Randy Chandler
Non-dairy cheddar cheese is a vegan alternative to traditional dairy-based cheddar cheese. It is made from plant-based ingredients such as cashews, coconut oil, quinoa, and nutritional yeast, and designed to mimic the taste, texture, and melting properties of dairy cheddar. Non-dairy cheddar cheese is a popular option for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a dairy-free alternative. While some varieties are better suited for melting, others are preferred for snacking or grilling, offering a range of options for consumers.
Characteristics and Values of Non-Dairy Cheddar Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Starch, coconut oil, cashews, gluten-free oat flour, pea protein, tapioca starch, corn starch, safflower oil, calcium phosphate, konjac flour, nutritional yeast, chickpea miso, sea salt, turmeric, paprika, etc. |
| Texture | Creamy, crumbly, spreadable, rubbery, sticky, moist, springy, smooth, stretchy, gooey, firm, etc. |
| Taste | Rich, flavorful, umami, salty, tangy, sharp, mild, smoky, etc. |
| Use Cases | Grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, sandwiches, snacks, salads, pizzas, casseroles, sauces, nachos, etc. |
| Brands | Violife, Miyoko's, Treeline, Chao, Daiya, Vevan, Follow Your Heart, Kraft, Simply Truth, Nuts for Cheese, Boursin, Oatly, Nafsika's Garden, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy-free cheddar alternatives
There are several options available for those seeking dairy-free cheddar alternatives. Firstly, there are the popular options from Violife, including their "Just Like Mature Cheddar" slices, which are good for grilled cheese, and their "Just Like" Parmesan, which one source describes as "nasty". Chao is another popular option, with slices that are said to be "really cheese-like" and are often used in place of cheddar for grilled cheese and cheeseburgers. 365 and Chao were tied for first place in a dairy-free grilled cheese taste test. Daiya is also a well-known brand, offering dairy-free cheddar shreds that are designed for melting and are great for pizza, casseroles and sauces. However, some sources describe Daiya as "awful" and "slime", while others claim that their new oat milk formula is much better, melting well and getting stretchy without becoming gummy. Miyokos is another brand that is often mentioned, although their farmhouse cheddar has sadly been discontinued.
There are also recipes for making your own vegan sharp cheddar cheese at home. One recipe includes just nine ingredients and takes 15 minutes to make. The ingredients include cashews, which can be substituted for blanched almonds, macadamia nuts, or sunflower seeds if you are allergic to cashews or want a "no nut" recipe. The cheese is described as creamy, tangy, and crumbly yet spreadable, with a texture that is not as rubbery as traditional cheese.
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Vegan cheddar cheese recipes
Non-dairy cheddar cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy cheddar, typically made without any animal products, including milk, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies or intolerances. It aims to replicate the taste, texture, and melting properties of its dairy counterpart, offering a similar culinary experience for those who choose or need to avoid dairy. This vegan alternative has become increasingly popular, with various commercial options available and numerous recipes for those who prefer to make their own at home.
Classic Vegan Cheddar
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight and drained
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- small pinch of turmeric (for colour, optional)
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to firm up and allow flavours to meld.
- This classic vegan cheddar is now ready to be enjoyed as a spread or used in recipes calling for shredded or melted cheddar cheese.
Sharp Vegan Cheddar with a Kick
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight and drained
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (for depth of flavour)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- small pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning and spiciness to your preference.
- Transfer the mixture to a cheesecloth-lined container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or until firm.
- This sharp and spicy vegan cheddar can be sliced, shredded, or melted and is perfect for adding a kick to sandwiches, burgers, or Mexican dishes.
Creamy Vegan Cheddar Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours and drained
- 3/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch (or arrowroot starch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- small pinch of turmeric (for colour)
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Use this creamy vegan cheddar sauce as a pour-over sauce for veggies, a dip for chips, or a topping for baked potatoes.
Smoked Vegan Cheddar
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight and drained
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning and smokiness to your preference.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- This smoked vegan cheddar is excellent for adding a BBQ-style flavour to sandwiches, pizzas, or vegan charcuterie boards.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own unique vegan cheddar variations! These recipes offer a delicious and dairy-free way to enjoy the classic taste of cheddar cheese.
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Vegan cheddar cheese brands
Non-dairy cheddar cheese is typically made from emulsions of starch and coconut oil, with slight formula variations. They are not considered health foods but are intended to add rich, savoury flavour to dairy-free meals.
Violife
Violife is one of the most popular vegan cheese brands. They offer a wide range of products, including their "Just Like Mature Cheddar" slices, which are great for grilled cheese and burgers. The brand is also known for its parmesan and feta cheese alternatives.
