Randy Chandler
Dairy-free cheese is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand, with a growing number of options available on the market. While some people may be sceptical of cheese that isn't made from dairy, there is a demand for plant-based alternatives that are cholesterol-free and environmentally friendly. The best dairy-free cheese will depend on individual taste preferences, but some notable options in New Zealand include Sheese Vegan Strong Cheddar Style, Zenzo Dairy-Free Vegan Cheddar, and Casheta by Savour, a cashew-based feta-style cheese that won the Vegan Cheese Awards in 2022. Other well-known brands include The Alternative Dairy Co, Let Them Eat Vegan, and Kaiaroha Tree Nut Cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | Dairy-free cheese ranges from $3.50 to $12.50 per 100g. |
| Place of origin | Dairy-free cheese options in NZ come from Brazil, Greece, Scotland, Switzerland, and New Zealand. |
| Ingredients | Most dairy-free cheeses are oil-based (often coconut oil) and starch-based (potato or maize). Some are nut-based. |
| Taste | Dairy-free cheese options vary in taste. Some people dislike them, while others, especially vegans, enjoy them. |
| Texture | Dairy-free cheese options vary in texture, with some being creamy, smooth, powdery, or crumbly. |
| Appearance | Dairy-free cheese options vary in appearance, with some looking more like traditional cheese than others. |
| Brand | Popular brands of dairy-free cheese in NZ include Sheese, Zenzo, The Alternative Dairy Co, Savour, and Let Them Eat Vegan. |
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What You'll Learn
NZ Vegan Cheese Awards
The NZ Vegan Cheese Awards, hosted by The Vegan Society of Aotearoa, New Zealand, is an annual event that celebrates the best vegan cheeses the country has to offer. The awards showcase the craft and skill of vegan cheese makers throughout New Zealand, with over 30 entries across nine different categories of cheeses. The judging panel consists of experts in the food industry, including comedians, actors, writers, and professionals in the New Zealand specialty cheese industry.
In 2022, the Supreme Winner of the NZ Vegan Cheese Awards was Casheta by Savour, a cashew-based feta-style vegan cheese that impressed the judges with its wonderful appearance, flavour, and texture. Other notable mentions in the awards included Let Them Eat Vegan's Creamy Camembert Spread, which was praised for its versatility and well-balanced flavour, and The Alternative Dairy Co's Cheddar Style Block, which received mixed reviews, with some finding it pleasant and smooth but others finding it a bit powdery.
The NZ Vegan Cheese Awards not only highlight the taste and quality of vegan cheeses but also promote sustainability and innovation in the food industry. The awards provide a clear indication of the best vegan cheese options available in New Zealand, helping consumers make informed choices. The awards also encourage more manufacturers to embrace sustainable and plant-based alternatives, reducing their carbon footprint and meeting the growing demand for vegan and plant-based options.
While the concept of dairy-free cheese can provoke strong reactions, with some people finding it challenging to accept cheese that isn't made from dairy, the NZ Vegan Cheese Awards showcase the diversity and excellence of vegan cheese options in New Zealand. The awards celebrate the dedication and creativity of vegan cheese makers, who continuously innovate and improve their craft, contributing to the growing plant-based food movement in New Zealand and beyond.
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Dairy-free cheese pricing
Dairy-free cheese is more expensive than regular cheese. The products tasted by Consumer NZ ranged from $3.50 to $12.50 per 100g, whereas they paid $1.50 per 100g for the Mainland product. The price of dairy-free cheese is influenced by several factors, including the cost of ingredients and production methods. For example, many dairy-free cheeses are oil-based, using coconut oil or nut oils, which can be more expensive than dairy ingredients. In addition, the process of making dairy-free cheese may be more complex and time-consuming, requiring additional steps to achieve the right texture and flavour.
The price of dairy-free cheese also reflects the demand for these products and the cost of bringing them to market. As more people adopt vegan or vegetarian diets, or seek to reduce their cholesterol intake, the demand for dairy-free cheese increases. This can drive up prices as companies invest in research and development to create new and improved products. Additionally, the cost of packaging, distribution, and marketing dairy-free cheese can be higher than for traditional cheese, as it often caters to a niche market.
The price of dairy-free cheese can vary depending on the brand, the type of cheese, and the location of purchase. For example, specialty health food stores or vegan shops may charge a premium for these products, whereas larger supermarkets might offer more competitive prices due to higher sales volumes. Online retailers might also offer discounts or bulk purchasing options that can reduce the overall cost per unit.
It is worth noting that the price of dairy-free cheese is not always an indication of quality or taste. While some more expensive brands might offer a superior product, there are also affordable options that taste great. Personal preference plays a significant role in determining the best dairy-free cheese, as some people might prefer the flavour or texture of certain ingredients, such as coconut oil or nut-based cheeses, which can influence their purchasing decision regardless of price.
