Bushra Griffith
With the rise of veganism, vegan cheese has become a popular alternative to dairy cheese. However, it is important to consider the ingredients used in vegan cheese, particularly whether they are genetically modified. While some vegan cheeses are GMO-free, using simple, plant-based ingredients like cashews, others may contain unhealthy starches and vegetable oils. To ensure that vegan cheese is GMO-free, consumers should look for organic options or specific brands that advertise GMO-free products, such as Miyoko's Creamery and Violife Foods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Food | Vegan Cheese |
| GMO-Free | Yes |
| Examples | Miyoko's Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella, Violife Feta, Treeline Cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Some vegan cheeses are GMO-free
While vegan cheese is dairy-free, not all vegan cheeses are GMO-free. Some vegan cheeses on the market are made with GMO ingredients, such as certain starches and vegetable oils. These ingredients can lead to adverse health effects, including weight gain and bloating.
However, there are also GMO-free options available for consumers who want to avoid genetically modified organisms. For instance, Miyoko's Creamery offers a range of vegan cheeses that are Non-GMO, Lactose-Free, Palm Oil Free, Gluten-Free, and Soy Free. Their products include Smoked Gouda Cultured Plant Milk Cheese and Aged Herbes De Provence Cashew Milk Cheese. Miyoko's Creamery is widely available at major retailers, making it a convenient option for those seeking GMO-free vegan cheese.
Another recommended brand is Violife Foods, which offers a vegan feta cheese that tastes and feels like traditional dairy feta. Violife's products are accessible at most major retailers and come in slices, blocks, and grated styles.
When shopping for GMO-free vegan cheese, it is essential to scrutinize the labels. While checking the label may not provide all the necessary information, certain indicators can offer insight. For example, terms like "vegetable rennet" and "vegetarian rennet" often refer to GM rennet. However, some microbial rennets are truly non-GMO and derived from mushrooms or fungi. Organic certification assures that both the milk and rennet used are non-GMO and sustainably sourced.
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Organic vegan cheeses are GMO-free
While vegan cheeses are dairy-free, not all of them are made with clean, wholesome ingredients. Many vegan cheeses contain unhealthy starches and vegetable oils, which the body converts to sugar, leading to weight gain and bloating.
However, there are several organic vegan cheeses that are GMO-free. For instance, Miyoko's Creamery offers a range of Non-GMO, Lactose-Free, Palm Oil Free, Gluten-Free, and Soy-Free vegan cheese products. Their Smoked Gouda Cultured Plant Milk Cheese and Aged Herbes De Provence Cashew Milk Cheese are popular choices that boost gut health without compromising on taste.
Violife Foods is another brand that offers GMO-free vegan cheese. Their Violife Feta, in particular, has gained popularity for its resemblance to traditional feta cheese in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. It crumbles easily onto salads and pairs well with tomatoes and olive oil.
Yvonne's vegan cheese, founded by French-trained chef Yvonne Ardestani, is also free from dairy, eggs, and gluten, offering a delicious and creamy alternative.
When shopping for vegan cheese, it is important to read the labels carefully. While checking the label may not provide all the information needed, certain terms can indicate the likelihood of GMO content. For instance, "vegetable rennet" and "vegetarian" often refer to GM rennet, where animal genes are injected into a bacterial host to produce the desired rennet, chymosin. On the other hand, terms like "animal rennet" and "microbial rennet" are more likely to indicate non-GMO sources, with the latter referring to mushroom or fungus-based rennets.
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Vegan cheeses may contain unhealthy starches
While vegan cheese is a great alternative to dairy cheese, it is important to be aware of the ingredients used in their making. Vegan cheeses are made from various plant-based ingredients and come in many styles and flavors. However, not all vegan cheeses are made with clean, wholesome ingredients. Some vegan cheeses may contain unhealthy starches and vegetable oils that can lead to weight gain and bloating.
Vegan cheeses often use coconut milk, cream, and oil as a base, which has a high fat content and can contribute to a creamy, cheese-like texture. However, additional ingredients are usually needed to mimic the density and texture of real cheese. These can include starches such as agar-agar, carrageenan, cornstarch, tapioca, and potato starch. The use of these starches can result in a sauce-like consistency instead of a sliceable, block-style cheese.
