Randy Chandler
Vegan shredded cheese has come a long way in recent years, with many brands now offering dairy-free alternatives that taste, melt, and look just like their dairy counterparts. From mozzarella to cheddar, parmesan to gouda, there are a variety of vegan shredded cheeses available that can satisfy the cheese cravings of vegans and non-vegans alike. But do they really taste like cheese? Let's find out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Like real cheese, mild cheddar, movie theatre nacho cheese, sweet, tangy, creamy, zesty, salty |
| Texture | Soft, coarse, crumbly, silky, sticky, rubbery, gooey |
| Smell | Sweet, cheesy |
| Melting | Melts well, doesn't melt well |
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What You'll Learn
Vegan shredded cheese can taste like real cheese
Vegan cheese is typically made from plant-based ingredients such as soy, rice, almonds, or cashews. Each of these bases can be used to create a variety of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to creamy mozzarella, simply by adding different cultures and flavor profiles. The versatility of these bases allows for a wide range of flavors and textures, catering to diverse preferences.
To mimic the taste of real cheese, vegan cheese producers focus on capturing the essential flavors and characteristics associated with dairy cheese. This involves a careful selection of ingredients to replicate the savory, creamy, and tangy notes that cheese lovers crave. By using a combination of plant-based fats, proteins, and cultures, vegan cheese can achieve a similar mouthfeel and depth of flavor as its dairy-based relatives.
One of the critical aspects of achieving a cheese-like flavor is the fermentation process. Vegan cheese producers use specific cultures and fermentation techniques to develop complex flavors and create a more authentic cheese experience. This process not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the texture and meltability of the final product.
Additionally, vegan cheese manufacturers often incorporate natural flavorings and spices to enhance the overall sensory experience. Ingredients like nutritional yeast, paprika, or annatto extract can add depth and complexity, replicating the unique characteristics of different cheese varieties. A careful blend of spices can elevate the taste and make it more akin to what one would expect from a block of cheddar or a slice of Swiss cheese.
In conclusion, vegan shredded cheese has the potential to taste remarkably similar to real cheese. With advancements in ingredients, production techniques, and a deeper understanding of flavor profiles, vegan cheese has come a long way. While personal preferences may vary, the versatility and attention to flavor detail in vegan shredded cheese options continue to impress and satisfy those seeking plant-based alternatives.
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Some vegan cheeses melt better than others
There is a wide variety of vegan shredded cheeses available on the market, and their taste and meltability vary greatly. While some vegan cheeses have been described as tasting like plastic, others have been said to taste just like real cheese.
Some people believe that the taste and texture of vegan cheese that they dislike may come from the substances sprayed on the shreds to keep them from sticking together. It has been suggested that buying blocks of vegan cheese and shredding them yourself can improve the taste and texture.
Vegan cheeses that do not have oils and starches as the main ingredients may also taste better. Instead, look for vegan cheeses that have 'cultures' as an ingredient, as dairy cheese is made with milk and cultures.
Violife, a Greek brand that has been in the vegan food industry since the '90s, offers shredded vegan cheese that melts, tastes, and looks like its cow-derived counterpart. Their products include Colby Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Mexican Style shreds.
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Vegan cheese can be made from coconut oil
Vegan cheese is made from a variety of nuts, seeds, soy, tapioca, oils, and other ingredients. Coconut oil is a common ingredient in vegan cheese, often used as a preservative due to its long shelf life. It is also a cheaper option than nut-based cheeses, making it a popular choice for supermarkets. However, coconut oil cheese has zero protein and is high in saturated fat, which has been a point of criticism for some consumers.
Coconut oil is a key ingredient in many vegan cheese recipes, providing richness and helping the cheese to firm up when chilled. It is often combined with raw cashews, which form the base of the cheese and give it a smooth and creamy texture. To make this type of vegan cheese, softened cashews are blended with coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, and salt. The addition of olive brine gives the cheese a tangy, aged flavour, while garlic and salt enhance the overall flavour. This type of vegan cheese can be enjoyed as a snack with crackers or bread, or used in cooking, such as dolloped onto pasta or crumbled over roasted vegetables.
