Andy Montoya
Cheese is often cited as a reason why people are hesitant to adopt a vegan lifestyle. This is due to the fact that cheese is derived from animals and contains rennet, an ingredient derived from the lining of the fourth stomach of young ruminant animals, typically calves. However, there are now many vegan alternatives to cheese that can satisfy cravings without compromising ethical values or dietary restrictions. These substitutes are made from plant-based ingredients such as soybeans, peas, cashews, coconut, or almonds, and can be purchased from specialty stores or made at home. Nutritional yeast, for example, is a staple among vegans due to its savory, cheesy flavor and nutritional benefits. Soaked almonds and cashews can also be used as a base for vegan cheeses, while store-bought options like Kite Hill Foods Cream Cheese Alternative and Violife Cream Cheese are widely available and taste similar to their dairy-based counterparts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Shredded, liquid, sliced, cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, camembert, cheddar, parmesan, blue cheese, ricotta, mozzarella-style sauce, Swiss cheese |
| Ingredients | Nuts, soya, yeast flakes, almond, cashew, tofu, coconut oil, potato protein isolate, tapioca starch, arrowroot, zucchini, tahini, silken tofu, almond milk |
| Taste | Salty, creamy, tangy, nutty, sharp, spicy, savory, fruity, moldy |
| Texture | Stringy, stretchy, creamy, crumbly, smooth, silky, thick, soft, hard |
| Use cases | Salads, sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, tacos, mac and cheese, pasta, soups, desserts, breakfast, crudité, whole-grain crackers |
| Brands | Kite Hill, Tofutti, Chao Creamery, Parmela Creamery, Violife, Daiya, Yumsome, Full of Plants |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional yeast
When used in recipes, nutritional yeast can be combined with other ingredients to create a variety of cheese alternatives. For example, it can be blended with cashews, white wine or apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and sea salt to create a versatile cashew cheese. This cashew cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, or as a coating for tofu or tempeh. It can also be sprinkled over baked pasta for a crunchy texture.
In addition to its culinary uses, nutritional yeast can also be added to foods as a nutritional supplement. Its high content of B vitamins and protein make it a healthy addition to any vegan meal, without the saturated fat found in regular cheese.
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Nuts, like almonds and cashews
Nuts, such as almonds and cashews, are a great base for vegan cheese. Almonds are a perfect substitute for creamy cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, or goat cheese. They have a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with herbs and spices. To make almond ricotta cheese, soak a cup of almonds in water for an hour, then blend with a quarter cup of water, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. You can also add other ingredients like Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, and garlic to enhance the flavor.
Almonds can also be used to make a cream cheese or chevre-type cheese. To do this, blend blanched slivered almonds that have been soaked and drained with olive oil, garlic, salt, and water. You can also add nutritional yeast to increase the cheesiness. If you want a thicker, crumbly cheese, bake the blended mixture at a low temperature to dehydrate it.
Cashews are another popular choice for vegan cheese, as they blend into a smooth, creamy texture. You can make a simple cashew cheese by blending cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and salt. This can be used as a spread or melted over pasta or vegetables.
For a more complex flavor, you can add ingredients like white wine or apple cider vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian spices like oregano and thyme to your cashew cheese. If you're looking for a "moldy" blue cheese flavor, add garlic powder, fresh dill, and nutritional yeast to your cashew cheese to create a Roquefort-style spread.
Combining almonds and cashews can also create a versatile cheese with the best of both worlds—the creaminess of cashews and the crumbly texture of almonds. Soaking and blending these nuts with spices can create a delicious, spreadable cheese that's perfect for your next gathering.
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Tofu
Cheese is one of the most addictive foods, and it can be hard for vegans to give up. While there are many vegan cheese options available, store-bought vegan cheeses tend to be expensive and underwhelming.
There are also recipes for vegan tofu cheese that can be sliced and used in dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches. This type of vegan cheese contains a secret ingredient that makes it set without giving it a jelly-like consistency. It is similar to slightly aged cheddar and can be enhanced with other flavors such as chili powder, olives, herbs, and garlic.
While tofu-based cheese may not be an exact replica of dairy cheese, it offers a tasty and nutritious alternative for those following a plant-based diet.
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Avocado
One simple way to use avocados as a cheese substitute is to make a spread or dip. For example, you can make a "cheesy" vegan avocado spread by blending avocado with lemon and spices. This spread can be used on toast, as a dip, or even as a topping for salads. You can also add nutritional yeast to the spread, which is commonly used in vegan dishes to mimic the taste of cheese.
However, it's important to note that avocados may not provide the same stretchy, melty texture that cheese does, especially in dishes like grilled cheese or pizza. Additionally, avocados may brown or discolour over time, so dishes made with avocado may not have the same shelf life as those made with cheese.
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Tahini
When used as a vegan cheese substitute, tahini provides nutrients such as calcium and thiamin. Adding nutritional yeast to tahini-based sauces can further enhance their cheesiness and provide vitamin B12.
One of the most popular ways to use tahini as a vegan cheese substitute is in mac and cheese. The tahini sauce is easy to make and can be paired with various types of pasta, vegetables, and proteins. It can also be used as a creamy sauce for rice or quinoa bowls.
In addition to hot dishes, tahini can be used as a savoury and sour dressing for salads or drizzled over homemade sweet potato chips. It can be made at home using a high-powered blender and whole sesame seeds, and some people add ingredients like soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and raw garlic to create different flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many vegan alternatives to cheese, including those made from nuts, soya, and yeast flakes. Nutritional yeast is one of the best alternatives to cheese for vegans as it is rich in B vitamins and protein and has a sharp, intense, satisfyingly cheesy taste. Nut-based vegan cheeses are also recommended, such as those made from almonds, cashews, and walnuts.
Some store-bought vegan cheese options include Kite Hill Foods Cream Cheese Alternative, Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese, Chao Creamery Vegan Shreds, Parmela Creamery Shreds, Violife Shreds, and Daiya Cutting Board Collection Shreds.
To make your own vegan cheese, you can blend cashews with nutritional yeast, white wine or apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and sea salt. For a vegan ricotta cheese, blend one cup of soaked almonds with a quarter cup of water, some lemon juice, and ground black pepper and salt.
