Kamil Perry
Dairy-free cheese is a cheese alternative that does not contain milk or other dairy products. It is a suitable option for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk proteins. Dairy-free cheese is often made with plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil, potato starch, cashew milk, and various other starches and gums to mimic the texture and taste of regular cheese. While some dairy-free cheeses are praised for their flavour and melting capabilities, others fall short of replicating the characteristics of traditional cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Cheese that is free from dairy products, often vegan |
| Variety | Available in many varieties, including Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, feta, cream cheese, and more |
| Texture | Can vary, some are smooth, creamy, spreadable, or dry |
| Taste | Taste can vary, some are tangy, nutty, spicy, or sour |
| Ingredients | Often made with coconut oil, potato starch, cashew milk, chickpea protein, yeast extract, citric acid, tapioca starch, and more |
| Brands | Popular brands include Violife, Miyoko's, Daiya, Follow Your Heart, Treeline Cheesemakers, Vitalite Dairy Free, and Tofutti |
| Availability | Available at various stores, including Trader Joe's, Kroger, Aldi, Meijer, and specialty shops |
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What You'll Learn
What is lactose intolerance?
Dairy-free cheese is often sought by those who are lactose intolerant and cannot digest the sugar (lactose) found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance is a condition where the small intestine does not produce enough of the enzyme (lactase) to digest milk sugar (lactose). Lactase is essential as it breaks down lactose into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining. When there is a lactase deficiency, lactose moves into the colon, where normal bacteria interact with it, causing symptoms of lactose intolerance.
The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose-containing foods or drinks. Common symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea. Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune system disorder. While lactose intolerance is not life-threatening, it can impact an individual's health by causing nutritional deficiencies, particularly of calcium and vitamin D, which are abundantly found in milk and milk products.
Lactose intolerance is most prevalent in specific racial and ethnic groups, including people of African, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian descent. This condition is rare in babies and young children, usually appearing in adulthood. It can be congenital, caused by a lack of lactase, but this is uncommon and occurs due to autosomal recessive inheritance, requiring both parents to pass on the same gene variant. Premature infants may also have lactose intolerance due to insufficient lactase levels, but this is often temporary.
The condition tends to run in families and can be triggered by factors such as increasing age, intestinal injuries, or infections. While there is no cure for lactose intolerance, symptoms can be managed through dietary changes or lactase supplements. Individuals with lactose intolerance can experiment with different dairy foods to determine which ones they can tolerate without experiencing severe symptoms. Dairy-free cheese alternatives, such as those made from coconut oil, potato starch, cashew milk, or soy, are also widely available and can help satisfy cheese cravings without triggering lactose intolerance symptoms.
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What are some cheeses with low lactose?
Dairy-free cheese, also known as vegan cheese, is made from plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil, potato starch, cashew milk, and chickpea protein. These cheeses are free of lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products that can cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body is unable to fully digest lactose due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. While it is incurable, some people with lactose intolerance may be able to improve their condition by gradually introducing small amounts of low-lactose dairy into their diet.
So, what are some cheeses with low lactose? Here are some options:
- Hard cheeses: Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are considered virtually lactose-free, with 0 grams of lactose per serving.
- Aged cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano and other aged cheeses have very low lactose levels due to the conversion of lactose to lactic acid over time.
- Havarti: This cheese has a low to non-detectable level of lactose, ranging from 0.1% to 2%.
- Feta: Feta cheese is also practically lactose-free, containing only between 0.5% and 1.5% lactose, and it's lower in fat than many other cheeses.
- Limburger: This soft, washed-rind cheese has a moderate amount of lactose, about 2%. It has a strong smell and flavor, but a smooth, creamy texture that pairs well with crackers and bread.
While not completely lactose-free, some people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of ricotta cheese, which typically contains between 1% and 5% lactose. It's important to note that everyone's tolerance levels vary, so it's always good to check with a doctor or dietitian for personalized advice.
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What are some popular dairy-free cheese brands?
Dairy-free cheese is often sought after by those who are lactose intolerant, have allergies, or want to decrease their dairy intake or carbon footprint. Alternative cheeses are usually expensive and hard to find, but some brands and stores offer a varied selection of vegan cheeses at affordable prices. Here are some popular dairy-free cheese brands:
Violife
Violife is a popular dairy-free cheese brand that offers a range of products, including Parmesan, cream cheese, feta, and mozzarella. Their products are known to have a long shelf life and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Violife's dairy-free Parmesan is highly regarded for its close resemblance to its dairy-based counterpart in terms of texture and appearance.
