Kamil Perry
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way in recent years, with many options now available for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet. These non-dairy cheeses are made from a variety of plant-based and other ingredients, including nuts, seeds, tofu, and various starches and flours. While dairy-free cheese has had a bad reputation for its grainy, gritty, or chalky texture in the past, newer formulas have improved in quality and can now closely resemble the taste and texture of traditional cheese. This means that people who avoid dairy can still enjoy melted cheese on sandwiches, burgers, and pasta, as well as dairy-free alternatives to their favourite sliced, shredded, blocked, and spreadable cheeses.
Dairy-Free Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Nuts (cashews, almonds), seeds (sunflower, hemp), starches, flours, coconut oil, tofu, potatoes, nutritional yeast, plant-based |
| Texture | Grainy, gritty, chalky, smooth, creamy, firm, spreadable |
| Taste | Sweet, sour, nutty, smoky |
| Type | Slices, shreds, blocks, spreadable, soft, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, cheesecakes |
| Brands | Tofutti, Field Roast, Chao, Daiya, Good Planet, Follow Your Heart, Kite Hill, Nuts For Cheese, Treeline, Violife |
| Diet | Vegan, lactose-intolerant, kosher, halal, gluten-free |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan cheese made from nuts, seeds, starches, and flours
Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese, often made from a variety of plant-based ingredients, including nuts, seeds, starches, and flours. Here's a closer look at each of these bases:
Nuts
Nuts, such as cashews, are commonly used to make vegan cheese. For example, the brand Nuts For Cheese™ offers a range of 100% dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free cheeses made from organic cashews. Cashews provide a creamy texture and a neutral flavour that can be easily adapted to mimic different types of cheese.
Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a popular choice for making vegan cheese, as they can be blended into a smooth mixture. Other seeds, such as sesame and hemp seeds, can also be used to add flavour and texture to the cheese.
Starches and Flours
Starches, such as tapioca starch, potato starch, and corn starch, are often used in vegan cheese recipes. They help create a creamy texture and, in the case of potato starch, make the cheese stringy and stretchy. Additionally, chickpea flour can be used as a substitute for agar agar powder, a common ingredient used to firm up vegan cheese.
Other Ingredients
In addition to the bases mentioned above, vegan cheese recipes often include nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavour, salt for taste, olive oil for richness, and lemon juice for acidity. Soy milk and yogurt are also common ingredients, providing tanginess and a sourish note reminiscent of real cheese.
Vegan cheese made from these various bases offers a wide range of options for those who are dairy-intolerant or following a plant-based diet, allowing them to enjoy the taste and texture of cheese without compromising their dietary preferences or restrictions.
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Non-dairy cheese made from tofu
Dairy-free cheese has gained popularity in recent years, and tofu is a common base ingredient in its production. Tofu is a plant-based protein that can be used to create a creamy texture and is a perfect vessel for flavour. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Vegan cream cheese, or schmear, is a popular non-dairy cheese made from tofu. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be whipped up in about 5 minutes. The base ingredients are tofu, refined coconut oil, and flavourings. The coconut oil provides fat content, and the tofu provides protein, creating a similar nutritional profile to traditional cream cheese. This allows it to be used as a 1:1 substitute in cooking and baking. It is also lower in fat and calories than traditional cream cheese, making it a healthier option.
There are many ways to customise tofu cream cheese to your taste preferences. You can add a tablespoon of fat, such as tahini, to enhance the flavour and create a silky texture. You can also add a tablespoon of cashews, cashew butter, canned coconut milk, or oil. For flavour, spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt can be added. Nutritional yeast can also be added to give a cheesy flavour, and using non-fortified nutritional yeast will result in a lighter colour.
Tofu cream cheese is very versatile and can be used in various dishes. It is commonly spread on bagels, toast, or crackers and used as a dip for fruits and vegetables. It can also be used in recipes such as vegan mac and cheese, cheesecakes, and dips. It is a suitable option for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet and is also gluten-free and kosher and Halal certified. However, it may not be suitable for those with soy allergies.
In addition to tofu cream cheese, there are other types of non-dairy cheese made from tofu. For example, Tofutti offers a non-dairy ricotta cheese made from tofu that can be used in dishes such as stuffed shells, lasagna, and cheesecake. It has a grainy texture but melts well when cooked, making it a good substitute for dairy-based ricotta cheese.
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Lactose-intolerant cheese options
Lactose intolerance can cause some very uncomfortable digestive issues, from bloating and gas to cramping and serious stomach pain. However, this does not mean that people with lactose intolerance have to give up cheese entirely. There are several types of cheeses that those sensitive to lactose can still enjoy in moderation.
