Andy Montoya
Violife is a Greek company that has been producing vegan products for over 30 years. Their range includes cheese slices, blocks, packs of grated cheese, and cream cheese, and flavours include cheddar, mozzarella, camembert, gouda, and more. But what does it taste like? Well, reviews are mixed. Some people think that Violife cheese tastes just like regular cheese, while others find that it has a slightly artificial taste. Some of the products, like the smoked cheese slices, have a strong flavour that might not be to everyone's taste. However, overall, people seem to be pleasantly surprised by the taste of Violife cheese, with some reviewers saying that they would be happy to serve it to vegan friends and family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Mild, cheesy, pleasant, strong smoky flavour, salty, creamy, tangy, nutty, artificial |
| Texture | Crispy, bubbly, soft, semi-hard, brittle, thick |
| Smell | Subtle, pleasant, strong |
| Visual | Looks like regular cheese |
| Versatility | Can be baked, grilled, toasted, fried, popped into the microwave, added to salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
The taste and texture of Violife cheese
Violife's Extra Mature vegan cheese, for example, is designed to resemble a block of mature dairy cheddar in terms of both appearance and aroma. Reviewers agree that it tastes fantastic, with a very subtle aroma, and works well on a cheeseboard. The texture is said to be semi-hard and slightly softer than mature cheddar, cutting more like Edam. It shreds like Edam, too, and can be melted and spread like dairy cheese, although it doesn't spread as it melts.
Violife's smoked cheese slices are thicker than standard slices and have a strong smoky flavour that might not be to everyone's taste. However, they are described as tasty and indulgent, with a pleasant texture, and are said to work well on a cheeseboard or in a sandwich.
The brand's original flavour grated cheese has a mild taste and bubbles and browns like standard dairy cheese when melted. It is a good option for those following a plant-based or lactose-free diet, as it can be easily integrated without noticing a significant change in taste. The grated cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizzas, salads, and pasta bakes.
Violife's camembert alternative, Le Rond, is another popular product. It can be baked, fried, microwaved, or cooked into a pastry, and is said to taste almost exactly like real camembert.
Overall, reviewers are impressed by Violife's cheese alternatives, finding them versatile and flavourful, with a texture and taste similar to that of regular cheese.
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How does it compare to other vegan cheeses?
Violife's vegan cheese stands out among other vegan cheeses for its versatility and ability to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of dairy cheese. Its range includes slices, blocks, grated cheese, and cream cheese, catering to various preferences and culinary applications. The brand also offers a wide variety of flavours, such as mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, and camembert, providing vegan alternatives to popular cheese types.
Violife's cheese has received acclaim for its similarity to dairy cheese in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. The blocks of cheddar, for instance, resemble, smell like, and taste like their dairy counterparts, making them a seamless substitute in sandwiches, grilled dishes, or pasta. The grated cheese variety has also been praised for its ability to melt and brown like standard dairy cheese, although some reviews mention difficulty in melting it. The smoked cheese slices, while thicker than traditional slices, have been described as indulgent and tasty, with a strong smoky flavour.
Violife's vegan cheese has also been recognised for its mild taste, making it appealing to those who prefer a less pungent cheese experience. The original flavour grated cheese, for example, has a subtle flavour that can be easily incorporated into various dishes without overwhelming other ingredients. This versatility in taste and application is a notable advantage of Violife's products, allowing them to cater to a wide range of consumer preferences.
When compared to other vegan cheese brands, Violife's products have been well-received for their ability to replicate the sensory experience of dairy cheese. The cream cheese, for instance, has been described as a delicious and versatile sandwich filler, while the camembert has been noted for its similarity in taste and cooking applications to its dairy counterpart. The brand's parmesan has also been singled out as the best plant-based option due to its meltability, mild saltiness, and overall taste.
Overall, Violife's vegan cheese stands out in the market for its impressive mimicry of dairy cheese in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. Its versatility, wide range of flavours, and mild taste profile make it a popular choice for those seeking vegan or lactose-free alternatives without compromising on flavour or culinary applications. While some reviews mention minor discrepancies in melting abilities or slight artificial notes in certain varieties, Violife's cheese generally receives positive feedback and is considered a leading option in the vegan cheese space.
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How does it compare to dairy cheese?
Violife cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It is made from coconut oil, water, starch, salt, and flavourings, among other ingredients. The cheese comes in blocks, slices, and grated form, and has a range of flavours, including cheddar, mozzarella, camembert, gouda, and smoked cheese.
In terms of taste, Violife cheese has been described as having a very mild flavour, similar to cheese triangles or a mild cheddar. Some people have found that it tastes just like regular dairy cheese, while others have detected a slight artificial taste. The smoked variety, in particular, has a strong flavour that may not be to everyone's taste.
