Bushra Griffith
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way in recent years, and it can be hard to choose the best option for your pizza. Whether you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a healthier option, there are now several great-tasting alternatives to traditional mozzarella. Miyoko's Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella, for example, has been hailed as a scientific step forward for its ability to melt without the use of anti-caking agents. Other popular options include Violife, which is free from dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, nuts, and preservatives, and Follow Your Heart, which has been praised for its melt and flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own cashew mozzarella at home!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Violife |
| Runner-up | Follow Your Heart |
| Best Liquid Mozzarella | Miokos Pourable Mozzarella |
| Best for Gourmet Pizza | Miyoko's Cashew Milk Mozzarella |
| Best for Sourdough Pizza | Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds |
| Best for Detroit-style Pizza | Moocho Dairy-Free Mozzarella Style Shreds |
| Best for Nut Allergies | Violife, Follow Your Heart |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Miyoko's Creamery Vegan Pizza Mozzarella
Miyokos Creamery offers a vegan alternative to traditional pizza mozzarella. Their product, Pourable Cashew Milk Mozzarella, is a liquid cheese that comes in a bottle and is made from cashew sauce. Miyokos Creamery's product is unique in that it is cashew-based, whereas other dairy-free cheeses are often oil and starch-based.
The cheese is crafted from organic cultured cashew milk without the melt-inhibiting ingredients typically found in shreds. This results in a cheesy layer that bubbles and browns, giving a delicious taste. The cheese is also packaged or cold-smoked over hickory chips for a pleasant, smoky flavor. The artisan process results in a soft, silky cheese with a creamy texture and springy bounce.
Miyokos Creamery's Pourable Cashew Milk Mozzarella has received positive reviews from those who have tried it. One reviewer noted that the cheese "really did cook up well" and was "smooth" and "creamy", with no waxy cheese shreds left. Another reviewer commented that the cheese "kind of 'floats' on the sauce" and that "a little goes a long way". While the cheese does not have the same "stretch" as dairy mozzarella, it adds a "cheesy" flavor and the visual/texture of browned cheese.
Miyokos Creamery's Pourable Cashew Milk Mozzarella is a popular choice among those who are vegan or dairy-free, and it is also enjoyed by pizza professionals and enthusiasts. The product is loved for its melt and ability to brown, as well as its convenient pourable packaging.
Pizza Hut's Cheese Change: What's Different and Why?
You may want to see also
Violife Dairy-Free Mozzarella
Violife's Dairy-Free Mozzarella is a popular choice for those seeking a vegan alternative to traditional mozzarella cheese. It is crafted from plant-based ingredients, offering an option that is free from dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, nuts, and artificial preservatives. The product is also Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, and enriched with Vitamin B12.
Violife's Dairy-Free Mozzarella is designed to mimic the taste, texture, and meltability of conventional mozzarella cheese. It is described as having a mild, creamy, and salty flavour, making it a versatile option for pizzas, pastas, and other dishes. The cheese melts easily, providing a rich and creamy texture that is comparable to its dairy-based counterpart.
One of the standout features of Violife's Dairy-Free Mozzarella is its meltability, which is often a challenge with dairy-free cheese alternatives. The product melts smoothly and evenly, ensuring a consistent and satisfying cheese-pull experience. This makes it ideal for pizzas, as it allows for a gooey and stretchy texture that is reminiscent of traditional pizza cheese.
While Violife's Dairy-Free Mozzarella has received positive reviews for its melt and flavour, there are some mixed opinions regarding its texture. Some consumers have described the cheese as ""wet" and prone to clumping, especially when grated. Others have noted that it has a lighter mouthfeel compared to dairy cheese, which may be a positive or negative attribute depending on personal preference.
Overall, Violife's Dairy-Free Mozzarella is a highly-regarded option for those seeking a vegan or dairy-free alternative. It offers a classic mozzarella flavour and excellent meltability, making it a versatile choice for a variety of dishes. While there may be some variations in texture preferences, Violife's product provides an enjoyable and satisfying cheese experience for those with dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices.
The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza: Cheese and Toppings Galore!
