Kamil Perry
Dairy-free and vegan parmesan cheese is a delicious alternative to the traditional dairy variety. It can be made at home with a few simple ingredients and a blender, or purchased from stores. Homemade vegan parmesan cheese can be made with cashews, nutritional yeast, and salt, or with sunflower seeds, pepitas, and hemp seeds for a nut-free version. It can be sprinkled on pizzas, pastas, salads, popcorn, and veggies, adding a mouth-watering cheesy flavor to any dish. Vegan parmesan cheese is also available as a dairy-free and vegan-friendly block of cheese, carefully blended from plant-based ingredients to deliver the beloved parmesan cheesy zest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 5 minutes or less |
| Ingredients | Cashews, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, salt, potato starch, coconut oil |
| Taste | Savory, nutty, sweet |
| Texture | Crumbly, dry, hard |
| Shelf life | 3-4 weeks in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer |
| Diet suitability | Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, paleo, diabetic-friendly, keto, low-carb, plant-based |
| Use cases | Pasta, pizza, popcorn, salads, sauces, eggplant parmesan, zucchini gratin, vegan meatballs, corn on the cob, lasagna |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy-free Parmesan cheese recipes
There are several dairy-free alternatives to Parmesan cheese that can be made at home. These recipes typically use plant-based ingredients to deliver the beloved Parmesan cheesy zest without any dairy. Here are some recipes and tips to get you started.
Cashew Nut Parmesan
This dairy-free Parmesan cheese recipe from Be Good Organics uses cashews, nutritional yeast, and salt as its base ingredients. Cashews have a strong and sweet flavor, making them a perfect choice for a Parmesan replacement. To make this recipe, simply add all the ingredients to a blender and pulse until a Parmesan cheese-like consistency is achieved. Be careful not to over-process, as it may start to clump. This "cheese" can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
Nut-free Vegan Parmesan
For those with nut allergies, there are also nut-free options available. Minimalist Baker recommends using a mix of raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and/or sunflower seeds as a base for their vegan Parmesan cheese recipe. This recipe is also simple to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Potato Starch Parmesan
This recipe from It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken uses potato starch as its base ingredient, which is essential for providing the correct texture. The author, Sam Turnbull, a passionate vegan recipe writer, also shares a powdered Parmesan recipe that is oil-free. This vegan Parmesan has a perfectly crumbly texture that can be grated, sliced, shaved, and even melted, just like traditional Parmesan.
Store-bought Options
For those who prefer a ready-made option, there are also store-bought dairy-free Parmesan cheeses available. Violife, for example, offers a 100% dairy-free Parmesan Wedge that is vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free.
So, whether you choose to make your own dairy-free Parmesan cheese or purchase a ready-made option, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to traditional Parmesan cheese that can accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences.
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Dairy-free Parmesan cheese products
One popular option for dairy-free Parmesan cheese is to make it at home using simple recipes that often involve blending nuts, seeds, and other plant-based ingredients. These recipes are highly customizable, allowing individuals to adjust the ingredients to their taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, a basic recipe may include cashews, walnuts, and almonds, while others may incorporate sunflower seeds, pepitas, hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Homemade dairy-free Parmesan cheese can be made in under 5 minutes, stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and used on a variety of dishes, just like traditional Parmesan. It has a similar crumbly texture that can be grated, sliced, shaved, or melted.
In addition to homemade options, there are also commercial dairy-free Parmesan cheese products available in the market. For example, Violife offers a "Just Like Parmesan Wedge" that is 100% dairy-free, vegan, and free from common allergens like soy, gluten, lactose, nuts, and artificial preservatives. This product allows individuals to enjoy the taste of Parmesan without the dairy, making it a convenient and tasty option for those avoiding dairy.
With both homemade and commercial options available, those who are dairy-averse can still enjoy the savory flavor and texture of Parmesan cheese in their favorite dishes. These dairy-free alternatives provide a delicious and nutritious way to add a cheesy zest to meals while accommodating various dietary restrictions and ethical choices.
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Nutritional yeast as a dairy-free Parmesan cheese ingredient
Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient in dairy-free Parmesan cheese recipes. It is a type of yeast with a strong, cheesy flavour and a golden yellow colour that resembles that of Parmesan. Nutritional yeast is also a good source of B vitamins, providing about 50% of the daily suggested intake of vitamins B1, B2, and B6 in just one tablespoon. It is often used in combination with other ingredients such as cashews, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds to create a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.
