Patrick Oconnell
The health benefits of non-dairy cheese are a topic of debate. Some argue that non-dairy cheese is healthier than dairy cheese because it contains less cholesterol and saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Non-dairy cheese is also free of hormones and carcinogenic animal proteins, and it is better for gut health. However, others argue that non-dairy cheese is highly processed and lacks the protein and calcium found in dairy cheese. Some non-dairy cheeses are also high in saturated fat, especially those made with coconut oil, which can be just as unhealthy as regular cheese. Ultimately, the healthiness of non-dairy cheese depends on its ingredients and how it is made.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthier than dairy cheese | No, it is not inherently healthier. |
| Health advantages | No carcinogenic animal proteins, Cholesterol-free, Better for gut health, Free of hormones |
| Health disadvantages | Can be highly processed, may contain additives, High in saturated fat, Low in protein, may contain allergens |
| Healthiest options | Look for nuts or beans as a main ingredient, such as cashews. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Non-dairy cheese is often highly processed
Processed foods can be made more or less healthy depending on how they are prepared, and how much salt is added. For example, real cheese is often packed with salt, and some non-dairy cheeses can be high in sodium.
Non-dairy cheese is often made with coconut oil, which is high in saturated fat and can increase cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Cardiologists recommend limiting coconut oil intake for the sake of cardiovascular health. Some non-dairy cheeses are made with palm oil, which is also high in saturated fat and is very damaging to the environment.
Some non-dairy cheeses are made with a combination of modified food starch and coconut oil, which means they provide no useful amount of protein. Some manufacturers add protein in the form of chickpea powder, pea protein, or protein isolates, but these can cause less than ideal flavours and have very small gains in protein content.
However, some non-dairy cheeses are made from cashews, which have healthy fats and are low in saturated fat. They also have a good amount of protein and calcium.
Baby Swiss Cheese: Healthy or Not?
You may want to see also
It may be lower in protein and calcium
Non-dairy cheese is generally considered a healthier alternative to dairy cheese, but it may be lower in protein and calcium. Dairy cheese is a major source of saturated fat in the typical American diet, so non-dairy cheese can be a good option for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake. However, non-dairy cheese can also be high in saturated fat, depending on its ingredients. For example, coconut oil, which is commonly used in non-dairy cheese, has high levels of saturated fat and can increase cholesterol levels, which may lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
Non-dairy cheese may also be lower in protein and calcium, which are two important nutrients provided by dairy cheese. However, some non-dairy cheeses are fortified with calcium, and certain brands, such as Treeline, are made from cashews, which are a good source of protein.
It is worth noting that the health benefits of non-dairy cheese can depend on the specific ingredients used and the processing methods employed. Some non-dairy cheeses are highly processed and may contain preservatives, colour additives, and sodium, which can have negative health effects. Therefore, it is important to read the nutrition labels and scan the ingredients when choosing a non-dairy cheese.
Cheese Salad Sandwich: Healthy or Not?
You may want to see also
It can be high in saturated fat
While non-dairy cheese can be a healthier alternative to regular cheese, it is important to note that it can sometimes be high in saturated fat. This is especially true for cheeses that are made with coconut oil, which has been shown to have levels of saturated fat comparable to, or even higher than, butter fat or lard. In addition to coconut oil, palm oil is another source of saturated fat used in some vegan cheeses, and its production is very damaging to the environment. Cardiologists recommend limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 20 grams per day to maintain cardiovascular health.
Some store-bought vegan cheeses may also be high in saturated fat due to their use of coconut as a main ingredient. This can provide flavour and richness to the cheese, but it can also increase cholesterol levels, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. However, it is worth noting that not all non-dairy cheeses are created equal when it comes to saturated fat content. For example, some brands like Treeline and Miyokos make soft vegan cheeses from cashews, which are lower in saturated fat and have healthy fats.
In general, it is recommended to read the nutrition labels and scan the ingredients when purchasing store-bought vegan cheeses. Some brands may contain gums, oils, fillers, and sodium, which can contribute to the overall saturated fat content. Making your own vegan cheese at home can be a healthier alternative, as you can control the ingredients used and tailor the flavours to your taste preferences.
It is worth noting that cheese, in general, is a major source of saturated fat in the typical American diet. Therefore, choosing reduced-fat or fat-free dairy shredded options or non-dairy alternatives can be a healthier choice if decreasing saturated fat intake is a health goal. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian before making significant dietary changes.
Cheese Steaks: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It's cholesterol-free and better for gut health
It is important to note that non-dairy cheese is not a singular product and that there are many different types of non-dairy cheese with different ingredients and nutritional profiles.
Non-dairy cheese is cholesterol-free. For example, a slice of Cabot American cheese contains 7% (20 milligrams) of your daily cholesterol value, whereas vegan cheese contains none. This is because non-dairy cheese is often made from plants which do not produce cholesterol.
Non-dairy cheese is also better for gut health. This is because it does not contain lactose or casein, which can be difficult for some people to digest. Some non-dairy cheeses are also cultured using probiotic bacteria, which are good for gut health.
Non-dairy cheese can be made from a variety of plant-based proteins and fats. For example, some non-dairy cheeses are made from nuts, such as cashews, which are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Non-dairy cheese made from nuts can be high in fat, so it should be eaten sparingly if you have heart disease.
However, it is important to note that some non-dairy cheeses are highly processed and may contain preservatives, colour additives, and sodium. Some non-dairy cheeses are also made with coconut oil, which can be high in saturated fat and increase cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. It is important to read the nutrition labels and scan the ingredients when purchasing non-dairy cheese to ensure that it aligns with your health goals.
Cheese Toasties: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
It's environmentally friendly
Non-dairy cheese is environmentally friendly. Firstly, it does not require milk, which is the biggest factor in the environmental impact of cheese. The production of milk for cheese results in the emission of substantial greenhouse gases, with cows, the primary source of milk for cheese, producing around 100 kg of methane each year. Additionally, milk production requires large amounts of water, with 5,000 litres of water needed to make 1 kilogram of cheese.
Non-dairy cheese also reduces the environmental impact associated with the distress of cows, goats, and sheep during the cheese-making process. Furthermore, non-dairy cheese is cholesterol-free, avoiding the consumption of carcinogenic animal proteins.
Some non-dairy cheeses are made from plant-based proteins and fats, which can be environmentally beneficial. For example, eggs, which can be used as a substitute for cheese in recipes requiring a creamy texture or an extra hit of protein, produce one-third to one-quarter of the emissions of the same weight of cheese. Eggs are also easier to source locally, reducing emissions from transportation.
However, it is important to note that some non-dairy cheeses may be highly processed, containing preservatives, colour additives, and sodium. The environmental impact of non-dairy cheese can also vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For example, non-dairy cheese made with coconut oil may have a higher fat content, while those made with cashews may be high in fat and unsuitable for individuals with heart disease.
Mac and Cheese: Healthy or Unhealthy?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the ingredients. Some non-dairy cheeses are highly processed and contain preservatives, colour additives, and sodium, and saturated fats. However, some non-dairy cheeses are made from plant-based proteins and fats, like nuts or beans, and can be low in saturated fat.
Regular cheese is a major source of saturated fat in the typical American diet, so non-dairy cheese can be a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake. However, non-dairy cheese often has less protein than regular cheese, and some people may want to eat more protein.
Treeline and Miyokos are two brands that make tasty and soft non-dairy cheeses with minimal and real ingredients. They are made from cashews and have low saturated fat, as well as a good amount of protein and calcium.
