Andy Montoya
Soy cheese is a nutrient-rich addition to the soy foods family. It is cholesterol-free and has lower overall fat content than dairy cheese. Soy cheese is also a good source of calcium, vitamin A and vitamin E. While soy cheese can be difficult to find in supermarkets, it is available in health and natural food markets. Some of the best soy cheese brands include Mrs. Cheng's Soy Cheese, One Love Planet, Veggie Karma, Cheeze & Thank You, Barrett's Garden, Damona, Tofutti, Nurishh, and Miyoko's Creamery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 1 ounce |
| Calories | 55-80 calories per ounce |
| Protein | 2-7 grams per ounce |
| Calcium | 15-30% of the daily value |
| Sodium | 200 mg or more per ounce |
| Vitamins | Some brands contain Vitamin A and E |
| Fat | 0-7 grams per ounce |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Meltability | Varies, some melt well, others do not |
| Taste | Varies, some taste good, others lack flavor |
| Texture | Varies, some are smooth, others are grainy or crumbly |
| Brands | Tofutti, Follow Your Heart, Nurishh, Trader Joe's, Field Roast, Cheeze & Thank You, Soyana, Mrs. Cheng's Soy Cheese, One Love Planet, Veggie Karma, Miyoko's Creamery, Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The health benefits of soy cheese
Soybeans are a crop of immense importance to the world's food supply, both as animal feed and as food directly consumed by humans. Soy is a nutrient-dense source of protein that can be safely consumed several times a week and is likely to provide health benefits, especially when eaten as an alternative to red and processed meat.
Soy protein has been investigated for a variety of health benefits, most notably its ability to directly lower blood cholesterol levels. This attribute was formally recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1999. Soy protein also promotes gains in muscle mass and strength in individuals engaged in resistance exercise, on par with animal protein, including whey.
Soy is a unique food that is widely studied for its estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects on the body. Results of recent population studies suggest that soy has either a beneficial or neutral effect on various health conditions. For example, soy is exalted as a health food by some, with claims of taming hot flashes, warding off osteoporosis, and protecting against hormonal cancers like breast and prostate cancer. However, soy is shunned by others for the fear that it may cause breast cancer, thyroid problems, and dementia, though these claims have not been substantiated.
The global food system faces a challenge in sustainably producing enough food, especially protein, to meet the needs of a growing global population. Soybeans can help meet this demand for protein, as they are widely available and play a large role in the US and world food supply.
Cheese Enchiladas: The Best Cheese Combinations
You may want to see also
Where to buy soy cheese
Soy cheese is available at various online and offline retailers. If you're looking to buy soy cheese online, you can check out Amazon, which offers a range of soy cheese products, including slices, mozzarella, cream cheeses, and snack foods.
Another option for online shopping is Farm Link Hawaiʻi, which offers soy cheese made with local and imported ingredients. They have a daily customer support service and provide delivery and pickup services.
For in-store purchases, Trader Joe's is a popular option known for its affordable and varied selection of vegan cheeses. Their range includes hard and soft cheeses, cheese spreads, and cheddar and feta alternatives.
Additionally, some supermarkets stock soy cheese products, such as the Follow Your Heart brand, which offers vegan feta crumbles and other dairy-free cheese options like parmesan, blue cheese, shreds, and mozzarella.
It's always a good idea to check your local grocery stores and specialty health food stores, as they may carry different brands of soy cheese to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Cheese for Your Casadilla: Melty, Gooey Deliciousness
You may want to see also
How to incorporate soy cheese into recipes
While there are several soy cheese products on the market, such as Tofutti's dairy-free American cheese slices and Nurishh's suite of dairy-free cheese products, some people prefer to make their own soy cheese at home.
Pasta
Soy cheese can be used in pasta dishes, such as baked pasta with vegetables. For example, you can bake vegan feta with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil, then blend it into a sauce to pour over pasta.
Salads
Crumble soy cheese on top of salads, such as a Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, romaine lettuce, and vinaigrette.
Grilled Cheese
Soy cheese can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches. For a better texture, it is recommended to grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread is brown.
Burgers
Add a slice of soy cheese to a burger while it's still in the pan so that it melts. Then, place the patty with the melted cheese inside a toasted bun with your desired toppings.
Dips
You can use soy cheese in dips, such as a spinach artichoke dip.
