Randy Chandler
The vegan cheese market is rapidly expanding, with experts predicting it will be worth over $4.7 billion in the next two years. This growth is driven by increasing demand and improving product quality. With many options available, it can be challenging to determine which plant-based cheese shreds are the best. Various factors come into play, such as taste, meltability, and texture. Some popular brands in the market include Violife, Parmela Creamery, Tofurky, Good Planet, So Delicious, and Daiya. Personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the best plant-based cheese, as some may prioritize taste, while others may focus on meltability or other factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Mild, nutty, tangy, creamy, refined, artisan, full of flavor |
| Texture | Ultra cheezy, silky, coarse, crumbly |
| Melting | Melts in the mouth, melts super fast, melts super creamy, melts great |
| Use cases | Pasta, pizza, lasagna, fajitas, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, grilled cheese, tomato soup, nachos, quesadillas |
| Availability | Walmart, NoPigNeva |
| Certifications | Certified Vegan |
| Dietary notes | Dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, sugar-free, vegan, vegetarian |
| Ingredients | Water, modified potato starch, coconut oil, vegan natural flavor, tricalcium phosphate, salt, cultured dextrose, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D3, annatto extract, turmeric oleoresin, potato starch, tapioca starch, expeller pressed: canola and/or safflower oil, chickpea protein, potato protein, lactic acid, konjac gum, xanthan gum, yeast extract, annatto color, turmeric color, inactive yeast, potassium chloride |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan shredded cheese that tastes like real cheese
The vegan cheese market is growing, and with growing demand comes better quality. There are now many options for shredded vegan cheese that both look and taste like the real thing.
Violife's Cheddar Shreds, for example, have been described as having a "silky texture" and a "touch of tang", like a mild cheddar. They melt well, making them perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. NoPigNeva's Violife Cheddar Shreds are also popular, with one reviewer saying the product is "straight-up fire".
If you're after something a little more specific, Daiya's Cutting Board Blend is said to mimic mozzarella cheese. It's a popular choice, with Mod Pizza and Blaze Pizza using it in their restaurants.
For those who like their cheese with a bit of a kick, Sporked's vegan pepper jack cheese is said to be "really spicy". It's a great option for grating over pasta or roasted veggies.
There are also some excellent options for those who are simply looking for a cheese "vibe". Field Roast Chao Slices, for instance, melt into a creamy, gooey texture, making them perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. Credo's cashew queso is another great option for those who aren't looking for an exact replica of dairy cheese. It's described as "creamy and zesty with great spice and actual chunks of pepper", making it perfect for nachos or tacos.
With so many options available, it's clear that vegan shredded cheese has come a long way in taste and texture, offering maximum convenience and versatility.
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The best vegan shredded cheese brands
There are many vegan shredded cheese options available on the market, which is great news for those who are vegan or dairy-free but still want to enjoy their favourite cheesy dishes.
Daiya is a major brand in the dairy-free cheese scene and offers a wide range of shreds, slices, sticks, and cream cheese. They also have a variety of frozen products, including cheezecake, vegetable crust pizza, and frozen burritos. Daiya's cheddar-style shreds are made with tapioca starch, coconut oil, and chickpea protein, and are priced at $4.99. However, some people dislike the texture, describing it as plasticky, brittle, grainy, and unpleasant.
Violife is another popular vegan cheese brand, offering a range of shreds, slices, and cream cheese. Their products are known for melting well and getting stretchy, making them a good option for dishes like burritos and grilled cheese.
Vevan is another well-regarded vegan shredded cheese brand, although some people have reported difficulty finding it in stores.
Miyokos and Treeline are recommended brands for when you want to eat the cheese straight, such as on a charcuterie board.
Kite Hill is recommended specifically for their cream cheese.
Some other vegan shredded cheese brands to try include Chao, Follow Your Heart, Good Planet, So Delicious, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods 365, and Great Value Plant-Based Cheese Shreds (available exclusively at Walmart).
When choosing a vegan shredded cheese, it's important to consider what type of dish you'll be using it in. For example, some cheeses may be better suited for melting on pasta or in burritos, while others might be better for eating straight or using in a cheese sauce. It's also worth noting that vegan shredded cheese may not have the same nutritional profile as animal-based cheese, so it shouldn't be used as a direct replacement in recipes that rely on cheese for protein and vitamins.