The amount and type of starch used can vary depending on the brand and variety of vegan cheese. Some brands may use larger quantities of starch, which can affect the texture and taste of the cheese. It is important to read the ingredient list and nutrition label to understand the starch content and make an informed decision about the product.
To avoid unhealthy starches, consumers can opt for artisanal whole-food vegan cheeses made with minimal processing and whole food ingredients. These cheeses often use nuts, such as cashews, as the main ingredient, along with other whole foods like coconut, white beans, or soy milk. These cheeses offer a healthier alternative to highly processed vegan cheeses and can provide similar taste and texture profiles.
While vegan cheeses may contain unhealthy starches, there are also many options available that use whole foods and offer a nutritious alternative to dairy cheese. It is important for consumers to read labels, compare products, and choose the vegan cheese that best aligns with their dietary preferences and health goals.
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Vegan cheese made from cashews
While most cheese in the United States is made from genetically modified ingredients, there are vegan alternatives that are GMO-free. One such option is vegan cheese made from cashews. This cheese can be presented in multiple ways and can be experimented with in terms of flavour and coating. For instance, Alphafoodie's recipe for simple homemade vegan cashew cheese includes chopped rosemary, black nigella seed powder, and black peppercorns. The recipe also suggests swapping out the black peppercorns for pink peppercorns for a festive look, or using fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley.
The process of making cashew cheese typically involves soaking raw cashews to soften and plump them up, which makes them easier to blend and creates a silky sauce. Some recipes also include nutritional yeast, which enhances the savoury flavour of the cheese. Other ingredients that can be added to cashew cheese include lemon juice or vinegar, which add acidity to balance the natural sweetness of cashews, and smoked paprika for a unique flavour.
Cashew cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, such as mac and cheese, or served on crostini with roasted sweet potato and a smoky kasundi. It can also be made into a cheese roll or small balls for individual servings, with various coatings or toppings. For example, Alphafoodie suggests rolling the cheese in a 5-seed protein blend with herbs for added protein and flavour.
When stored in a sealed container in the fridge, cashew cheese can last for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but it is recommended to blend it again after defrosting to smooth out the texture. Overall, cashew cheese is a versatile and delicious vegan option that can be easily made at home with a variety of flavour and presentation options.
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Vegan cheese brands like Miyoko's and Violife
Some vegan cheese brands, such as Miyokos and Violife, offer non-GMO products. Violife, a vegan brand based in Greece, has been producing 100% vegan, non-dairy, and non-GMO products since the 1990s. Their "Just Like" Cheddar Slices are marketed as vegan non-GMO food. Customers praise Violife's cheddar slices for their rich and tangy flavor, creamy texture, and convenience. The product is versatile and can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or eaten cold with crackers.
Miyokos, on the other hand, offers a range of vegan cheese products, including a classic plain organic cultured vegan cream cheese, which is also non-GMO. Their mozzarella-style shreds, however, received a less favorable review compared to Violife slices in a sandwich or quesadilla context. Nevertheless, the Miyokos mozzarella shreds are recommended for their similarity to fresh mozzarella, making them ideal for pizza.
While Violife and Miyokos provide non-GMO options, it is always a good idea to carefully read the labels and check the ingredients before purchasing any vegan cheese product to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences and requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Not all vegan cheeses are GMO-free. However, there are several GMO-free options available, such as Miyoko's Creamery, Violife Foods, and Yvonne's vegan cheese.
Checking the label is a good first step, but it doesn't always provide the full picture. Look for certifications like "organic" or "non-GMO" to ensure the product is GMO-free. You can also check the type of rennet used; vegetable rennet and "vegetarian" rennet often indicate the presence of GMOs.
Vegan cheeses are often made with starches and vegetable oils, which can be derived from genetically modified sources. Some manufacturers may prioritize taste, texture, and melting capabilities over the use of non-GMO ingredients.
Some people choose to avoid GMOs due to potential health and environmental concerns. Additionally, vegan cheeses made with unhealthy starches and oils can cause weight gain and bloating.
