Kamil Perry
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional cheese, often made without animal products such as dairy, eggs, or animal-derived ingredients. One of the leading brands in the vegan cheese market is Follow Your Heart, which offers a range of cheese alternatives, including smoked gouda, provolone, cheddar, and mozzarella. While these products are dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, the question arises: are they healthy? This paragraph aims to introduce the topic and explore the nutritional aspects of Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese, evaluating its health benefits and potential concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Contains saturated fat | Yes |
| Contains sodium | Yes |
| Contains processed ingredients | Yes |
| Contains carrageenan | Yes |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Soy-free | Yes |
| Dairy-free | Yes |
| Egg-free | Yes |
| Grain-free | Yes |
| Nut-free | Yes |
| Peanut-free | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Taste | Similar to regular cheese |
| Texture | Creamy and soft |
| Melts | Yes |
| Price | $6 for 10 slices |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Follow Your Heart's smoked gouda slices are popular and tasty
While Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese may not be considered a healthy option due to its high content of saturated fat, sodium, and processed ingredients, it is a popular choice for those seeking dairy-free alternatives. The brand's Smoked Gouda slices, in particular, have gained a following for their flavour and versatility.
Follow Your Heart's Smoked Gouda slices offer a decadent, hickory-smoked flavour with subtle smoky undertones that enhance, rather than overpower, the taste. This variety of vegan cheese slices has impressed consumers with its smooth, creamy texture, both when consumed cold or melted. The product's meltability makes it a versatile option for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and paninis. It can also be added to mac n cheese for a sophisticated twist on a classic dish.
The Smoked Gouda slices are described as flavourful, creamy, and smoky, with a subtle sweetness. They are said to have a well-balanced taste that makes them enjoyable in various culinary applications. The slices are also noted for their similarity in texture and meltability to dairy-based cheese, making them a preferred choice for those seeking plant-based alternatives.
While the brand's Smoked Gouda slices have received positive reviews for their taste and texture, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile of Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese products. As previously mentioned, these cheese alternatives may contain high levels of saturated fat and sodium, similar to their dairy-based counterparts. Some of their products also contain carrageenan, a controversial ingredient that may cause gut issues for some individuals.
However, Follow Your Heart's Smoked Gouda slices offer certain advantages in terms of dietary restrictions. The product is confirmed to be gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It is also free of eggs, grains, nuts, and peanuts, accommodating various allergies and dietary preferences. While the slices may not be considered a "healthy" option in terms of fat and sodium content, they can be a tasty and practical choice for those seeking dairy-free alternatives that mimic the real thing.
Smart Tips for Choosing Healthy Cheese
You may want to see also
The product is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and vegan
While vegan cheese is often assumed to be a healthy alternative to dairy cheese, Follow Your Heart cheese is not considered a healthy option due to its high content of saturated fat, sodium, and processed ingredients. Its main ingredients are processed oil and starch, and it contains as much saturated fat and sodium as dairy cheese.
However, Follow Your Heart cheese is a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, as the product is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and vegan. It is also egg-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and vegetarian. This makes it a versatile option for those with allergies or dietary preferences that align with these attributes.
The absence of gluten, soy, and dairy in Follow Your Heart cheese is a positive feature, as these allergens and ingredients are known to cause digestive issues and adverse reactions in some individuals. Gluten, for example, is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and some people may experience gluten intolerance or celiac disease, which can lead to an immune response and damage to the small intestine. Similarly, soy is known to be a common allergen, and dairy products are often associated with lactose intolerance and digestive issues.
By eliminating these ingredients, Follow Your Heart cheese provides an inclusive option that caters to various dietary needs and restrictions. This aspect of the product is particularly beneficial for those with multiple allergies or dietary preferences, as it ensures they can still enjoy cheese-like flavors and textures without compromising their health or beliefs.
While the absence of gluten, soy, and dairy is a positive attribute, it is important to note that the overall healthiness of a product entails considering various factors, including the presence of other potentially harmful ingredients and the overall nutritional profile.
Egg and Cheese: Healthy or Not?
You may want to see also
It contains saturated fat, sodium, and processed ingredients
While Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese is dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian, it is not a healthy option. This is mainly due to its high content of saturated fat, sodium, and processed ingredients.
Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese contains as much saturated fat and sodium as dairy cheese. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020), saturated fat and sodium are nutrients that should be limited in one's diet. The main ingredients of Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese are processed oil and starch, which are also highly processed.
