Kamil Perry
There are many alternatives to soya cheese, which was once the most popular option for dairy-free cheese. Now, there are a variety of vegan cheese options made from ingredients such as nuts, yeast flakes, and tofu. Some popular brands that offer dairy-free cheese alternatives include Daiya, Go Veggie, and Sheese. There are also recipes available for making dairy-free cheese at home, using ingredients like cashews, tofu, and coconut oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best alternative to soya cheese | Daiya |
| Best vegan cheddar | Cathedral City Plant Based Cheese |
| Best vegan mozzarella | MozzaRisella’s Classic cheese |
| Best vegan camembert | Full of Plants |
| Best vegan mozzarella shreds | Vegan Gourmet |
| Best vegan cheese ingredient | Coconut milk |
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What You'll Learn
Coconut milk-based cheese
One recipe for coconut milk-based cheese is a dairy-free cream cheese. This recipe uses the solid part of chilled coconut milk, which is separated from the coconut water. The solid milk is combined with probiotic powder or lemon juice and salt, and then placed in a cool, dark place for 24-36 hours to become cultured. The result is a tangy, well-cultured spread that can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Another recipe for coconut milk-based cheese involves making a basic vegan cheese that is free of dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts. This recipe uses coconut milk as the base and adds in other ingredients such as chilis or cranberry sauce to create different flavours. The milk mixture is combined with agar and mixed until it thickens. The mixture is then transferred to ramekins or small bowls and placed in the fridge to harden.
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Nutritional yeast-based cheese
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast similar to the kind used in baking. It is a vegan condiment or seasoning with a distinct cheesy flavour. Nutritional yeast is also an important ingredient for achieving the right texture in cheese alternatives.
Nutritional yeast can be used to make vegan cheese sauces and spreads, such as a vegan parmesan topping. Nutritional yeast-based cheese sauces can be used as a nacho cheese alternative, drizzled over steamed vegetables, or in recipes like mac and cheese. Nutritional yeast can also be added to sauces to thicken them and add an umami, cheesy flavour.
To make a nutritional yeast cheese sauce, melt vegan butter in a pan over low heat, then add flour, salt, and spices. Whisk until combined, then add water and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Finally, add nutritional yeast and whisk until combined. This sauce can be made gluten-free by using chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour, and soy-free by using soy-free vegan butter.
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Cashew nut-based cheese
While soy-based cheeses were once the most popular option for dairy-free cheese, there are now a variety of alternatives made from ingredients like nuts and yeast flakes. One such alternative is cashew nut-based cheese, which can be made at home or purchased from companies like Nuts For Cheese™.
To make cashew nut-based cheese at home, you'll need raw cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, lemon juice, and water. The soaking process is essential to achieving the right texture, so be sure to soak your cashews in filtered water for 6-8 hours or overnight. If you're short on time, you can also add the cashews to a saucepan of water, bring it to a boil, and then let them soak for 15-20 minutes. Once your cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them before adding them to a high-speed blender with the rest of your ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy, and then store your cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy cashew nut-based cheese, Nuts For Cheese™ offers a variety of certified organic, dairy-free, and vegan cheeses and dips that are handcrafted and fermented to perfection. Their products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients and are free from starches, gums, and fillers. With options like creamy cashew dips and buffalo ranch dip, you can easily add a cheesy indulgence to your favourite dishes.
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Supermarket-bought vegan cheese
One option is to use vegan spreads such as hummus and baba ganoush, which don't taste like cheese but share its sharpness and tanginess. These are widely available in stores and delis and can also be made at home.
Some supermarket-bought vegan cheeses are made with fermented nuts or soya beans, while others use ultra-processed ingredients such as emulsifiers, stabilisers, and additives. For example, Vegan Gourmet Mozzarella Shreds include filtered water, organic palm fruit oil, modified food starch, and natural flavours (plant sources).
A soft, organic cashew nut- and miso-based cheese has been described as very sharp, almost lemony at first, then giving way to a pungent miso flavour. It has a spreadable texture, making it ideal for sandwiches or melting into pasta.
Another option is to buy tofu-based cheese alternatives, such as those offered by the UK company Happy Mouse. These soft rounds can be spread on crackers and come in a range of flavours, including Original, Blue, and Smoked.
When it comes to pizza, there are several dairy-free, soy-free cheese alternatives available. One taster described Vegan Gourmet Mozzarella Shreds as creamy rather than pungent and stretchy, better suited for potatoes or pasta.
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Homemade vegan cheese
There are many alternatives to soya cheese, including vegan cheese made from nuts, yeast flakes, and tapioca. Some popular store-bought brands include Daiya, which performs well when cooked, and Full of Plants, which makes a vegan Camembert.
If you're interested in making your own vegan cheese at home, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. Here is a basic recipe for a creamy, spreadable vegan cheese that can be made in just 15 minutes, plus chilling time:
Ingredients:
- Cashews
- Coconut oil
- Salt
- Garlic
- Olive brine
- Optional: freshly chopped herbs, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, coarsely ground black pepper, or any other fun add-ins you can think of
Instructions:
- Soften the cashews by adding them to a medium pot, covering them with water, and boiling for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Alternatively, soak the cashews in water for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.
- Blend the softened cashews with the remaining ingredients until smooth.
- Chill the mixture until it firms up.
- Serve as desired! This vegan cheese is great as a dip, on pasta, or drizzled over nachos.
For a more complex flavor, you can try adding nutritional yeast, sweet potatoes, and apple cider vinegar to your recipe. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own vegan provolone or Camembert at home!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several alternatives to soya cheese, including nut-based cheeses, such as cashew, macadamia, or almond cheese, and coconut oil-based cheeses. Some popular brands are Daiya, Go Veggie!, and Sheese.
Other alternatives to soya cheese include hummus and baba ganoush, which have a similar sharpness, tanginess, and complexity of flavor as cheese.
Yes, there are some soy-based cheeses that are made from tofu or soy milk rather than soya. For example, the brand Soyana makes dairy-free cheese products from tofu and soy milk.
Yes, there are many recipes available online for making vegan cheese from ingredients such as nuts, soy, and yeast flakes. For example, one recipe for a wedge-style cheese uses extra-firm tofu, coconut oil, miso, sea salt, and citrus or vinegar.
Alternatives to soya cheese are becoming increasingly available in supermarkets and specialty shops around the world. They can also be purchased online.