Finally, the price of dairy-free cheese can be influenced by promotions or discounts offered by retailers or manufacturers. For example, some stores might run sales or specials on dairy-free cheese to attract new customers or promote a particular brand. Similarly, manufacturers might offer coupons or discounts to drive sales of their products, making them more affordable for consumers. Ultimately, the price of dairy-free cheese is determined by a combination of production costs, market demand, and promotional activities, resulting in a range of prices to suit different budgets and preferences.
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Vegan cheese taste tests
The Spinoff's great big vegan cheese tasting
The Spinoff's crack team of taste testers tried 34 dairy-free cheese alternatives. The team had a range of preferences, from vegan cheese aficionados to dedicated dairy disciples. The results were ordered from least favourite to most favourite.
The Kaiaroha Tree Nut Cheese, a small Auckland business, didn't hit the spot. Savour Organic Cultured Aged Nut Cheese – Smokey Chipotle was also not well-liked, with tasters noting that the brand's cheeses all tasted the same with a small element changed. Another cheese, made from cashew and macadamia nuts with a vegan probiotic and New Zealand-grown cold-smoked jalapeños, was also poorly received.
Consumer NZ
Consumer NZ conducted a blind taste test of eight dairy-free cheeses (six oil-based and two nut products), rated for appearance, taste, and texture. Two dairy cheeses were included for comparison. The dairy cheeses were clear favourites, with all tasters saying they would buy them again. Of the dairy-free options, Sheese Vegan Strong Cheddar Style and Zenzo Dairy-Free Vegan Cheddar got the most thumbs-ups, with four tasters saying they would buy them again. The Alternative Dairy Co Cheddar Style Block didn't get any likes.
NZ Vegan Cheese Awards
The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand's Vegan Cheese Awards featured over 30 entries in nine different categories of cheeses. The Supreme Winner was Casheta by Savour, a cashew-based feta-style vegan cheese that wowed judges with its appearance, flavour, and texture. Other winners included Let Them Eat Vegan, which received a runner-up award for its Creamy Camembert.
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Vegan cheese ingredients
Vegan cheese is typically made from nuts, seeds, soy, tapioca, oils, or other ingredients. Cashews are a popular base for vegan cheese as they create a smooth and creamy texture. Other common ingredients include coconut oil, olive brine, garlic, salt, and nutritional yeast. These ingredients work together to create a product with a similar taste and texture to traditional dairy cheese.
Coconut oil, for example, adds richness and helps the cheese firm up when chilled. Olive brine contributes an aged, tangy flavour. Garlic and salt enhance the overall flavour of the cheese. Nutritional yeast gives the cheese a cheesy flavour and a vitamin B12 boost.
Some recipes call for additional ingredients to be blended in, such as sweet potatoes, jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or smoked paprika, for a spicy or smoky flavour. Lemon zest, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs can also be added to enhance the flavour and provide a well-rounded profile.
The versatility of these ingredients allows vegan cheese makers to create a range of cheese styles, from creamy camembert to strong cheddar and feta styles. While some vegan cheeses may not stand up to their dairy counterparts in terms of taste and texture, they offer a cholesterol-free alternative that is increasingly popular, with a 30% increase in plant-based food sales year over year.
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Dairy-free cheese brands
While dairy-free cheese options may not please everyone, they cater to those seeking plant-based alternatives for health or environmental reasons. Most dairy-free cheeses are oil-based, typically using coconut oil, combined with starches like potato or maize. Some brands also use nuts and probiotic cultures to create unique flavours and textures.
The Alternative Dairy Co produces a Cheddar Style Block, which received mixed reviews in a taste test by Consumer NZ. Sheese Vegan Strong Cheddar Style and Zenzo Dairy-Free Vegan Cheddar were better received, with Sheese praised for its "almost like cheese" texture and creamy mouthfeel, while Zenzo was described as "pleasant and smooth."
Kaiaroha Tree Nut Cheese, a small Auckland business, crafts cheeses using nuts and probiotic cultures. Their products have been sampled by The Spinoff's taste testers, who have given them varying ratings. The Spinoff team has also tried Savour's nut cheeses, including their Cultured Aged Nut Cheese, which features New Zealand-grown cold-smoked jalapeños.
With a growing market for dairy-free cheese in New Zealand, consumers now have a range of options to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. While some may not live up to expectations, others are gaining recognition for their taste, texture, and versatility, providing viable alternatives for those seeking dairy-free options.
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Frequently asked questions
Casheta by Savour was crowned the Supreme Winner at the 2022 New Zealand Vegan Cheese Awards. This cashew-based feta-style vegan cheese impressed the judges with its wonderful appearance, flavour, and texture.
Yes, there are many other dairy-free cheeses available in New Zealand. Some that have received positive reviews include:
- Sheese Vegan Strong Cheddar Style
- Zenzo Dairy-Free Vegan Cheddar
- Let Them Eat Vegan Creamy Camembert
- Epic Cheese
You can find dairy-free cheese at specialty shops like The Vegan Shop LTD. and The Butcher's Son in Auckland, or at supermarkets.
Dairy-free cheese can be more expensive than regular cheese, ranging from $3.50 to $12.50 per 100g.
