Randy Chandler
With the exponential growth of the vegan cheese retail sector, driven by an increase in food allergies, sustainability concerns, and awareness of animal cruelty, the search for the best non-dairy cheeses is more relevant than ever. While vegan cheese can be a hit or miss, there are some excellent options that closely resemble dairy cheese in terms of texture, flavour, and meltability. Some of the best non-dairy cheeses include Violife's cheddar shreds and mature cheddar shreds, which pair well with vegan burgers and burrito bowls. Miyoko's Liquid Mozz is another versatile favourite, perfect for mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and pizza. For those seeking a cream cheese option, Nurishh's chive and onion flavour resembles traditional dairy cream cheese in texture and taste. When it comes to feta alternatives, Violife's Just Like Feta and Trader Joe's Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative are highly rated for their salty and briny flavours. Finally, for a unique and award-winning option, Treeline Cheesemakers' Vegan Goat-Style Cashew Cheese with a hint of blueberry is a delicious, spreadable treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Blue Cheese, Feta, Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gouda, Provolone, Goat Cheese, Brie, Pepper Jack, Queso, Cheeze Sticks, Pimento Cheese |
| Ingredients | Cashew Milk, Rejuvelac, Miso, Spirulina, Potato Starch, Potato Protein, Coconut Oil, Nutritional Yeast, Almond, Tofu, Palm Oil, Oat Milk |
| Texture | Creamy, Spreadable, Smooth, Grainy, Slimy, Mushy, Nutty |
| Taste | Savory, Salty, Tangy, Bitter, Sweet, Funky, Smoky |
| Brands | Violife, Trader Joe's, Treeline Cheesemakers, Miyoko's Creamery, Nuts for Cheese, Daiya, Field Roast, Good Planet, Whole Foods, So Delicious |
| Pros | Taste, Texture, and Melt Similar to Dairy Cheese, Lactose-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Kosher |
| Cons | Doesn't Melt, Poor Taste, Poor Texture, Weird Smell |
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What You'll Learn
Best non-dairy cheeses for melting
There are a variety of non-dairy cheeses available that melt well. Here are some of the best options:
Vevan Shreds and Melts
Vegan cheese brand Vevan offers dairy-free cheese in shredded and sliced forms. Their products are made with common cheese alternatives such as yeast, vegetable oils, and starches. Their Melts line is recommended for pizza, as the cheese melts to a creamy texture. The Shreds line can be baked into the crust or sprinkled on top.
Chao Cheese
Chao is a popular vegan cheese brand that has been around for years. Their cheese is made from coconut milk and tofu, and often flavoured with a blend of spices. It is known for its meltability, likely due to the coconut oil in its ingredients. Chao cheese slices are said to melt "like a dream", making them a good option for burgers and sandwiches.
Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative
The Applewood Smoky Cheese Alternative was voted the best non-dairy cheese for melting in 2019, with a rating of 9.8 out of 10. It has a smooth and creamy texture and is enhanced with vitamin B12 and calcium. It is recommended for grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, and baked potatoes.
Babybel Snacking Cheese
Babybel, known for their cheese snacks, introduced a vegan version in 2022. The cheese has a mild flavour reminiscent of cream cheese and is soft and chewy. It has a surprisingly good melt score of 4.5 out of 5 and is recommended for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Daiya
Daiya is a long-standing dairy-free cheese brand that has improved its formula over the years. Their cheese is made with potato starch and coconut oil, which gives it good melting capabilities. It is also allergen-friendly, free of the eight most common food allergens. Daiya cheese is recommended for sandwiches, as it melts and stretches well.
Tips for Melting Non-Dairy Cheese
It is important to note that non-dairy cheese may not brown in the same way as traditional cheese due to the absence of dairy sugars and proteins. To achieve a creamy melt, it is recommended to use higher heat, such as an oven set to 425°F. Microwaving the cheese before moving it to the oven or stove can also help jump-start the melting process.
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Non-dairy cheeses with the best texture
There are a variety of non-dairy cheeses available that offer a similar texture to their dairy-based counterparts.
One of the most popular options is Violife, which offers a range of dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, and preservative-free cheeses. Their dairy-free mozzarella, in particular, has been praised for its creamy texture and meltability, resembling traditional mozzarella closely.
Miyoko's Creamery is another brand that has received recognition for its non-dairy cheeses. Their Cashew Milk Mozzarella has a mild and creamy texture, making it ideal for pizzas or as a spread. Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella is also worth mentioning, as it is soft and meltable, just like its dairy-based counterpart.
Field Roast Chao Slices is a highly recommended vegan cheese by experts and consumers alike. It has a slightly sweet flavor like mild cheddar and a soft, creamy texture that melts easily. This cheese is perfect for sandwiches, quesadillas, and grilled cheese.
For those who enjoy ricotta, Kite Hill's Ricotta cheese offers a creamy texture that can be used on pizzas, in pastas, or even on toast with fruit and honey.
Lastly, for a unique pourable cheese option, Miokos Pourable Mozzarella made from cashew sauce is a popular choice among the vegan and dairy-free communities. While some may not prefer its flavor, it provides a smooth and creamy texture without any waxy cheese shreds.
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Non-dairy cheeses that taste the most like dairy cheese
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way, with consumers now able to find a dairy-less version of their favourite cheeses. While some non-dairy cheeses may have a funky flavour, there are several options that taste just like dairy cheese.
Violife
Violife is the largest dairy-free cheese brand in the world and can be found in most grocers. The brand closely mimics famous dairy cheeses like hard parmesan, manchego, and feta cheese crumbles. Violife also offers smoked provolone slices and Just Like Cheddar Slices, which have a suitably cheddar-like aroma and flavour.