One recipe for dairy-free Parmesan cheese includes just three base ingredients: cashews, nutritional yeast, and salt. The cashews provide a strong and sweet flavour, similar to Parmesan, while the nutritional yeast adds cheese-like flavour and colour. Salt is added to replicate the salty taste of traditional Parmesan cheese. This recipe can be made in a blender or food processor and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
Another recipe for dairy-free Parmesan cheese uses hemp seeds as the base ingredient instead of cashews. Hemp seeds have a slightly nutty flavour and a chewy texture, similar to Parmesan cheese. They are also a good source of polyunsaturated fat, protein, manganese, and magnesium. This recipe can be easily made by stirring the ingredients together, eliminating the need for a food processor.
Some people may prefer to avoid nutritional yeast due to potential concerns about its impact on health. There is limited research on the effects of consuming nutritional yeast, and some believe it may affect neurotransmitter function, cause chronic pain, or lead to cravings. However, for those who are comfortable with including nutritional yeast in their diet, it can be a delicious and nutritious ingredient in dairy-free Parmesan cheese.
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Dairy-free Parmesan cheese and animal welfare
Dairy-based cheese production has long been associated with animal welfare concerns. To produce milk, mother cows need to be pregnant and have a baby, and there is little use for the male calves, resulting in millions of calves being slaughtered each year. Dairy-free alternatives to Parmesan cheese are often vegan-friendly and can be made at home with a blender and simple, plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and yeast. These alternatives can be sprinkled on top of pasta, pizza, vegetables, salads, and more, adding a rich, cheesy flavor to dishes. They can also be grated, sliced, and melted, just like traditional Parmesan.
The availability of dairy-free Parmesan cheese provides consumers with an ethical alternative to traditional dairy-based cheese. The production of dairy products has been criticized for its impact on animal welfare, particularly regarding the treatment of mother cows and their calves. By choosing dairy-free alternatives, consumers can support more humane practices and contribute to a kinder world for animals.
Dairy-free Parmesan cheese offers a simple and tasty option for those seeking to avoid dairy products. It is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to reduce their dairy consumption. With a few basic ingredients and a blender, individuals can easily prepare their own dairy-free Parmesan at home, eliminating the need for purchasing dairy-based cheese.
One of the key advantages of dairy-free Parmesan cheese is its versatility. Just like traditional Parmesan, it can be used as a topping or ingredient in a variety of dishes. It pairs well with pasta, pizza, vegetables, salads, and even popcorn. Its savory flavor enhances the taste of any dish, making it a favorite pantry staple for many.
In addition to its culinary uses, dairy-free Parmesan cheese also carries nutritional benefits. It is often praised for being a healthier alternative to dairy-based cheese, offering a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. By eliminating dairy, individuals can also avoid the potential negative effects associated with dairy consumption, such as digestive issues or allergies. Dairy-free Parmesan provides a nutritious and delicious option for those seeking to improve their health and well-being.
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Dairy-free Parmesan cheese and weight loss
Dairy-free Parmesan cheese is a delicious alternative to the dairy variety. It is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly, and can be made in under five minutes with a blender and a few simple ingredients. The basic recipe uses one cup of cashews, but other nuts or seeds such as sunflower seeds, pepitas, and hemp seeds can be used to create different flavours. Nutritional yeast and salt are also added to the mix. The result is a creamy and savoury cheese that can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.
Dairy-free Parmesan cheese is a healthy weight-loss option. While it is high in calories, with around 70-80 calories per slice or stick, it is also rich in protein, which helps to keep you satisfied longer and promotes a feeling of fullness that is beneficial for weight management. It is also a good source of calcium, which supports bone health and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure. In addition, Parmesan has a low lactose content, making it a suitable option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Regular Parmesan cheese, made from dairy, also has health benefits. It is a good source of protein and calcium, and is naturally lactose-free. However, it is high in calories and should be consumed in reasonable amounts. A serving of 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese has around 20-22 calories. It can be added to dishes such as pasta, salads, and popcorn to enhance the flavour without significantly increasing the calorie intake.
Both dairy-free and regular Parmesan cheeses can be part of a healthy diet and weight loss journey when consumed in moderation. They provide essential nutrients and can add flavour to a variety of dishes. However, it is important to be mindful of the sodium content in Parmesan and choose options with lower sodium while still offering a rich flavour.
Overall, dairy-free Parmesan cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to regular Parmesan. It is easy to make, budget-friendly, and versatile, and can be a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan or gluten-free diet. When incorporated into a balanced diet, it can support weight loss and overall health.
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Frequently asked questions
Dairy-free Parmesan cheese is typically made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and salt. However, there are many variations, and it can be made with other nuts, seeds, or a combination of both.
The process is simple: add your chosen ingredients to a blender and pulse until you reach a Parmesan cheese-like consistency. Be careful not to over-process, as it may start to clump.
You can make dairy-free Parmesan cheese at home in under 5 minutes with a few simple ingredients and a blender. There are also store-bought options available, such as Violife's "Just Like Parmesan Wedge."
