheese is traditionally a brine-curdled cheese made with sheep or goat's milk. However, vegan feta cheese is also available and can be made at home or purchased from specialty stores and online retailers.
If you're looking to buy vegan feta cheese, there are several options available to you:
Online Retailers
- Amazon: Amazon offers a variety of vegan feta cheese options, with reviews and ratings to help you choose the best product for your needs.
- The Vreamery: This online shop specializes in vegan cheese and offers a vegan feta block with herbs and extra virgin olive oil.
- Fake Meats: Fake Meats is an online store that offers a variety of vegan products, including Violife vegan feta cheese.
Specialty Stores
Depending on your location, you may be able to find vegan feta cheese at specialty stores, such as health food stores or vegan markets. These stores often carry a variety of vegan cheese options, including feta.
Make Your Own
If you prefer a more customizable option, you can also make your own vegan feta cheese at home. Several recipes are available online, and many only require a few simple ingredients, such as tofu, coconut oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep or goat's milk. It is a soft, brined cheese with a salty and tangy flavour.
Yes, there are many recipes for vegan feta cheese that use plant-based ingredients such as tofu, cashews, coconut oil, almonds, and macadamia nuts. These alternatives are said to taste, crumble, and melt like real feta cheese.
Vegan feta cheese is quite versatile and can be used in any dish that calls for traditional feta. It can be crumbled on salads, pastas, pizzas, or served on a snack plate. It can also be added to Greek dishes such as spanakopita or spinach and feta pie.