Miyoko's
Miyoko's mozzarella is a must-try for anyone looking for a dairy-free cheese that tastes like the real thing. The original and smoked flavours mimic the texture and melting of dairy-based mozzarella. The brand also offers a cashew milk mozzarella that is mild, creamy, and void of the funky flavours some non-dairy cheeses have.
Parmela
Parmela's cashew-based shreds not only taste like cheese but also melt perfectly. They come in a variety of flavours, including mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and fiery jack.
Treeline
Treeline's dairy-free cream cheese comes in plain, strawberry, and chive & onion flavours. The brand also offers a dairy-free goat-style cheese and a cashew pimento cheese.
Field Roast Chao Creamery
While the original Field Roast Chao Creamery cheese received poor reviews for its rubbery texture and mild flavour, the brand's Chao Slices have received better reviews. The slices are creamy and smooth, and the smoked gouda flavour is particularly popular for its strong yet not overwhelming smoky flavour.
Vitalite Dairy Free
Vitalite Dairy Free offers cheddar-style slices that are plant-based, gluten-free, and soy-free. The slices are made from water, coconut oil, starches, gums, and flavourings, resulting in a neutral flavour that is not as nutty as other plant-based cheeses.
The Laughing Cow
The Laughing Cow offers a spreadable cheese alternative in original and garlic and herb flavours. The cheese is made with almond and coconut milk and includes food starches and pea protein for structure. The garlic and herb version is particularly impressive, with a spicy undercurrent that makes the texture less distracting.
Daiya
Daiya's Jalapeño Havarti Style Block Cheese has a satisfying level of spice and a firm, non-rubbery texture. The brand also offers mozzarella-style cheeze sticks and pepper jack cheese.
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Best non-dairy cheeses for snacking
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way, and there are now several options for non-dairy cheeses that are perfect for snacking.
Babybel Plant-Based Cheese Alternative
The iconic Babybel cheese has a plant-based alternative that is packaged in green with a recyclable wax wrapper. This snack-sized disc is made with a blend of starches and coconut oil and is enriched with calcium and vitamin B12. It is also dairy-free, lactose-free, and soy-free. This vegan Babybel is softer and milder in flavour than the original cheese, with a smooth and creamy texture.
Miyoko's Mozzarella
Miyoko's Mozzarella is a favourite among many. It is soft and meltable like real mozzarella and can be enjoyed raw. It melts easily, making it perfect for pizza, pasta, casseroles, and caprese salads. It is also great for a vegan cheese board.
Violife
Violife has been a favourite among many, especially their dairy-free mozzarella. It is creamy and melts similarly to traditional mozzarella. It is also dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, and preservative-free. While some find it a bit salty, it is still considered one of the best non-dairy cheeses for snacking and cooking.
Daiya
Daiya offers a range of non-dairy cheeses, including their Jalapeño Havarti Style Block Cheese and Cheeze Sticks Mozzarella Style. Their products have a good texture and spice level, covering up any unwanted "funky" flavours that some non-dairy cheeses may have.
Credo Cashew Queso
Credo's cashew-based queso is creamy and zesty with great spice and chunks of pepper. It has the perfect texture for dipping and drizzling over nachos or tacos.
Good Planet
Good Planet offers a range of non-dairy cheeses, including their Pepper Jack flavour, which has a nice spice to it. Their cheeses come in portion-controlled triangles, making them great for snacking.
While finding the perfect non-dairy cheese can be a challenge, these options offer great flavour and texture, making them enjoyable for both dairy and non-dairy consumers.
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Best non-dairy cheeses for salads
Non-dairy cheese has come a long way, with dairy-free alternatives available for most types of cheese. The quality of non-dairy cheese is rapidly improving, and there are now several impressive options available.
When choosing a non-dairy cheese for a salad, it's important to consider the other ingredients in your salad and select a cheese that will complement them without overwhelming the dish. You might opt for something crumbled, shredded, grated, or melted, depending on the other components of your salad.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a classic choice for salads. It has a tangy, grassy, and creamy flavour, and its crumbly texture is perfect for sprinkling over greens. Goat cheese especially complements the sweetness of roasted beets. Look for a slightly aged goat cheese that can be crumbled, rather than a very soft, spreadable one.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is another popular choice for salads due to its bold, tangy flavour and distinctive look. It has a high flavour-to-volume ratio, so a little goes a long way. Choose a good-quality blue cheese and crumble it yourself for the best results.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella adds a refreshing touch to light salads. It is traditionally made with cow or buffalo milk and has a soft and mild flavour. Mozzarella also comes in thicker ribbons, adding a chewy texture and a rich, cheesy flavour. This variety is delicious in caprese salads, which feature fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar.
Daiya Jalapeño Havarti Style Block Cheese
This non-dairy cheese delivers on both flavour and texture. It has a satisfying level of spice and a firm, sliceable texture that maintains its shape. The jalapeños help to cover up any unwanted "funky" flavours that some non-dairy cheeses may have.
Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda
This non-dairy gouda has a firm texture that resembles its dairy-based counterpart, making it perfect for sandwiches. It is entirely soy-free and made mainly from potato and corn starch, which is ideal for those wanting to avoid soy. However, some may find the smokiness of this cheese too meat-like.
In addition to these options, there are several other non-dairy cheeses available, including vegan cheddar cheese spreads, almond-based cheddar-style cheeses, and cashew-based cheeses. While some of these may lack the texture and flavour of their dairy counterparts, new brands are constantly being introduced with improved recipes.
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