Vegan Cheese: Dairy-Free, Soy-Free Delights

Vegan cheese is growing in popularity, with global sales of vegan cheese expected to reach $7.1 billion by 2030. This is driven by a number of factors, including an increase in food allergies, concerns over the sustainability of dairy production, and awareness of animal cruelty in the dairy industry. As a result, there are now a variety of non-dairy and non-soy cheese alternatives available, made from ingredients such as nuts, yeast flakes, and starches. While some of these alternatives have been criticised for their texture, flavour, and meltability, others have been praised for their similarity to real cheese.

Cashew-based cheeses

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 jalapeno, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Soak the cashews for at least 2 hours. To speed up the process, add the raw cashews to a pot with water and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the cashews sit for 30-45 minutes in the warm water, then drain.
• Add all the ingredients, including the softened cashews, to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Use the cheese sauce immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips:

• If making the sauce for kids, consider removing the seeds from the jalapeno or leaving it out entirely.
• For a thicker sauce, add more almond milk.
• To store the sauce for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag and thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Almond-based cheeses

To make almond cheese, you will need blanched almonds, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, nutritional yeast, or herbs to give it a cheesier taste. The process is simple: first, soak the almonds in water for a few hours or overnight. Then, blend them with the other ingredients until smooth. Finally, drain the mixture through a cheesecloth and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to marry.

You can enjoy almond cheese as a spread on toast, crackers, or bagels, or use it as a filling for ravioli or jalapeño poppers. It is a versatile and delicious alternative to dairy cheese!

Coconut-based cheeses

One example of a coconut-based cheese is Field Roast's Original Chao Cheese. This coconut-based cheese is creamy and melts perfectly, making it a great addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, or salads. It also comes in a shredded version, perfect for pizzas, quesadillas, or mac and cheese.

Another option is to add a dash of organic coconut cream to cow's milk cheese, as Cheeseland does with their product, Kokos. This combination results in a unique cheese with a nutty taste and a touch of refreshing sweetness.

While some people may be hesitant to call these products "vegan cheese," they are indeed cheese alternatives that cater to those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to reduce their dairy intake.

Soy-based cheeses

Soy cheeses come in a variety of flavors and forms, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and cream cheese alternatives, and can be found in packages ranging from 6 to 16 ounces or individually wrapped slices. They are a good source of soy protein and isoflavones, and are typically lower in fat and calories than their dairy counterparts.

Some popular brands that offer soy-based cheeses include White Wave, Rella Good Cheese Co., Soyco Foods, and Tofutti. While these cheeses are a nutritious and tasty option, they may not always melt as well as dairy cheeses, and their texture can vary.

• Field Roast's Original Chao Cheese: This cheese is coconut-based and perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches or tomato soup. It melts well and comes in shredded form, ideal for salads, pizzas, and quesadillas.
• Violife's dairy-free products: Their Smoked Gouda, for instance, is soy-free and made mainly from potato and corn starch. It has a firm texture, making it suitable for sandwiches.
• Kite Hill's almond milk-based products: They offer a range of soft dairy-free cheeses, including an Original Almond Milk Cream Cheese Spread that has a smooth and spreadable consistency.
• Good Foods Plant-Based Queso Style Dip: This dip is a healthier option as it is made with vegetables like cauliflower and red bell pepper, followed by almonds. It has a southwestern flavor profile and a smooth, creamy texture.
• Tofutti's Better Than Cream Cheese: While not better than regular cream cheese, according to one source, this product is still a groundbreaking option for those avoiding dairy. It is made from palm oil and non-GMO tofu.
• Babybel Plant-Based Cheese Alternative: This iconic cheese wheel, now in green wax, is a softer and milder version of the original Babybel but is still a tasty snack, especially with crackers or fresh fruit.

While soy-based cheeses may not be an exact replica of dairy cheeses, they have come a long way in terms of taste, texture, and meltability, offering a great alternative for those looking to reduce or eliminate dairy from their diets.

Vegetable oil-based cheeses

One of the most popular brands in this category is Field Roast, which offers the Creamy Original Chao Slices. These slices have a pliable and chewy texture, similar to real cheese, and a mild, nuanced flavour. While they don't melt as well as dairy cheese, they do get creamier under intense heat, making them a good option for sandwiches or recipes.

Another well-known brand is Follow Your Heart, which offers dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, Kosher, vegan, and non-GMO products. Their Smoked Gouda Slices, made primarily from potato and corn starch, have a firm texture and a smoky flavour. These slices are perfect for those who want to avoid soy, as it can be challenging to find in non-dairy items.

For those looking for a softer cheese, Kite Hill offers a dairy-free chive cream cheese made from almonds. This product has a credible tang that could be mistaken for the real thing, and it even has as much protein as dairy cream cheese. It is a great option for those who enjoy soft cheeses like ricotta and cream cheese.

Lastly, for those who want a mozzarella-style cheese, Daiya offers Cheddar and Jalapeño Havarti Style Blocks. These blocks have a firm texture that maintains its shape when sliced and a satisfying level of spice. While the flavour may not be identical to dairy cheese, the peppers help cover any unwanted "funky" flavours that can be present in non-dairy cheeses.

Frequently asked questions