Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a popular dairy product with a unique tangy flavor and creamy, crumbly texture. For those who follow a vegan diet or are allergic to dairy, the thought of giving up goat cheese can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several vegan alternatives to traditional goat cheese that offer similar taste and texture profiles. These plant-based cheeses are made using ingredients such as cashews, lemon juice, vinegar, and probiotics, and can be easily prepared at home or purchased from specialty shops and supermarkets. With their versatility and flavor, these vegan options are a perfect substitute for pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and cheese plates.
Is goat cheese vegan?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy and crumbly |
| Taste | Tangy |
| Nutritional value | Rich in nutrients and contains beneficial bacteria |
| Ingredients | Cashews, vinegar, lemon juice, probiotics, water |
| Sweeteners | Minced dates, figs, dried apricots, maple syrup |
| Preparation time | Under an hour |
| Storage | Refrigerate in a glass container with a tight lid |
| Consumption | Spread on a cracker, added to a salad, or used as a dip |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese alternatives
Goat cheese is made from goat's milk and has a distinctive complex flavour profile and creamy, spreadable consistency. However, there are many reasons why someone might want to find a substitute for goat cheese, including dietary restrictions, dairy allergies, or simply not liking the flavour.
Some good alternatives to goat cheese include:
- Cream cheese is considered one of the best substitutes for goat cheese thanks to its smooth, creamy texture and mildly tangy flavour. It is also affordable and can be used in a variety of hot and cold recipes that call for goat cheese.
- Tofu is another excellent goat cheese alternative, especially for vegans and those on dairy-free diets. It has a texture that closely resembles goat cheese and can be used in creamy sauces, dips, or spreads. However, tofu does not have a strong flavour, so it may not be the best substitute for those looking for the salty, tangy profile of goat cheese.
- Feta is a readily available substitute for goat cheese, as it is usually a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, so the "goatiness" is mellowed by the sheep's milk. It can also be a good substitute in terms of texture, especially for salads.
- Boursin is another cow's milk cheese that has a similar tangy flavour to goat cheese and is readily available in most supermarkets.
- Ricotta salata, Parmesan, or Pecorino can be good substitutes for drier, aged, more complex goat cheeses.
- Blue cheese can also be a substitute for goat cheese, depending on the recipe.
- Mascarpone is a good substitute for simpler, softer, creamier goat cheeses, especially for bruschetta.
- Fromage blanc is a bit creamier than goat cheese but makes a great substitute due to its similar flavour profile. It works well in recipes that call for creamy and smooth goat cheese, such as crostini, dips, and pasta sauces.
- Vegan goat cheese is also an option for those who want the flavour and texture of goat cheese without the dairy. There are many recipes available online that use ingredients like cashews, vinegar, lemon juice, and probiotics to create a tangy, creamy, and crumbly cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes.
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Vegan cheese-making process
Goat cheese is not vegan, as it is made from goat milk, which is an animal product. However, there are vegan alternatives to goat cheese that can be made at home.
The process of making vegan cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese desired and the ingredients used. Here is a general step-by-step guide to making vegan cheese:
Step 1: Choose Your Base
The first step in making vegan cheese is to choose a base or main ingredient. Common bases for vegan cheese include nuts, such as cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts, as well as tofu, vegetables, or a combination of these ingredients. Soaking the nuts in water for several hours or overnight is often the first step in preparing the base.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment
Gather and prepare the rest of your ingredients, which may include lemon juice, vinegar, nutritional yeast, salt, olive oil, herbs, spices, and any other flavourings or additives. You will also need equipment such as a food processor or blender, a stove, and various containers and utensils.
Step 3: Combine and Process Ingredients
Combine your prepared base with the other ingredients and process or blend them until smooth. This may involve adding liquids and processing the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. Additives such as agar-agar or kappa carrageenan can be used to help thicken the cheese and improve its texture.
Step 4: Mould and Set the Cheese
Prepare your moulds or containers before filling them with the processed cheese mixture. The cheese will then need to be set, which may involve leaving it at room temperature or chilling it in the refrigerator. The setting time can vary from a few hours to overnight.
Step 5: Season and Flavour (Optional)
Once the cheese has set, you may choose to add additional flavourings or seasonings. Herbs, spices, and sweet additives like dried fruit or maple syrup can be mixed into the cheese or used as toppings.
Step 6: Store and Serve
Vegan cheese can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within a few days to a week, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used. Serve your vegan cheese as a spread, in slices, crumbled over salads or toast, or however you desire.
