Kamil Perry
There are many dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives available for those who are lactose intolerant or choose not to consume dairy. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products that some people have trouble digesting. While most people associate cheese with dairy, there are several alternatives that can provide a similar taste and texture to traditional cheddar cheese. These alternatives are typically made from plant-based sources such as cashews, coconut oil, and oats, and are designed to melt and taste similar to regular cheese.
Dairy-Free Cheddar Cheese Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth |
| Taste | Full flavor, mild |
| Form | Slices, shreds, blocks, sticks, crumbles, cream cheese spreads |
| Temperature | Can be eaten cold or hot |
| Use | Can be used in the same way as dairy cheese |
| Ingredients | Water, oat flour, pea protein, cultures, enzymes, coconut oil, modified potato starch, corn starch, konjac flour, fruit and vegetable juice, yeast extract, annatto, salt, tricalcium phosphate, xanthan gum, lactic acid, natural flavors |
| Health | Not classified as health food |
| Diet | Vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, soy-free |
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What You'll Learn
Lactose-free cheeses
Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects many people, causing uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and stomach pain when dairy products are consumed. However, this does not mean that cheese is entirely off the menu for those affected. There are several types of cheese that are naturally low in lactose and can be enjoyed by most people with lactose intolerance.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, are aged longer and therefore contain little to no lactose. The longer a cheese is aged, the less lactose it will contain, as the lactose breaks down over time and converts to lactic acid. Aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano are also considered virtually lactose-free.
Some softer cheeses, such as feta, with only 0.5% to 1.5% lactose, are also suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Limburger, a soft, washed-rind cheese with a strong flavor and smooth, creamy texture, is another option, although its distinctive smell and taste may not be to everyone's liking. While ricotta is a softer cheese that contains less lactose than many other varieties, it is still best avoided by those with lactose intolerance.
In addition to naturally low-lactose cheeses, there are also dairy-free cheddar alternatives available. These plant-based, vegan alternatives are designed to add rich, flavorful umami to dairy-free meals. While they may not taste exactly like cheddar cheese, they can be a suitable option for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a dairy-free diet. These alternatives are often better when melted and can be used in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers.
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Dairy-free cheddar taste tests
Dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives are typically made from emulsions of starch and coconut oil. While they are not classified as health foods, they do add some rich, flavorful umami to dairy-free meals.
In a taste test of dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives, tasters found that the products were all edible and at least "okay". The consensus was that these alternatives are better heated than cold, and that they melt inside dairy-free grilled cheese. The tasters also found that the alternatives tasted better on "buttered" bread, with the saltiness of the butter boosting the flavor.
One brand that was taste-tested was Target's Non-Dairy Cheddar, which is only available in shreds, not slices. The grilled cheese chef preferred this format for more even distribution, although the taste received mixed reviews. Some tasters felt that Target's attempts to attain a cheddar flavor were successful, while others disagreed.
Another taste test of dairy-free cheese alternatives included mozzarella, cream cheese, and vegan queso, in addition to cheddar and American cheese. The brand that won the taste test for mozzarella was also rated highly for its dairy-free cheddar, although some tasters felt it had more of an American cheese vibe. This brand melted evenly and was one of the only brands that several tasters liked cold.
Other taste tests of vegan cheese products include a comparison of seven different vegan cheese dip or queso brands, as well as a test of 10 different vegan shredded cheese brands.
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Dairy-free cheddar ingredients
Dairy-free cheddar cheese is made from a variety of plant-based ingredients and is designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional cheddar cheese. These cheese alternatives are perfect for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a dairy-free option.
One of the most popular brands offering dairy-free cheddar cheese is Daiya Foods. Their cheddar slices are made with a blend of water, oat flour, pea protein, cultures, enzymes, coconut oil, modified potato starch, corn starch, konjac flour, fruit and vegetable juice for colour, yeast extract, annatto for colour, salt, tricalcium phosphate, xanthan gum, lactic acid, and natural flavours.
Another brand, Follow Your Heart®, offers Medium Cheddar Style slices with a sharper flavour. Their ingredients include water, modified food starch, coconut oil, high oleic sunflower oil, sea salt, natural flavours, potato protein, tapioca maltodextrin, yeast extract, lactic acid, paprika extract, and beta carotene for colour.
In addition to these brands, there are several other companies that offer dairy-free cheddar alternatives, including Target, Violife, and Nuts For Cheese™. While the exact ingredients may vary slightly between brands, they typically include a combination of plant-based oils, starches, salts, natural flavours, and colours.
These dairy-free cheddar cheeses are designed to be used just like traditional cheese. They can be eaten cold or melted and are perfect for sandwiches, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, or even on a slice of warm apple pie!
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Dairy-free alternatives
Dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives have been met with mixed reviews. Some people find that they do not taste like cheese, have an unpleasant aftertaste, or are difficult to swallow. However, others find them edible and even preferable when melted. Many of these alternatives are better when heated than consumed cold, and they do melt, making them suitable for grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers.
For those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity, there are also options to enjoy lactose-free cheddar cheese. Cabot Creamery, for example, offers lactose-free cheese options due to their natural aging process, which removes lactose from the cheese. Other lactose-free cheese options include Vermont Sharp, Habanero, and Legacy, which still offer cheddar flavors. Aged cheeses, such as Parmesan, are also naturally lactose-free due to the aging process breaking down the lactose.
Additionally, it is important to note that while lactose intolerance is incurable, some people may improve their condition by gradually introducing small amounts of low-lactose dairy into their diet. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, are naturally low in lactose, containing less than 1 gram of lactose per 1.5-ounce serving. So, for those with lactose intolerance, there may be options to still enjoy dairy cheese in moderation.
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Lactose intolerance
There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but symptoms can be managed through diet changes. Most people with lactose intolerance can still consume some lactose without experiencing symptoms, and many dairy products are naturally low in lactose, such as hard cheeses like cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, as well as aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano. These cheeses are considered virtually lactose-free, containing less than 1 gram of lactose per 1.5-ounce serving. Other low-lactose dairy products include butter, cream, cream cheese, and lactose-free milk.
For those with lactose intolerance, it is possible to improve their condition by gradually introducing small amounts of low-lactose dairy into their diet. This can help their body adjust to tolerating lactose better. However, it is important to note that the tolerance for lactose can vary from person to person, and some may need to limit or avoid lactose entirely to manage their symptoms effectively.
There are also dairy-free cheese alternatives available that are made from plant-based ingredients such as cashews, coconut oil, and potato starch. These alternatives are designed to add flavor to dairy-free dishes and can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, or melted on mac n cheese. While they may not taste exactly like regular cheese, they can be a suitable option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives available. These are usually plant-based and made with ingredients like cashews, coconut oil, quinoa, and potato starch. Some popular brands offering dairy-free cheddar cheese slices and shreds include Daiya Foods and Target.
Yes, some hard cheeses like cheddar, Colby, Swiss, and Parmesan are naturally low in lactose due to the cheesemaking process. The lactose in milk is mostly present in the whey, which is separated from the curds during cheesemaking. Additionally, the natural aging process breaks down any remaining lactose.
Reviews of dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives are mixed. Some people find them tasty and a good substitute for dairy cheese, especially when melted. Others think they have an odd aftertaste and don't taste like real cheese. It's worth trying a few different brands to find one that suits your taste preferences.
Dairy-free cheddar alternatives are not typically classified as health foods. They are designed to add flavor to dairy-free meals and may be high in salt or other additives. However, they can be a good option for people who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