Daiya
Daiya is a major player in the dairy-free cheese market, offering shreds, slices, sticks, and cream cheese-style products. Their cheddar-style shreds are made with tapioca starch, coconut oil, and chickpea protein, and are designed for melting on pizzas, casseroles, and sauces. Daiya also offers frozen food options, such as cheezecake and vegetable crust pizza.
Miyokos
Miyokos is a well-loved brand, even among non-vegans. They offer a variety of products, including their Farmhouse Cheddar and Smokehouse Cheddar spread. Miyokos can be purchased online and at select retailers like Sprouts and Whole Foods.
Chao
Chao is a popular choice for grilled cheese and cheeseburgers. Their slices are said to have a more provolone-like flavour with a pleasant saltiness. While they don't specifically offer a cheddar variety, their "Creamy Original" slices are a great alternative and are widely available at stores like Target.
Vevan
Vevan is a highly regarded vegan cheese brand, offering a range of products that can be used in various dishes, from charcuterie boards to pastas and burritos.
Other honourable mentions include Follow Your Heart, which offers a variety of cheese alternatives, including feta, and Nafsika's Garden, known for their Provolone slices that melt beautifully for grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Taste comparison to dairy cheese
Non-dairy cheddar cheese is often made from emulsions of starch and coconut oil, with slight variations in formula. While these alternatives are not classified as health foods, they are designed to add rich, flavorful umami to dairy-free meals.
Non-dairy cheddar cheese alternatives have a reputation for tasting bad, but some products come remarkably close to replicating the taste and texture of dairy cheese. For instance, the "Creamy Original" by Chao, which is not technically a cheddar, has a salty, provolone-like flavour that tasters enjoyed. When melted, the flavour is described as more cohesive. Another product that comes close to dairy cheese in taste is the "Vegan Sharp Cheddar Cheese" by It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken, which has a sharp, tangy, and creamy flavour. Tasters describe it as "seriously addictive" and "spot on for a sharp cheddar".
Violife's "Just Like Mature Cheddar" slices are also said to be good, though not as good as their parmesan alternative. Miyoko's farmhouse cheddar, which has been discontinued, is also described as tasting good, especially when consumed cold.
Some non-dairy cheeses are said to be too rubbery, like the slices by Daiya, which are only recommended when cheese is not the star of the dish. However, Daiya's new oat milk formula is said to melt well and get stretchy without being gummy and gross-tasting.
Overall, while non-dairy cheddar cheese alternatives may not taste exactly like their dairy-based counterparts, some come remarkably close, and many are versatile enough to be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, on pizzas, in casseroles, and in sauces.
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Nutritional information
Non-dairy cheddar cheese is a vegan alternative to traditional cheddar cheese. It is made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts, soy, and coconut, and does not contain any animal products, making it suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
The nutritional content of non-dairy cheddar cheese can vary depending on the brand and the specific ingredients used. However, as a general rule, non-dairy cheddar cheese tends to be lower in calories, fat, and protein compared to its dairy-based counterpart. For example, a 2021 Spanish study recommended cashew-based and tofu-based non-dairy cheeses as they are more nutritious than the popular coconut-based cheeses, which are highly processed.
Non-dairy cheddar cheese typically contains no cholesterol and less saturated fat than dairy cheese. It is also a good option for those who are lactose intolerant, as it does not contain lactose, a sugar that can cause digestive issues in some people. However, it is worth noting that non-dairy cheddar cheese is generally low in calcium and protein compared to dairy cheese. While some brands of non-dairy cheese have similar calcium content to dairy cheese, the protein content is usually lower, which can affect the texture and meltability of the cheese.
The ingredients used in non-dairy cheddar cheese can include a blend of gums, proteins, solids, and fats to create a similar mouthfeel and melt to dairy cheese. Common ingredients in non-dairy cheddar cheese include soy products (tofu, soy flour, tempeh), rice flour, potato starch, almonds, and coconut oil. Some brands also add vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, to enhance the nutritional profile of the product.
Non-dairy cheddar cheese can be used in the same way as dairy cheese, whether eaten cold or melted. It is a versatile ingredient that can be added to sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, or any other dish that calls for a cheesy, creamy texture and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-dairy cheddar cheese is made from a variety of ingredients, depending on the brand. Some common ingredients include starch, coconut oil, cashews, gluten-free oat flour, pea protein, tapioca starch, and nutritional yeast.
Non-dairy cheddar cheese can vary in taste depending on the brand and ingredients used. Some people find that it tastes similar to regular cheddar cheese, while others find that it has a milder flavour or a slightly different texture.
Non-dairy cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, just like regular cheddar cheese. It can be melted on pizzas, casseroles, and grilled cheese sandwiches, or shredded and added to salads or snacks.
Non-dairy cheddar cheese is available at various retailers, depending on the brand. Some common stores include Walmart, Costco, and Kroger. Additionally, online retailers like Amazon may offer a wider selection of brands.