Additional Tips:
- Draining and straining the cheese mixture can impact the final texture, flavour, and shelf life of the cheese.
- Understanding acidity and pH levels is important for producing high-quality cheese with the desired taste and texture.
- Lactic acid can be added to non-fermented recipes to mimic the cheesy taste.
- Rejuvelac, a fermented grain drink, can be used in place of probiotic capsules to impart a fermented, cheesy flavour.
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Veganism and animal welfare
Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, promoting animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. This includes avoiding all animal-derived products in one's diet. Goat cheese, being an animal product, is therefore not vegan. However, there are several vegan alternatives to goat cheese that are made from plants, such as cashews, almonds, and other nuts. These alternatives are often cultured or fermented to create a tangy flavor similar to that of traditional goat cheese, while also providing the nutritional benefits of live food, including beneficial bacteria.
Vegan goat cheese recipes typically involve soaking nuts in water for several hours, and then processing them with other ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, and probiotics. The addition of agar-agar helps to thicken the cheese and give it a more solid, sliceable consistency. Some recipes also include sweet ingredients such as minced dates, figs, or dried apricots, as well as chopped candied pecans or walnuts, to create a nutty sweetness.
The process of making vegan goat cheese can be completed in under an hour, resulting in a product that is crumbly, creamy, and sliceable, with a similar taste and texture to traditional goat cheese. These vegan alternatives can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, tarts, crackers, and sandwiches, as well as on pizza or cheese plates. They can also be grilled or baked, melting slightly in the middle while becoming puffy and golden on top.
The availability of these vegan options aligns with the principles of veganism by providing animal-free alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of traditional goat cheese without exploiting or causing cruelty to animals. By choosing these vegan options, individuals can enjoy the flavors and textures they love while also promoting animal welfare and contributing to a more sustainable and ethical food industry.
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Nutritional benefits of vegan goat cheese
Goat cheese is made from goat's milk and is therefore not vegan. However, there are many recipes for vegan alternatives to goat cheese, which are often made with cashews, probiotic capsules, lemon juice, and vinegar. These vegan alternatives are flavorful, creamy, and crumbly, with a texture similar to that of traditional goat cheese.
Vegan goat cheese has several nutritional benefits. Firstly, it is a good source of healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which can improve satiety and aid in weight loss. MCFAs, such as capric acid, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help combat acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, the consumption of vegan goat cheese can improve cardiovascular health by increasing plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and decreasing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations.
Vegan goat cheese is also a good source of protein, providing 6 grams of filling protein per serving. This makes it a nutritious alternative for those who are unable to tolerate cow's milk or cheese. The lower levels of lactose in vegan goat cheese may also make it a better option for those with lactose intolerance.
Furthermore, vegan goat cheese can be a source of calcium, phosphorus, and copper, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and organs. Calcium may also help protect against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The process of culturing in making vegan goat cheese also adds beneficial bacteria to the final product, similar to the process of making yogurt.
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Where to buy vegan goat cheese
Goat cheese is a dairy product and therefore not vegan-friendly. However, there are several recipes for vegan goat cheese available online, and some vegan alternatives can be purchased from supermarkets.
If you want to buy a ready-made vegan goat cheese, there are a few options available. Spero Foods sells a plant-based goat cheese alternative, which can be purchased from Whole Foods Market. This product is dairy-free and suitable for vegans.
Make Your Own Vegan Goat Cheese
If you would like to make your own vegan goat cheese, there are several recipes available online. The Fiery Vegetarian and Spabettie both offer recipes for vegan goat cheese that can be made at home. These recipes typically involve blending soaked cashews with vinegar, lemon juice, and probiotics, and then shaping the mixture into a disc or log. The cheese can be served with jam or used in recipes such as beet salads or cherry tarts.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese without the goat! It is a dairy-free, creamy, tangy, and crumbly alternative to traditional goat cheese.
There are several recipes for making vegan goat cheese. One recipe includes boiling cashews, processing them with other ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, and probiotics, and then adding hot water with agar-agar.
It tastes surprisingly similar to traditional goat cheese, with a tangy flavor.
You can find vegan goat cheese at some supermarkets, such as Natural Grocers and Kroger in the US. You can also find it at specialty cheese shops like Cultured Kindness in Portland, Oregon, or online at Treeline Cheese.
Yes, there are several recipes available online for making vegan goat cheese at home. It is straightforward and easy to make, and you can add your own flavors and ingredients.
