Randy Chandler
Vegan cheese has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people turning to plant-based alternatives due to ethical, environmental, or health reasons. While the market is now saturated with various non-dairy cheese options, the question remains: do they taste any good? This paragraph will explore the taste and texture of non-dairy cheese and how it compares to its dairy counterpart.
Characteristics of non-dairy cheese:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Some non-dairy cheeses have a slightly plasticky flavour, while others have a tangy, peppery, nutty, yeasty, or mild flavour. Some non-dairy cheeses taste like coconut, while others taste like dairy cheese. |
| Texture | Some non-dairy cheeses have a dry, grainy, or smooth texture. Some are more supple than others, and some melt better than others. |
| Aroma | Some non-dairy cheeses have a cheddar-like aroma, while others have a potato-forward aroma. |
| Ingredients | Non-dairy cheeses are often made with coconut oil, potato starch, chickpea protein, maltodextrin, natural dyes, flavourings, water, oil, starch, natural flavour, paprika, annatto, and/or beta carotene. |
| Brand | Popular brands of non-dairy cheese include Violife, Daiya, Follow Your Heart, Chao, Boursin, and The Laughing Cow. |
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What You'll Learn
- Nut-based non-dairy cheeses, like cashew cheese, can taste like dairy cheese
- Coconut-based non-dairy cheeses can be smooth and creamy, but the coconut taste can be overwhelming
- Non-dairy cheese slices can be similar to dairy cheese slices, but may have a plasticky taste or texture
- Non-dairy cheese shreds can be similar to dairy cheese shreds, but may have a starchy taste
- Non-dairy cheeses can be made at home with ingredients like nutritional yeast and cashews
Nut-based non-dairy cheeses, like cashew cheese, can taste like dairy cheese
However, the taste of non-dairy cheese can vary depending on the brand and type. Some people find that certain non-dairy cheeses have an unpleasant, plasticky taste or a crumbly, dry texture. The melting characteristics of non-dairy cheese can also differ from dairy cheese, which can affect their taste and texture when used in dishes like pizza.
To replicate the taste and texture of dairy cheese, some non-dairy cheeses use ingredients like almond milk, coconut milk, coconut oil, fermented tofu, and various food starches and proteins. These additions help to create a creamy, spreadable, or melty texture, as well as add flavour to the cheese.
Overall, while some non-dairy cheeses may not perfectly replicate the taste of dairy cheese, there are options available that come very close, and some people may even prefer the taste of nut-based cheeses like cashew cheese.
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Coconut-based non-dairy cheeses can be smooth and creamy, but the coconut taste can be overwhelming
On the other hand, some coconut-based non-dairy cheeses have been praised for their taste. Boursin, for example, manufactures a dairy-free garlic and herb cheese spread alternative that has been described as "immaculate". It is made with coconut oil, oils, stabilizers, and seasoning, and has notes of garlic, chives, and parsley. Similarly, a smoked vegan cheddar has been described as "extraordinary", with the smoky flavor covering up any obviously non-cheese flavors. This cheese also has a coconut oil base, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture.
Some non-dairy cheeses are made with a blend of coconut oil and other ingredients, which can result in a more neutral flavor. For example, Vitalite Dairy-Free Cheddar Style Slices are made with water, coconut oil, various starches and gums, and flavorings, resulting in a more neutral flavor than other plant-based cheeses. Similarly, Kraft NotCheese slices are made with a blend of coconut oil, modified food starch, chickpea protein, maltodextrin, natural dyes, and flavorings, giving them a suitably cheddar-like aroma and flavor.
While coconut-based non-dairy cheeses can vary in taste, they often have a smooth and creamy texture thanks to the inclusion of coconut oil. However, the coconut taste can sometimes be overwhelming, especially in products where it is a primary ingredient.
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Non-dairy cheese slices can be similar to dairy cheese slices, but may have a plasticky taste or texture
Non-dairy cheese slices can be similar to dairy cheese slices in terms of appearance, aroma, and flavor. However, they may sometimes have a plasticky taste or texture. For instance, the Daiya cheese slices, which are the healthiest option among non-dairy cheese slices due to their low sodium content and added Vitamin B12, have been criticized for their plasticky consistency. Similarly, the Violife cheese slices have been described as having a "plastic-ish" taste. The American cheese slices from Armored Fresh also had a slightly plasticky flavor that lingered on the palate, despite smelling and tasting like dairy cheese.
The texture of non-dairy cheese slices can vary, with some people finding it plasticky or waxy. For example, the Boursin soft cheese dips, which are made with coconut oil, oils, stabilizers, and seasoning, have been described as having a pleasant texture. On the other hand, the Vitalite Dairy-Free Cheddar Style Slices have been criticized for their dry texture, making them less appealing to eat straight out of the package. The texture of non-dairy cheese slices can also be influenced by the presence of anti-caking agents, which can affect the overall texture and flavor until the cheese is melted.
The taste of non-dairy cheese slices can vary depending on the brand and type of cheese. Some non-dairy cheese slices have a neutral or slightly starchy taste, similar to shredded dairy cheese. Others may have a tangy or sharp flavor, like the American and cheddar slices from Armored Fresh, which had a tanginess similar to Kraft Singles and Cheez-Its, respectively. The pepper jack slice from the same brand was also notably peppery, which masked the cheese flavor. The Herbivorous Butcher's non-dairy cheese slices have also been described as having a good flavor, although they are better suited for cold sandwiches as they don't melt as well as dairy cheese.
