Frederic Melton
Chao cheese is a vegan cheese alternative produced by Field Roast. It comes in Creamy Original, Coconut Herb, and Tomato Cayenne flavours, and is made with fermented tofu (chao) in the recipe. The Creamy Original flavour has been likened to Swiss, Provolone, and White Cheddar cheese, with a hint of butter. The Coconut Herb flavour has a subtle earthy taste, while the Tomato Cayenne flavour adds a spicy kick. Chao cheese has been praised for its meltability and stretchability, and its ability to satisfy cravings for cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavors | Creamy Original, Coconut Herb, and Tomato Cayenne |
| Texture | Smooth, Swiss-like, slightly rubbery, with a bit of squeakiness when cold |
| Odor | Lightly tangy, neutral |
| Taste | Mild, buttery, nutty, earthy, creamy, sweet, bold, spicy |
| Melting | Melts easily, gentle melt |
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What You'll Learn
Chao cheese is a vegan alternative to cheese
Chao cheese comes in Creamy Original, Coconut Herb, and Tomato Cayenne flavours. The Creamy Original flavour has been likened to Swiss, Provolone, and white cheddar cheese, with a subtle, mild, and buttery taste. It has a strong cheesy odour, but a very neutral smell compared to other vegan cheeses. The Coconut Herb flavour has a subtle earthy flair, while the Tomato Cayenne flavour has a spicy kick.
Chao cheese slices melt and stretch like regular cheese, making them perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, and baked potatoes. They are also good for snacking straight out of the package. The cheese is pre-sliced, making it convenient for use in various recipes.
Overall, Chao cheese is a popular and tasty vegan cheese alternative that satisfies cravings for dairy cheese. It has a pleasing bite, gentle melt, and "umami" flavours.
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It's made with fermented tofu (chao)
Chao cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese, and as the name suggests, it is made from fermented tofu, which is known as "chao" in Vietnamese. This plant-based cheese has a unique taste and texture that sets it apart from both dairy cheese and other vegan cheese alternatives. So, what does it taste like?
Being made with fermented tofu gives Chao cheese a distinct, sharp, and tangy flavor profile. The fermentation process imparts a complex depth of taste, similar to that of aged cheeses, with a slightly sour and nutty edge. This characteristic tang is often described as reminiscent of blue cheese or other strong, mature cheeses. However, despite these similarities, Chao cheese stands out with its own unique flavor.
The texture of the cheese is smooth and creamy, similar to that of a soft, spreadable cheese, with a slight graininess that adds to its distinctive mouthfeel. It is often seasoned with various ingredients, such as salt, garlic, and other spices, to enhance its flavor. This seasoning can also include different flavors, like jalapeño or tomato-basil, to create a variety of taste experiences.
The process of making Chao cheese involves taking fresh tofu and fermenting it with a special culture. This culture is a blend of bacteria and yeast, similar to those used in traditional cheese-making, and it is this fermentation process that gives the cheese its characteristic tang and depth of flavor. The length of fermentation can vary, with longer periods resulting in a stronger, more pronounced taste.
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It's available in Creamy Original, Coconut Herb, and Tomato Cayenne flavours
Chao cheese slices are a popular vegan cheese alternative, and they come in Creamy Original, Coconut Herb, and Tomato Cayenne flavours. The Creamy Original flavour has been likened to Swiss or Provolone cheese, with a subtle, mild, and buttery taste. It has also been described as having a "hint of white cheddar" and a slightly "tangy" smell. The Coconut Herb flavour has a subtle earthiness from the oregano and black pepper, while the Tomato Cayenne flavour delivers a spicy kick, perfect for quesadillas or grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Creamy Original flavour has been described as having a "hint of Swiss", with a smooth texture and a bit of "squeakiness" when cold. It has a very mild and inoffensive flavour, with a lightly tangy smell. It is a good option for those who are not fans of strong-smelling, aged cheeses. The Coconut Herb flavour has a subtle earthiness from the oregano and black pepper, while the Tomato Cayenne flavour delivers a spicy kick.
