Kamil Perry
Feta cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk, or a combination of sheep and goat's milk, and is therefore not vegan. However, it is possible to buy or make dairy-free feta cheese. Demand for vegan feta cheese is rising, and several brands, including Daiya and Violife, offer dairy-free feta products. Many vegan feta recipes rely on nuts, but dairy-free feta can also be made with chickpea flour or tofu.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Practically identical to tofu |
| Ingredients | Nutritional yeast, oregano, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, aquafaba, basil, black pepper, chickpea flour, cashews, agar agar powder |
| Taste | Savory, tangy, salty, creamy, crumbly |
| Nutritional value | High in calcium |
| Brands | Violife, Daiya, Follow Your Heart |
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What You'll Learn
Commercially available dairy-free feta cheese
Feta cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk, or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. However, vegan feta cheese is also available, and its demand is rising. While it is not as popular as other dairy-free alternatives, there are some commercially available options on the market.
Violife's Just Like Feta is a dairy-free and vegan alternative to feta cheese. It is free from dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, nuts, and artificial preservatives. It is also certified by the Vegan Society, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Kosher.
Follow Your Heart offers Dairy-Free Feta Cheese Crumbles that can be used in various recipes. The product is rich and creamy, and it is made with organic coconut oil, modified potato starch, sea salt, and other natural flavors.
Daiya also offers vegan feta cheese, which has been well-received by consumers. This product is likely to be available in the US.
In addition to these brands, there are likely to be other commercially available dairy-free feta cheese options on the market, as the demand for vegan cheese alternatives continues to grow.
It is worth noting that some people who avoid dairy make an exception for feta cheese due to its lower lactose content, which makes it slightly easier to digest. However, for those who prefer a completely dairy-free option, the above-mentioned products and other similar alternatives are available.
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Making dairy-free feta cheese with tofu
Dairy-free feta cheese can be made with tofu, which is a brilliant substitute for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. Tofu is a great alternative to feta cheese as it is easy to season, absolutely packed with protein, and low in calories and fat.
Ingredients
- Firm or extra-firm tofu
- Nutritional yeast
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Water
- Basil
- Salt
- Oregano
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Thyme
Method
Firstly, press and drain your block of tofu to remove any excess water. You can use a dedicated tofu press, or wrap your tofu in paper towels and press down firmly using a heavy object. The tofu should be pressed for around 10 minutes. While the tofu is pressing, make a marinade by whisking together the vinegar, oil, water, basil, salt, oregano, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme to your marinade. Cut your pressed tofu into cubes or crumble it, add it to the marinade and flip it until it is well coated. Leave the tofu to marinate for at least 4 hours, but you can leave it for up to 48 hours if you want a stronger flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Your tofu feta is now ready to serve! You can marinate the chunks with olive oil, lemon zest, and juice, oregano, and thyme, and enjoy on its own or with toasted pita. You can also crumble it into salads and wraps, or blitz it in a blender with some of the brine, olive oil, and herbs to make a creamy dip or spread. Tofu feta will keep in the fridge for up to 4 weeks or up to 5 days.
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Making dairy-free feta cheese with cashews
Dairy-free feta cheese is a great option for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. It can be made using various ingredients, including tofu, almonds, and cashews. Here is a detailed recipe for making dairy-free feta cheese with cashews.
Ingredients
- Raw cashews
- Water
- Lemon juice
- White vinegar
- Nutritional yeast
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Agar agar powder
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: If you have a strong blender, you can use raw cashews without soaking. Otherwise, soak the cashews in hot water for 5 minutes to 15 minutes to soften them.
- Drain and blend: Drain the cashews and add them to a high-powered blender along with 3/4 cup of fresh water and the rest of the ingredients, except for the agar agar powder. Blend until smooth.
- Add agar agar powder: Once the mixture is smooth, add the agar agar powder to the blender and blend again to incorporate it fully.
- Set and chill: Prepare an 8x4 loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick spray. Pour the blended mixture into the pan and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours until it sets.
- Cut and serve: Once set, loosen the sides with a knife and turn the feta out onto a wooden board. Cut it into slices and then into cubes. You can sprinkle dried oregano and dried dill on the cubes (optional). Your dairy-free feta cheese is now ready to serve!
Storage
The dairy-free feta cheese will stay fresh in a sealed container in the fridge for about a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
While this recipe uses cashews, you can experiment with other nuts or seeds such as almonds, brazil nuts, macadamias, walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Each nut or seed will contribute a different flavour and texture to the final product. Additionally, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, such as omitting garlic or adjusting the amount of water for a drier texture.
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Making dairy-free feta cheese with chickpea flour
Dairy-free feta cheese is usually made with tofu, but it can also be made with chickpea flour. This vegan feta cheese has a salty, savoury, and tangy taste, similar to traditional feta, and a firm consistency that crumbles beautifully. It is also gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and oil-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions.
To make dairy-free feta cheese with chickpea flour, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside a 9x5-inch loaf pan before you begin cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- Chickpea flour
- Salt
- Water
- Nutritional yeast
- Lemon juice
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and blended. In a separate small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the chickpea mixture. Cook the mixture for 7-10 minutes, whisking constantly, until it becomes very thick and glossy.
Once the mixture is ready, immediately pour and scrape it into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Allow the cheese to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until it is firm. You can leave it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
After the cheese has set, drain any water from the pan. Invert the cheese onto a cutting board and cut it into cubes. To enhance the flavour, create a marinade by combining ingredients such as vinegar, oil, water, basil, salt, oregano, black pepper, and garlic powder. Place the cheese cubes in the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. Your dairy-free feta cheese is now ready to be enjoyed!
This recipe is a fantastic option for those seeking a vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free alternative to traditional feta cheese. It is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed as a snack, crumbled over salads, or used in various recipes, such as wraps or pasta salads.
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Nutritional comparison of dairy-free feta cheese with traditional feta cheese
Dairy-free feta cheese is usually made from tofu, giving it a crumbly texture and a creamy mouthfeel similar to that of traditional feta cheese. It is often seasoned with nutritional yeast, oregano, garlic powder, and vinegar for acidity. Some recipes also use chickpea flour or almond milk.
On the other hand, traditional feta cheese is made from sheep's milk, a mix of sheep and goat's milk, or, less commonly, cow's milk. It is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its crumbly texture and salty, tangy flavor.
When it comes to nutrition, dairy-free feta cheese is a good source of calcium, especially for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. It is also free from common allergens like dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, nuts, and eggs. While the exact nutritional profile of dairy-free feta cheese can vary depending on the brand or recipe, it is generally lower in fat and calories compared to traditional feta cheese.
Traditional feta cheese is an excellent source of vitamin B12, calcium, and riboflavin. It also contains probiotics that promote healthy gut function. However, it has a higher sodium content and should be enjoyed in controlled portions. When comparing traditional feta cheese to other types of cheese, it is lower in fat and calories but higher in sodium. For example, when compared to cheddar cheese, feta cheese is lower in protein, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin A, but it is richer in B complex vitamins.
In summary, dairy-free feta cheese provides a good alternative for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, offering a similar texture and flavor to traditional feta cheese while being lower in fat and calories. Traditional feta cheese has a higher nutritional value in certain areas, such as vitamin B12 and calcium, but its higher sodium content means it should be consumed in moderation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are dairy-free feta cheese options available.
There are various recipes for dairy-free feta cheese, with ingredients including tofu, chickpea flour, cashews, and agar agar powder.
Dairy-free feta cheese is available from brands such as Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Daiya.
Yes, dairy-free feta cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months.