The melting capability of non-dairy cheese slices can vary, with some melting well and others taking longer to melt. For example, the Follow Your Heart slices took the longest to melt in a grilled cheese sandwich test, while the Boursin slices were described as melting "like a dream." The Cheddar Style slices from Vitalite Dairy Free were also noted to have a somewhat dry texture, which may impact their melting capability. The Kraft NotCheese slices, which are a relatively new plant-based cheddar option, did not melt as well as some other non-dairy cheeses but became creamy under more intense heat.
The ingredients used in non-dairy cheese slices can vary but often include water, oil, starch for stretchiness, natural flavor, and coloring agents. Some non-dairy cheese slices, like the Kraft NotCheese slices, are made with coconut oil, modified food starch, chickpea protein, and natural dyes to achieve a cheddar-like aroma, flavor, and texture. Others, like the Boursin slices, include fermented tofu to add a touch of that funky, cheesy taste. The Daiya cheese slices, which are made in Canada, have the most distinct ingredients out of the five most popular vegan cheese slices, including water, oil, starch, natural flavor, paprika, annatto, and beta carotene.
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Non-dairy cheese shreds can be similar to dairy cheese shreds, but may have a starchy taste
Non-dairy cheese shreds can be similar to dairy cheese shreds in terms of appearance and taste, but they may have a starchy taste. This is because shredded cheeses, both dairy and non-dairy, often contain anti-caking agents that keep the shreds separated, which can affect their texture and flavour until they are melted.
Non-dairy cheese is typically made from plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil, potato starch, and various gums and flavourings. These ingredients can give non-dairy cheese a slightly different taste and texture compared to dairy cheese. Some people may find that non-dairy cheese has a more neutral flavour, as it is often not made from a nut base, which can make it more versatile in recipes.
The texture of non-dairy cheese can also vary, with some finding it to be dry or plasticky. However, when melted, non-dairy cheese can develop a more convincing cheese-like flavour and texture, making it a suitable alternative in cooked dishes. For example, non-dairy Parmesan shreds made from potato starch, coconut oil, and yeast extract have a pleasant texture and a mildly nutty and yeasty flavour that pairs well with salads and pasta dishes.
Some non-dairy cheeses are designed to mimic specific types of dairy cheese, such as cheddar or feta, and can have a similar aroma and flavour. However, others may have a milder flavour that lacks the tanginess or sharpness typically associated with dairy cheese. The inclusion of ingredients like coconut oil or potato starch can also result in an overwhelming coconut or potato flavour that some may find unappealing.
Overall, while non-dairy cheese shreds can be similar to dairy cheese shreds in terms of taste and appearance, they may have a slightly starchy or off-putting flavour due to the inclusion of anti-caking agents and plant-based ingredients. Nevertheless, when melted or incorporated into dishes, non-dairy cheese can be a suitable alternative for those who are vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking for a plant-based option.
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Non-dairy cheeses can be made at home with ingredients like nutritional yeast and cashews
Non-dairy cheese has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people adopting vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets due to health, ethical, or environmental reasons. While there are various pre-packaged non-dairy cheese options available, some people prefer to make their own at home to suit their taste preferences and dietary needs.
One of the most popular bases for homemade non-dairy cheese is cashews. Cashew cheese is praised for its versatility, rich flavour, and hummus-like texture. It can be used as a spread on toasted bread, a dip for crackers, or as a topping for quinoa, beans, and vegetables. There are numerous recipes available for cashew cheese, allowing for customisation with additional ingredients like lemon juice, mustard, and cayenne pepper. The Artisan Vegan Cheese cookbook, for example, offers a range of cashew-based cheese recipes. Additionally, some people opt to omit nutritional yeast from their cashew cheese recipes, as it may not be suitable for those avoiding processed foods.
Nutritional yeast is a common ingredient in non-dairy cheese, known for imparting a "cheesy" and savoury flavour. It is often used in combination with cashews to create a flavourful and nutritious cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, which is typically found in animal products. However, some people may not favour the taste of nutritional yeast or may wish to avoid it due to its processed nature.
While cashews and nutritional yeast are prominent ingredients in non-dairy cheese-making, other bases and flavourings are also used. For example, coconut milk, coconut oil, and fermented tofu are used to create a creamy texture and add a "funky" taste. Additionally, almond milk, tapioca starch, and corn starch can be used as substitutes or additions to create a thicker consistency.
In summary, non-dairy cheeses can be easily made at home with ingredients like nutritional yeast and cashews, offering a versatile and tasty alternative to dairy cheese. With customisable recipes and a range of substitute ingredients, those adopting dairy-free diets can enjoy cheese-like flavours and textures while adhering to their dietary preferences and restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-dairy cheese can vary in taste, depending on the brand and ingredients used. Some non-dairy cheeses have a slightly plasticky flavour, while others taste like coconut. Some people also claim that non-dairy cheese tastes exactly like regular cheese.
Some non-dairy cheeses that are said to taste like cheddar are the Cheddar Style Slices from Vitalite Dairy Free, the Cheddar Style from Kraft NotCheese, and the Cheddar slices from Daiya.
A non-dairy feta alternative that tastes like its dairy counterpart is the vegan feta from Trader Joe's.
A non-dairy parmesan alternative that is said to taste like cow's milk parmesan is the Parmesan shreds from Trader Joe's.
A non-dairy cream cheese alternative that is said to be reminiscent of milk cream cheese is the vegan cream cheese from Trader Joe's.