There are also recipes for vegan cheese made primarily from coconut milk, which can be substituted for plant-based milk in some recipes. This type of vegan cheese often includes ingredients such as agar agar, nutritional yeast, salt, lemon juice, and garlic powder. The coconut milk is heated and whisked with these ingredients until it forms a smooth, thick cheese sauce.
While coconut oil and coconut milk are common ingredients in vegan cheese, it's important to note that the taste and texture of these cheeses can vary significantly. Some people find that coconut oil-based cheeses have a less pleasant flavour and a higher melting point, which can affect their performance in recipes. However, coconut milk-based cheeses have been known to separate, forming blocks of solidified coconut oil.
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Some vegan cheeses are better than others
A taste test of various vegan shredded cheeses revealed that while some had a pleasant taste, others did not melt well and had an unpleasant smell when heated. For example, Good Planet's vegan shredded cheese had long shreds but did not melt much, even with extra time in the oven. Similarly, Whole Foods 365 blend, which also had long shreds, did not melt as well as expected, despite the package claiming that it melts and stretches.
On the other hand, some vegan shredded cheeses performed exceptionally well in taste tests. Violife, a Greek brand that has been in the vegan food industry since the '90s, offers shredded cheese in various flavors, including Colby Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Mexican Style. Their products have been described as tasting, looking, melting, and cooking just like traditional cow's milk cheese. The Violife Shreds have a creamy texture with a touch of zesty flavor, making them perfect for tacos, nachos, and enchiladas.
Another highly-rated vegan shredded cheese is the Daiya Cutting Board Blend, which is used by popular commercial restaurants like Mod Pizza and Blaze Pizza. This blend mimics mozzarella cheese, melts well, and tastes great. Daiya, a Canadian brand, offers one of the widest ranges of vegan shredded cheese products, including Parmesan, Italian, Mexican, and Spicy Monterey Jack.
Other notable mentions include Vevan, which claims to have "artisan cheesemakers" creating their products, and Follow Your Heart, a popular vegan brand acquired by the French food giant Danone in 2021. Vevan's shredded cheese has a creamy texture and is excellent for melting, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Follow Your Heart offers a range of shredded cheese options, including a highly-rated Parmesan flavor.
While some vegan shredded cheeses are better than others, it's worth noting that individual preferences may vary. What one person may consider the best vegan cheese may differ for another, depending on their taste buds and expectations.
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Vegan cheese is better for the planet and animals
The vegan cheese market has seen significant innovation in recent years, with products that not only taste, look, and melt like their dairy counterparts but are also better for the planet, animals, and people's health. This shift towards plant-based alternatives has been driven by growing consumer demand and the availability of better-quality products.
Vegan cheese is better for the planet because it does not rely on dairy farming, which contributes to environmental issues such as water usage, land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Animal agriculture is a major driver of climate change, and dairy production is particularly resource-intensive. By choosing vegan cheese, individuals can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to mitigating climate change.
Additionally, vegan cheese is cruelty-free and better for animals. Dairy farming often involves inhumane practices, such as separating calves from their mothers and intensive confinement of cows, which can lead to physical and psychological harm. By opting for vegan cheese, consumers can support animal welfare and avoid contributing to these harmful practices.
Vegan cheese also offers health benefits for humans. It tends to have lower saturated fat content than dairy cheese, which is beneficial for heart health and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Vegan cheese made from plant-based sources can also be a good option for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, allowing them to enjoy cheese-like flavors and textures without adverse health effects.
While some people may be hesitant about trying vegan cheese due to concerns about taste and texture, the quality and variety of vegan cheese options have improved significantly. There are now numerous brands offering vegan shredded cheese that melts, tastes, and cooks like traditional cow's milk cheese. From mozzarella to cheddar to Mexican blends, there are vegan alternatives that can satisfy cheese cravings while being more environmentally sustainable and ethical.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the brand and type of vegan cheese. Some people claim that vegan cheese does not taste like cheese at all, while others claim that certain brands taste just like the real thing.
Some popular brands of vegan shredded cheese include Violife, Daiya, Trader Joe's, Good Planet, So Delicious, Vevan, Follow Your Heart, and Whole Foods 365.
There are many different types of vegan shredded cheese available, including mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, gouda, and more.
You can typically find vegan shredded cheese at most grocery stores. Specific stores that carry vegan shredded cheese include Target, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's.