You may want to see also
Trader Joe's Almond-Based Mozzarella
Dairy-free cheese is a great option for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a healthier alternative to regular cheese. One option on the market is Trader Joe's Almond-Based Mozzarella, which is 99% lactose-free.
It's important to note that Trader Joe's also offers an Almond Mozzarella Style Shreds Cheese Alternative that is not vegan, as it contains milk. This product should not be confused with the dairy-free version, which is made from a cashew base and is completely vegan.
Overall, Trader Joe's Almond-Based Mozzarella is a dairy-free cheese option that may be worth trying, especially for those who are looking for a more affordable choice. However, it's always a good idea to read reviews and compare different options before making a purchase.
Cheese on Marinara Pizza: Yes or No?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Whole Foods 365 Dairy-Free Cheese
Dairy-free products are those that do not contain milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, yoghurt, whey, casein, ghee, or lactose. Whole Foods 365 is one such brand that offers dairy-free cheese.
Whole Foods 365's dairy-free cheese comes in the form of cheddar slices and shreds. The slices are good to eat straight from the package and melt well on sandwiches, wraps, and even mac 'n' cheese. The shreds are also versatile and can be used in recipes like chilli con queso. The cheese has a creamy texture and a good flavour, without being overly sweet like some vegan cheeses. It is also said to have a similar taste and texture to high-quality cheese, but without the cholesterol.
However, some reviews of the Whole Foods 365 brand dairy-free cheese suggest that it does not melt well and is not creamy. One reviewer noted that the cheese did not change shape when heated and was not creamy, but did have a good taste. Another reviewer mentioned that the cheese did not mould or change texture over time.
Whole Foods 365's dairy-free cheese is a good option for those seeking a vegan, dairy-free, or cholesterol-free alternative to traditional cheese. While it may not melt as well as desired for some recipes, it is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Cheese Pizza: A Low-Fiber Diet Option?
You may want to see also
Homemade Cashew Mozzarella
Dairy-free cheese has come a long way, and there are now several options for those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cheese. While there are many store-bought options available, making your own dairy-free cheese at home is a great option, as it allows you to control the ingredients and create a delicious, healthy, and natural product. One popular recipe is for Homemade Cashew Mozzarella, which is said to have a creamy, stretchy texture similar to traditional mozzarella, making it perfect for pizzas.
Ingredients
To make your own Homemade Cashew Mozzarella, you'll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Raw cashews
- Water for soaking
- Tapioca starch or cornstarch/arrowroot
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Salt
Method
The method for making Homemade Cashew Mozzarella is quite simple:
- Soak the cashews: Place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Soak for at least an hour or overnight.
- Blend the cashews: Drain the cashews and rinse them thoroughly. Place the cashews in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Add a little water if needed.
- Thicken the mixture: Transfer the cashew mixture to a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir in the tapioca starch, cornstarch, or arrowroot to thicken the mixture and give it a stretchy texture.
- Add flavourings: Season the mixture with salt and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to taste.
- Cool and store: Once the cheese has thickened and melted into a ball, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer the cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Tips and Tricks
- If you're short on time, you can soak the cashews in very hot water for a minimum of one hour.
- For a thicker, stretchier cheese, use tapioca starch or cornstarch.
- If you prefer a more tangy flavour, use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar.
- If you want to use your Homemade Cashew Mozzarella on pizza, simply slice or grate it and place it on top of your pizza before baking.
- For a quick and easy meal, try using your Homemade Cashew Mozzarella in grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or French onion soup.
Papa John's Secret: Pizza to Cheesy Sticks
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several dairy-free cheese options available for pizza. Some popular choices include Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Miokos Pourable Mozzarella. However, the best option for you may depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Dairy-free cheese is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. It has improved in quality over the years and can now closely resemble the taste and texture of traditional cheese.
Dairy-free cheese for pizza can be found at various retailers, including Target, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Winco, and Walmart. Some specialty grocers and natural food stores may also carry dairy-free cheese options. Additionally, online shopping through brand websites or e-commerce platforms can be a convenient option.