Cheesecake
You can make cheesecake using soy cream cheese. For example, you can add a bit of Mirin, a sweet Japanese condiment, to your cheesecake recipe, and no one will be able to tell it's made from soy.
Soysage
If you make your own soy milk and cheese, you can use the leftover pulp, called Okara, to make "soysage".
Cheese and Eggs: The Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How does soy cheese taste
Soy cheese is made from soy milk and/or tofu, with some varieties containing added soy protein isolate and oils like canola or soybean oil. The taste of soy cheese varies depending on the type of cheese being replicated, with flavourings such as herbs, spices, and peppers added accordingly.
Soy cheese is often described as having a moderate amount of sodium, which is important for giving the cheese flavour. In terms of nutritional value, soy cheese has fewer calories, less protein, and less fat than regular cheese. It is also cholesterol-free and lactose-free.
Some soy cheeses have been described as having an unpleasant taste. For example, Tofutti's dairy-free American cheese slices were found to have very little flavour and did not melt when heated. The vegan cheddar from Trader Joe's was also described as overly sweet, grainy, and tasting predominantly of coconut rather than cheese.
On the other hand, some soy cheeses have been praised for their flavour. The vegan feta crumbles from Follow Your Heart were found to have the same tangy signature as dairy feta, and the vegan Parmesan shreds from Trader Joe's were said to have a mildly nutty and yeasty flavour reminiscent of cow's milk Parmesan.
Overall, the taste of soy cheese can vary significantly depending on the brand, the type of cheese being replicated, and the ingredients used. While some soy cheeses may fall short in terms of flavour and texture, others can closely resemble their dairy counterparts.
Cheese and Crab: A Match Made in Heaven
You may want to see also
How does soy cheese compare to dairy cheese
Soy cheese is a dairy-free alternative to regular cheese. It is made from non-GMO soy protein, tofu, and/or organic soy milk. Some soy cheeses also contain coconut oil, potato starch, and potato protein. Soy cheese has a lower fat content than dairy cheese, and it is cholesterol-free. It is also a good source of calcium, with many soy cheeses being fortified with calcium to provide a similar nutritional profile to dairy cheese.
In terms of taste and texture, soy cheese can be a good alternative to dairy cheese. However, it may not always melt in the same way as dairy cheese, and it can have a less intense flavour. For example, Tofutti's dairy-free American cheese slices were found to liquefy into a small oily puddle instead of melting, and they lacked flavour. On the other hand, Follow Your Heart's vegan feta crumbles were found to have a similar tangy signature as dairy feta, although they were slightly more crumbly in texture.
Trader Joe's offers a range of affordable vegan cheeses, including hard and soft cheeses, as well as cheese spreads. Their vegan feta, made from coconut oil, potato starch, and potato protein, has a rich savoury flavour that comes through when baked with vegetables or incorporated into pasta. However, it has a strong fermented smell and taste when uncooked. Their vegan cheddar was found to be overly sweet, grainy, and tasting strongly of coconut, although it did melt well.
Other brands offering soy cheese products include Nurishh, with their range of dairy-free cheese slices, shreds, snack cubes, and cream cheeses; and Barrett's Garden, which offers a Fauxcotta ricotta alternative crafted from tofu.
In terms of nutrition, soy cheese has fewer calories than dairy cheese. Per 100 grams, cheese has 384 calories, while soy milk has 43 calories. Cheese is also much higher in protein, with 23.5 grams per 100 grams compared to 2.6 grams in soy milk. Cheese is an excellent source of Vitamin A, with 174 micrograms per 100 grams, while soy milk has 55 micrograms. Cheese also has more Vitamin D, with 21 IU per 100 grams, while soy milk has negligible amounts. However, soy milk has more niacin, with 3.7 grams of sugar per 100 grams compared to negligible amounts in cheese.
Havarti Cheese: Best Uses and Pairings
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Trader Joe's vegan cheddar slices melt well, although they are overly sweet and lack the signature cream cheese tang.
Trader Joe's vegan feta, crumbled on top of cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, romaine lettuce and vinaigrette, added a strong fermented flavour and a creamy texture.
Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen offers creamy vegan cheese and Cranberry & Dill Vegan Goat Cheese, which can be shipped straight to your door.
Soyana, a German brand, makes tofu-heavy cheese alternatives that are higher in protein and general nutrition than most vegan cheese alternatives.
