Bushra Griffith
Daiya cheddar cheese shreds are a polarizing product. Some people find the taste disgusting, while others enjoy it, especially when melted. People who dislike it often cite its weird, vomit-like taste and smell, and off-putting texture as reasons for their aversion. However, those who like it appreciate how it melts and its similarity in taste and texture to real cheese when melted. The company is also investing in improving its products through natural fermentation, so it remains to be seen if future iterations will address the taste issues some consumers have experienced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Vegan, gluten-free alternative to shredded cheese |
| Texture | Creamy, sticky |
| Taste | Mild cheddar, fatty, buttery, rancid margarine, plastic |
| Melting | Melts well, melts like real cheese, melts like a dream |
| Use cases | Pizza, nachos, grilled cheese, casseroles, sauces, fajitas, wraps, tortilla, chili, cheesy bread, pasta |
| Allergens | Dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish |
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What You'll Learn
Daiya's cheddar shreds have a bad taste and smell when melted
Daiya's cheddar shreds have received mixed reviews, with some people praising the product and others expressing their dislike for it. While the product is designed for melting, with a velvety melt and smooth texture, some users have reported that the cheddar flavour, in particular, has a bad taste and smell when melted.
One review mentions that the Daiya cheddar shreds have a "very unique flavour" that detracts from the dish rather than enhancing it. Another review states that the cheddar shreds taste and smell bad when melted, describing the odour as "vomit". Some reviewers go as far as to say that Daiya cheese is the “nastiest” vegan cheese they have ever tried.
On the other hand, some positive reviews praise the meltability of the Daiya cheddar shreds, describing it as "ooey and gooey" on nachos, pasta, and pizza. One reviewer mentions that the cheddar shreds have a "cheesy, melty experience" and are perfect for smothering on fries.
It's worth noting that Daiya updated their recipe for their vegan cheese shreds in 2023, and some of the reviews may reflect the previous version of the product. The new recipe features a melty oat cream blend, which some users have found to be an improvement over the original formula.
Overall, while Daiya's cheddar shreds are designed for melting and have received positive reviews for their texture and meltability, there are also several reviews highlighting a bad taste and smell when melted, suggesting that the flavour may be unappealing to some consumers.
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The taste is off-putting, especially when compared to real cheese
Daiya Cheese Shreds are a vegan and gluten-free alternative to shredded cheese. The brand launched its original plant-based cheese shreds in 2009 and has since released a second line of dairy-free cheese called the Cutting Board Collection.
While some people enjoy the taste of Daiya Cheese Shreds, others find it off-putting, especially when compared to real cheese. One source describes the taste as "weird", while another says it tastes like plastic. Some people have also experienced stomach aches after consuming Daiya cheese.
The cheddar-style shreds, in particular, seem to be a common point of contention. While some people enjoy the taste, others find it unappealing. One source mentions that the cheddar shreds have a "creamy texture" rather than the "chewy texture" of dairy-based cheddar, which may contribute to the off-putting taste.
It is worth noting that Daiya has updated its recipe over the years, and some people who initially disliked the taste of their products have found the newer versions more palatable. The brand's Cutting Board Shreds, for example, have received more positive reviews for their taste and meltability.
Overall, while Daiya Cheese Shreds offer a dairy-free and gluten-free alternative to shredded cheese, some people may find the taste off-putting, especially when compared to real cheese. Individual preferences vary, and while some people enjoy the taste, others may need to experiment with different recipes or try newer versions of the product to find a vegan cheese option that suits their taste buds.
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The formula was improved in 2020, but some still dislike the taste
Daiya's dairy-free cheese shreds have been a popular vegan alternative to cheese since their launch in 2009. However, the product has undergone several reformulations since its launch, with the brand's Classic Shreds and Cutting Board Collection causing mixed reactions among consumers.
In early 2020, Daiya reformulated its Cutting Board Shreds, addressing complaints about the product's sticky texture. The new formula, which includes ingredients like tapioca flour, coconut oil, and chickpea protein, was designed to melt more easily and deliver a more cheese-like experience.
While some consumers welcomed the change, others continued to dislike the taste. Some described the new formula as "terrible," claiming it looked and tasted like plastic and caused digestive issues. Others, however, praised the improved meltability and flavour, noting that it worked well in dishes like nachos, pizza, and grilled cheese when used sparingly.
In late 2023, Daiya again updated the recipe for its cheese shreds, this time for its various vegan cheese shreds line. This most recent update has received more positive reviews, with some consumers noting that the new recipe melts well and has a pleasant flavour. However, as with any food product, personal preferences vary, and some individuals may still find the taste unappealing.
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$39.24
The cheddar shreds are better when eaten cold
Daiya Cheese Shreds are a vegan and gluten-free alternative to shredded cheese. The brand launched its original plant-based cheese shreds in 2009 and has since become a household name. While Daiya has its fans, some people dislike the taste, describing it as weird or nasty.
However, when eaten cold, the Daiya cheddar shreds can be a tasty addition to sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and dips. One reviewer said they liked the texture of the shreds straight out of the bag, adding a texture reminiscent of grated hard cheese. Another said that the Daiya cheddar shreds were good on a tortilla wrap with chilli.
The Daiya cheddar shreds are also a good option for those with allergies, as they are free from dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.
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The shreds have a creamy, not chewy, texture
Daiya Cheese Shreds are a vegan and gluten-free alternative to shredded cheese. The shreds are designed for melting, which makes them great for use on pizza, in casseroles, sauces, and grilled cheese sandwiches. They are also perfect for smothering on fries.
The Daiya Cheese Shreds have a creamy, not chewy, texture. This is a result of the Daiya Oat Cream Blend, which includes water, oat flour, pea protein, cultures, and enzymes. The creamy texture of the shreds makes them a good substitute for dairy-based cheese on nachos, as dairy-based mozzarella has a chewy texture.
The Daiya Cheese Shreds melt well, giving a "velvety melt" and a "smooth texture". They are best used sparingly, as they have a strong cheesy flavour. The shreds are also quite sticky, but a reformulation in early 2020 reduced some of the stickiness.
The Daiya Cheese Shreds have received mixed reviews. Some people like the shreds, especially when melted, while others find the taste unappealing. Some reviewers have noted that the shreds work well in combination with other cheeses, such as Violife and Kite Hill plain cream cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Daiya Cheddar Cheese has a unique taste that some people dislike. Some describe it as having a weird, toxic, or fake taste. However, others enjoy the mild flavor it brings to their dishes.
Daiya Cheddar Cheese shreds are designed to mimic the taste and texture of dairy cheese. Some people find that it tastes like mild cheddar cheese, while others find that it does not taste like real cheese at all.
Daiya Cheddar Cheese shreds are best enjoyed melted, as they are designed for melting. They can be used in various dishes, such as nachos, grilled cheese, pizzas, casseroles, and sauces.
Yes, there are other vegan cheese alternatives that some people prefer over Daiya Cheddar Cheese shreds. Some popular options include Miyoko's, Vevan, Chao, Follow Your Heart, and Violife.
Daiya Cheddar Cheese shreds are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and free of other major allergens such as eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. However, some people may find that the anti-caking agent used on the shreds dries out the product and affects the taste.