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How to cook with vegan shredded cheese
Vegan shredded cheese is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be sprinkled on pasta, baked into lasagna, added to pizza, or used in fajitas, burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, or hot dogs. It can also be melted, making it perfect for nachos, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
There are several brands of vegan shredded cheese available in the market, such as Violife Cheddar Shreds, which is known for its melting ability and tangy flavor, and NoPigNeva, which offers a wide range of vegan products. Other popular options include Open Nature Cheddar Style Shreds, Vevan Mozza-Shred, Daiya Mexican 4 Cheeze Style Blend, Follow Your Heart Parmesan, and Trader Joe's Mozzarella Style Shreds Cashew Cheese.
If you prefer to make your own vegan shredded cheese, there are recipes available online that use raw cashews as a base. This option is more cost-effective than buying pre-made vegan cheese, and it allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. The process typically involves soaking cashews, blending them with other ingredients such as nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and agar agar, and then shaping and setting the mixture in the fridge.
When cooking with vegan shredded cheese, it's important to consider the melting properties of the product. Some vegan cheeses melt very well, mimicking the stretchiness and gooeyness of dairy cheese. These cheeses are ideal for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, and quesadillas. However, not all vegan cheeses melt effectively, so it's worth reading reviews or experimenting with different brands to find one that suits your cooking needs.
Additionally, vegan shredded cheese can be used as a topping or garnish to add flavor and texture to dishes. For example, it can be sprinkled on top of tomato soup, added to pasta dishes, or used as a filling for burgers or sandwiches. Its versatility allows you to be creative and incorporate it into various recipes to enhance their taste and visual appeal.
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How to grow a Swiss cheese plant
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera) is a tropical ornamental plant with aerial roots that grow downwards from the stem. These roots easily reach the ground, giving the plant a vine-like tendency. The Swiss cheese plant gets its name from its large, heart-shaped leaves, which, as the plant ages, become covered with holes that resemble Swiss cheese. Here is a guide on how to grow a Swiss cheese plant:
Sunlight
The Swiss cheese vine plant prefers full sun but will adapt to partial shade. It should be kept out of direct light, as too much sun can burn the leaves.
Watering
Water your Swiss cheese plant when the top two inches of soil are dry. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings, but do not let the plant dry out completely. The symptoms of overwatering and underwatering can look similar, so it is important to check the roots and soil if you are unsure.
Soil
The Swiss cheese plant grows best in moist, well-drained, rich potting soil. When repotting, use a potting soil made up of compost and peat to help with aeration and drainage.
Humidity
The Swiss cheese plant grows best in warm conditions with high humidity. You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting it with water or placing it near a humidifier.
Support
The Swiss cheese plant is top-heavy and requires support. You can provide support by tying the stems to a moss pole or stake with soft string or shrub clips.
Pruning
The Swiss cheese vine plant can become uncontrollable, so it should be managed by pruning it back when it appears too tall or when the aerial roots become difficult to control.
Propagation
The Swiss cheese vine plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or suckers, with cuttings or suckers being more common. To take a cutting, cut a section of the stem just after a leaf node, remove the first leaf near the base of the cutting, and plant the node within the soil. You can also root the cutting in water for two to three weeks before moving it to a pot.
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Health benefits of vegan cheese
Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative to regular cheese, usually made from ingredients like nuts, seeds, cooked vegetables, and spices. It is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to gluten, as it is lactose-free and gluten-free. Vegan cheese is cholesterol-free and does not contain any animal growth hormones, which may be beneficial to health. It is also generally lower in fat, protein, and calcium than regular cheese, which may be a positive or negative depending on individual dietary needs.
Some vegan cheeses are highly processed and may contain added starches and thickeners, such as carrageenan and xanthan gum, which could be considered unhealthy. However, there are also minimally processed options made from whole foods, which offer more nutritional value in the form of fiber, healthy fats, and vital micronutrients. These whole-food options may contribute to optimal gut and digestive health, especially for those who react poorly to lactose or gluten.
When choosing a vegan cheese, it is important to consider the ingredients and read the labels carefully. Some brands to consider include Violife, which offers a range of shredded cheese options, and Kite Hill, which is known for its unique ricotta cheese texture.
In conclusion, vegan cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, but it should not be relied upon as a sole source of nutrition. It is important to include a variety of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein in your diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Shredding your own cheese is a more affordable option that enhances the flavor of dishes and avoids additives in bagged cheese.
To shred cheese, use a grater or food processor. For best results, partially freeze the cheese for about 30 minutes before shredding to make it easier to grate.
Hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, provolone, and Parmesan are ideal for shredding.
Yes, you can freeze shredded cheese for up to six months. Place the shredded cheese in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