Firstly, some cheeses are naturally low in lactose. Hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are "virtually lactose-free". Aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano are also virtually lactose-free. Hard cheeses contain less than one gram of lactose per 1.5-ounce serving. Other low-lactose cheeses include Muenster (0-1.1% lactose), Havarti (0.1-2% lactose), and Limburger (2% lactose). Feta is also very low in lactose (0.5-1.5% lactose) and is also lower in fat than many other cheeses.
Secondly, for those who are lactose intolerant, there are many dairy-free cheese options. These are usually nut-based, made from cashews or almonds, or made from various starches and flours. Seeds such as sunflower and hemp seeds are also used in some dairy-free cheese products. Tofu-based dairy-free cheeses are also available, such as the one from Tofutti, which is known for its vegan cream cheese.
It is important to note that while dairy-free cheese options exist, they may not always provide a good substitute for the calcium, protein, phosphorus, and potassium found in regular cheese. However, for those who are unable to tolerate any milk products, these alternatives can be a great option.
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Goat, sheep, and buffalo milk cheeses
While cow's milk is the most common type of milk used for cheese, goat's milk, sheep's milk, and buffalo milk are also popular options. Each type of milk produces a distinct kind of cheese with unique characteristics.
Goat's milk cheeses generally fall into one of two categories: those with a limestone and citrus flavour profile, and those with more complex, musky, and barnyardy notes. Younger goat cheeses tend to lean towards the former, while more aged varieties develop the latter profile.
Sheep's milk has nearly twice the fat and protein content of cow or goat milk, resulting in a creamier texture and a stronger flavour. Sheep's milk cheeses can be tangy, sweet, or even gamey, with scents of dry grass. Some common tasting notes include candy corn, sweet cream, and a waxy lanolin flavour reminiscent of wool.
Buffalo milk has a sweet, floral, and aromatic flavour, often described as tasting of flowers, herbs, and grass. It is used to make Buffalo Mozzarella, a smooth, creamy, and fresh cheese commonly used in pizza and lasagna.
The flavour of the cheese ultimately depends on various factors, including the style and production method. However, the type of milk used can significantly influence the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of the final product.
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Dairy-free cheese for charcuterie boards
Charcuterie boards are a great way to showcase a variety of foods and can be made dairy-free by substituting vegan cheeses for regular cheese.
When creating a vegan charcuterie board, it is important to consider the size of the board and the number of people you are serving. A small board can be used for two people, while a larger board may be needed for a bigger group. The board can be made of wood, slate, a large cutting board, a baking sheet, or even a simple plate.
There are many types of vegan cheeses available, such as Boursin, Miyoko's Creamery, and Chao Field Roast, which offer soft, garlic and herb-infused cheeses that are perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. For a more solid option, Violife Epic Smoked Cheddar and Miyokos Mozzarella can be cut into cubes and arranged on the board. Treeline cheese is another option that can be used as a spread.
In addition to the cheese, a dairy-free charcuterie board can include vegan meats, crackers, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, olives, and dips like hummus or guacamole. Jams, such as raspberry, can add a sweet element to the board. It is recommended to arrange the items in a visually appealing way, focusing on colour and texture, to create a feast for the eyes.
For those who want to try making their own vegan cheese, there are DIY recipes available that use ingredients like potatoes, cashews, and nutritional yeast. Store-bought vegan cheeses are often made with nuts, seeds, starches, and flours, with coconut oil being a key ingredient for meltability.
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Frequently asked questions
Some examples of cheese that are not made from dairy include:
- Vegan cheese, which can be made from nuts, seeds, starches, flours, and coconut oil.
- Tofu-based cheese, such as Tofutti's dairy-free ricotta.
- Almond milk-based cheese, such as Whole30-approved dairy-free ricotta.
- Cashew milk-based cheese, such as Miyoko's Cashew Milk Mozzarella.
Yes, some cheeses are naturally low in lactose and may be suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Examples include Havarti, Limburger, and Feta. However, it is important to note that the level of lactose can vary depending on the type of cheese and how it is made. Always check the label and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or restrictions.
Yes, there are dairy-free cheese options that do not contain nuts. For example, some brands like Violife offer dairy-free cheese made from soy, gluten, and preservatives. Additionally, Daiya's dairy-free cheese is made from a soy-free blend of potato and corn starch. It is important to read the ingredient labels carefully to ensure the product meets your specific dietary needs and restrictions.