Chao cheese slices are known for their pleasing texture and gentle melt. They are also praised for their ability to stretch, making them a versatile option for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or simply enjoyed as a snack on their own. The slices are pre-sliced, making them convenient for various recipes. They can be easily melted in the microwave and used in dishes like baked potatoes, broccoli cheese, or added to pizzas.
The ingredients in Chao cheese slices include filtered water, coconut oil, modified corn and potato starch, fermented tofu (chao), sea salt, and natural flavourings. The fermented tofu adds an "umami" factor to each flavour, enhancing the taste experience. The slices are also known for their reasonable price, typically costing around $4.99 to $5.98 per package.
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It tastes like Swiss or Provolone cheese
Chao cheese is a vegan cheese alternative that is said to taste like Swiss or Provolone cheese. It is produced by Field Roast, who partnered with a Greek cheese maker and a family in Taiwan to create these cheese slices. The slices are marketed as a ""coconut cheese alternative", but reviewers have noted that there is no coconut taste. Instead, the coconut is seasoned with fermented soybean curd, which is called "chao" in Vietnamese.
The Creamy Original flavour of Chao cheese has been described as having a subtle, mild, and buttery taste, with a hint of Swiss or Provolone. It has a smooth texture, with a bit of squeakiness when cold, and a very mild and inoffensive flavour. The smell is lightly tangy, and much less strong than other vegan cheese products. The slices are firm enough to peel apart and are said to melt and stretch just like regular cheese.
Chao cheese slices are a popular dairy-free cheese alternative, with a pleasing bite and a gentle melt. They are also said to have a nutty flavour when melted. The slices are pre-sliced, making them convenient for use in recipes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, baked potatoes, and Mexican pizza.
Overall, Chao cheese is a well-liked vegan cheese option that is said to taste like Swiss or Provolone cheese, with a mild and subtle flavour. It is a good choice for those who are not fans of strong-tasting or aged cheeses.
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It melts and stretches like real cheese
Chao cheese slices are a popular vegan cheese alternative that can be melted and stretched like regular cheese. The slices are made with fermented tofu (chao) and coconut oil, which gives them a buttery taste and a smooth, creamy texture. When melted, Chao cheese takes on a nutty flavour and has been described as tasting like mild goat cheese or Swiss cheese.
The slices are designed to mimic the texture and taste of real cheese, and many reviewers have commented on their impressive ability to melt and stretch. One reviewer noted that the cheese melted "just.like.regular.cheese", while another said that it melted and stretched "like real cheese". This makes Chao cheese ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as for topping baked potatoes, pizzas, and lasagne.
The melting and stretching properties of Chao cheese are especially notable because vegan cheeses often struggle to achieve the same meltability as dairy cheeses. The ability to melt and stretch like real cheese makes Chao a versatile option for cooking and allows vegans to enjoy dishes that typically feature melted cheese, such as grilled cheese sandwiches and pizzas.
Chao cheese slices are available in a variety of flavours, including Creamy Original, Coconut Herb, and Tomato Cayenne. The Creamy Original flavour has been described as having a subtle, mild taste similar to Swiss or provolone cheese, with a hint of butter. The Coconut Herb flavour has subtle earthy notes from the addition of oregano and black pepper, while the Tomato Cayenne flavour adds a spicy kick to dishes.
Overall, Chao cheese slices offer a satisfying melt and stretch that rivals that of real cheese. With their versatile flavours and impressive performance, they have become a popular choice for those seeking a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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Frequently asked questions
Chao cheese has a mild, subtle, and inoffensive flavour. It has been described as having a "hint of Swiss, provolone, and butter", with a creamy texture.
Chao cheese melts easily and can be used on grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, and baked potatoes. It has a gentle melt and a pleasing bite.
Chao cheese is a vegan cheese made from ingredients like coconut oil, fermented tofu, filtered water, and potato starch. It is marketed as a "coconut cheese alternative".
Chao cheese can be found at various grocery stores, including Safeway, Walmart, and Festival Foods. It is usually priced between $4.99 and $5.98 per package.