Follow Your Heart
Follow Your Heart offers a variety of dairy-free cheese options, including feta, slices, and parmesan. Their feta is said to taste like its dairy-based equivalent, and the slices are perfect for sandwiches and melting on mac and cheese. Their parmesan cheese, inspired by Camembert and infused with truffles, is a favourite for cheese boards and adding extra flavour to pasta.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is a reliable and affordable grocery store that offers a diverse selection of vegan cheeses, including Parmesan, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and spreads. Their almond-based mozzarella, however, has received mixed reviews due to its texture and incomplete dairy-free status.
Daiya
Daiya is a well-known dairy-free cheese brand that has been around since 2007. They offer a range of products, including mozzarella shreds made from an oat cream blend, Jalapeño Havarti Style Block Cheese, and American Cheddar. Their block cheese has a firm texture and delivers on flavour, making it a solid choice for those seeking a dairy-free option without an unwanted "funky" flavour.
Miyoko's Creamery
Miyoko's Creamery offers a variety of dairy-free cheese options, including a smoked English farmhouse cheese spread made from cashew milk and a pourable mozzarella. Their products are known for their longevity, but they are also noted to be on the pricier side.
Treeline
Treeline specialises in dairy-free goat-style cheese made from a base of cashews. They offer three delicious flavours: original, blueberry, and garlic and basil. The blueberry flavour was even voted the best vegan cheese by USA Today's Reader's Choice Awards, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sweet and tart cheese to pair with salads and greens.
Tofutti
Tofutti is a veteran in the dairy-free product space, having offered vegan alternatives since 1981. They are widely recognised for their cream cheese, which now comes in four flavours and a whipped version. Their American cheese slices are also a popular choice for those seeking a soy-based alternative, as they are made with certified sustainable palm oil.
These brands offer a diverse range of dairy-free cheese options, ensuring that those with dietary restrictions or ethical concerns can still enjoy their favourite cheesy treats.
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What are dairy-free cheeses made of?
Dairy-free cheese is a vegan alternative to regular cheese, which is made from milk. Dairy-free cheese is often made from plants, such as nuts, coconut oil, starches, and gums.
Some popular dairy-free cheeses include those made by Violife, Follow Your Heart, Miyoko's Creamery, Daiya, and Vitalite Dairy Free. Violife's dairy-free parmesan is said to closely resemble the original dairy product. Follow Your Heart's feta is also said to taste like its dairy counterpart. Miyoko's Creamery makes a smoked gouda that is said to taste "meaty", and a Roadhouse Cheddar Cheese Spread made from cashews, coconut oil, and vegan cultures. Daiya's cheddar-style shreds are made with tapioca starch, coconut oil, and chickpea protein. Vitalite Dairy Free's cheddar-style slices are made from water, coconut oil, starches, and gums.
Dairy-free cheeses are often made to mimic the taste, texture, and melting characteristics of real cheese. For example, Miyoko's Creamery uses cashews, coconut oil, and vegan cultures to obtain the texture of real cheese without dairy. Nuts for Cheese uses a proprietary culturing agent called Rejuvelac, made from sprouted, organic quinoa, to mimic the flavor and qualities of full-dairy cheese. Treeline Cheesemakers' goat-style cashew cheese is said to convincingly replicate the texture and aroma of fresh goat cheese.
Dairy-free cheeses can be made at home, often using ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast. However, it is difficult to replicate the compounds found in pre-packaged, vegan cheese brands without the necessary ingredients and food science knowledge.
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Where can I buy dairy-free cheese?
Dairy-free cheese is often made from plant-based ingredients such as cashews, coconut oil, potato starch, and nutritional yeast. These cheeses are suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions or lactose intolerance.
There are several options for purchasing dairy-free cheese, both online and in-store. Many large retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Kroger stock dairy-free cheese, with some offering their own branded products, such as Whole Foods. These stores often provide a range of options, including well-known brands like Violife, Daiya, and Follow Your Heart. These brands offer various styles, from slices to blocks and spreads, mimicking the dairy-based originals.
Specialist vegan shops and sections within grocery stores are also great places to find dairy-free cheese. Trader Joe's, for example, has a varied and affordable selection of vegan cheeses, including hard and soft cheeses, as well as spreads. Other specialty shops like Rebel Cheese and The Mansion's Pantry on Etsy offer gourmet vegan cheeses for those looking to treat themselves.
Online retailers like Darë Vegan Cheese, Treeline Cheese, and Vegan Essentials also provide a wide range of dairy-free cheese alternatives. These websites often cater to specific dietary needs, offering lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.
When shopping for dairy-free cheese, it's always a good idea to ask a store attendant for guidance, as these products can sometimes be placed in unexpected locations within stores.
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Frequently asked questions
Dairy-free cheese is a cheese alternative made without milk or other dairy products. It is also known as vegan cheese.
Some people choose to eat dairy-free cheese because they are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. Others may choose to avoid animal products for ethical reasons, or to reduce their carbon footprint.
Dairy-free cheese is often made from plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil, potato starch, cashew milk, and various other nuts.