The texture of Violife cheese is also similar to dairy cheese, although some have described it as being more brittle and easier to snap or cut. The grated variety has been known to become a little hard and not melt as well as dairy cheese, but this can be remedied with a quick pass of a knife. The camembert variety, in particular, has been praised for its creamy texture and ability to melt and can be baked, fried, or microwaved just like its dairy counterpart.
Overall, Violife cheese has been well-received as an alternative to dairy cheese, with some people commenting that they would be happy to serve it to vegan friends and family and even use it in addition to dairy cheese in their own diets. It is praised for its versatility and ability to be used in a wide range of recipes, from sandwiches to pizzas and salads.
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How does it cook?
Violife cheese is a vegan alternative to cheese that is free from dairy, preservatives, casein, lactose, gluten, nuts, and soy. It is made with coconut oil as its base, which makes it suitable for those with allergies. The cheese is also fortified with Vitamin B12, an essential vitamin often lacking in vegan diets.
Violife cheese is designed to melt and stretch, providing a similar experience to traditional cheese. When cooking with Violife cheese, it is important to note that it may require a different approach than dairy cheese. Here are some tips and suggestions for cooking with Violife cheese:
Grating or Shredding:
Once the Violife cheese has set, you can grate or shred it to use in various recipes. The grated cheese can be sprinkled on pizzas, pasta dishes, or any other meals where you would typically use dairy cheese.
Melting:
Violife cheese is known for its melting capabilities, but it may require a little more time and attention than dairy cheese. It tends to melt better when used in smaller amounts and can benefit from a low and slow cooking method. If you are cooking something like a vegan shepherd's pie, it may be helpful to layer the cheese within the dish to ensure even melting.
Stretching:
In addition to melting, Violife cheese is designed to stretch and provide a gooey, cheesy texture. This makes it a great option for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, toasties, or quesadillas, where you want the cheese to be stretchy and melted.
Baking:
Violife cheese can also be baked, such as in a dish like a camembert bake. The Epic Mature Cheddar Flavour Block and the Le Rond Camembert Flavour from Violife provide a crumbly texture similar to non-vegan cheese, making them excellent options for baking and enjoying with a crunchy baguette for dipping.
Storage:
It is important to store Violife cheese properly to maintain its freshness. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it should stay fresh for up to a week.
Experimentation:
Creating vegan cheese that perfectly replicates the taste and texture of traditional cheese can be challenging. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, ratios, and cooking techniques to find the right balance for your palate. You can also try adding other ingredients, such as tofu or potato-based alternatives, to enhance the flavour and texture of your dishes.
Overall, Violife cheese is a versatile cooking ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. By following the tips above and experimenting with different techniques, you can create delicious, cheesy vegan meals.
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What are Violife cheese products made of?
Violife cheese products are made from a variety of plant-based, vegan ingredients. The main ingredient in Violife cheese is coconut oil, which is known for its health benefits, such as killing harmful bacteria and fungi. The cheese also contains vitamin B12, which is essential for the body's metabolism and overall health. In addition to these, Violife cheese products contain water, starch, salt, and various flavourings and spices.
Violife cheese products are designed to be free from common allergens and suitable for various dietary needs and preferences. They are dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, and preservative-free. The absence of dairy and nuts makes Violife cheese a good option for those with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients. The cheese is also non-GMO, kosher, and certified by the Vegan Society.
The specific ingredients in Violife cheese products can vary slightly depending on the variety. For example, the American cheese slices contain filtered water, coconut oil, modified food starch (potato and corn), potato starch, sea salt, dextrose, olive extract, paprika extract, beta carotene (for colour), and vitamin B12. The combination of these ingredients gives Violife cheese its distinct taste and texture, resembling that of traditional dairy-based cheese.
While Violife cheese is a convenient and tasty option for those following a vegan or plant-based diet, it is considered a highly processed food. It contains modified starches, dextrose, flavourings, and plant extracts. These additives are not considered harmful, and Violife cheese has a low total carbohydrate content and no added sugars. However, it is important to note that Violife cheese has a relatively high saturated fat content, with one slice providing 20% of the daily value for saturated fat.
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Frequently asked questions
Violife cheese has a very mild taste, similar to cheese triangles or a mild cheddar. The smoked cheese variety has a strong smoky flavour that might not be to everyone's taste. The camembert variety is said to taste just like regular camembert.
Violife cheese can be used in a variety of ways, including grilled, melted, grated, toasted, and baked. It can be used in sandwiches, pizzas, salads, pasta bakes, and more.
Violife cheese has a similar taste, texture, and appearance to regular cheese. It can be used as a direct replacement for dairy cheese in most recipes. However, some people find that it does not melt in the same way as dairy cheese.