Some of Follow Your Heart's cheese products also contain carrageenan, a controversial ingredient that may cause leaky gut and inflammation and damage to the GI tract. Carrageenan is also believed to be a carcinogen, with data showing that even food-grade carrageenan contains at least 5% degraded carrageenan. While the quality of evidence regarding the harmful effects of carrageenan is weak, it may be a concern for those with gut issues.
When compared to other vegan cheese brands, such as Daiya, Follow Your Heart's cheese contains slightly more fat and sodium. Daiya's top ingredients are tapioca starch and coconut oil, which are similar to the palm oil and potato starch found in Follow Your Heart's cheese. It's worth noting that Daiya's mozzarella shreds do not contain carrageenan, whereas Follow Your Heart's do.
While Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese may not be the healthiest option due to its saturated fat, sodium, and processed ingredients, it is a popular choice for those seeking dairy-free and soy-free alternatives. It has received positive reviews for its taste, texture, and melting capabilities, especially the smoked gouda flavor.
Cheese and Pregnancy: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It includes carrageenan, which may cause leaky gut
While Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese has been praised for its taste and texture, resembling that of regular cheese, concerns have been raised about the presence of carrageenan in some of its products. Carrageenan is a controversial ingredient that has been linked to potential health risks, particularly regarding the gut.
Carrageenan, derived from red moss, is commonly used in vegan and vegetarian products, sometimes as a replacement for gelatin. However, research suggests that it may cause inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. There is also data indicating that degraded carrageenan is a carcinogen, and even food-grade carrageenan is said to contain a significant percentage of degraded carrageenan.
The potential issue with carrageenan is its possible link to "leaky gut," a condition where the intestinal barrier becomes more permeable, allowing bacteria and toxins to pass into the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation and other health issues. While the evidence connecting carrageenan to leaky gut is not conclusive, it is a cause for concern, especially for individuals with existing gut problems.
Follow Your Heart's vegan cheese products that contain carrageenan include the mozzarella shreds and the smoked gouda slices. While these options have received positive reviews for their flavour and texture, the presence of carrageenan may be a factor for consumers to consider, especially those with gut sensitivities or a particular focus on ingredient health and safety.
It is worth noting that the overall healthfulness of vegan cheese, including Follow Your Heart's products, extends beyond the presence or absence of carrageenan. The high content of saturated fat, sodium, and processed ingredients in these cheeses is also a factor to consider when evaluating their nutritional value and potential health impacts.
Block Cheese vs Shredded Cheese: Which is Healthier?
You may want to see also
There are healthier vegan cheese options, such as homemade recipes
While Follow Your Heart cheese is dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian, it is not considered a healthy option due to its high content of saturated fat, sodium, and processed ingredients. It contains as much saturated fat and sodium as dairy cheese, and some products also contain carrageenan, which may cause inflammation and damage to the GI tract.
There are, however, healthier vegan cheese options available, particularly homemade recipes. Making vegan cheese at home allows for greater control over the ingredients used, and there are endless flavour possibilities. For example, nutritional yeast has a nutty, savoury flavour and can be used in recipes such as mac and cheese, baked potatoes, and nachos. It can also be added to plant-based cheese sauces, along with ingredients like potatoes and carrots, for dishes such as carbonara and quesaritos.
Cashews are another popular base for homemade vegan cheese, providing a smooth and decadent texture. They can be blended with yukon gold potatoes, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to create a creamy, tangy cheese sauce. This cashew-based recipe can also be used to make vegan halloumi by pressing, marinating, and frying.
Other nut-based cheese alternatives include almond cheese and pistachio cheese, which benefit from the healthy, unsaturated fats found in nuts. Tofu is another versatile ingredient used in vegan cheese recipes, providing a protein-rich option that can be marinated with rosemary and garlic for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Follow Your Heart vegan cheese is not a healthy option due to its high content of saturated fat, sodium, and processed ingredients. Its main ingredients are processed oil and starch, and it has as much saturated fat and sodium as dairy cheese.
Some Follow Your Heart cheese products contain carrageenan, which may cause leaky gut and inflammation and damage to the GI tract.
Follow Your Heart vegan cheese is nutritionally very similar to Daiya, another leading brand of vegan cheese. The main difference is that Follow Your Heart contains slightly more fat, while Daiya contains slightly more carbs.
There are some healthier vegan cheese options available, such as homemade recipes made from nuts like cashews, almonds, or pistachios, which contain healthy, unsaturated fats. However, these options may be less "cheesy" in taste and texture.
