If you’re all decked up for the late-night party and wish to make something extra special but one that is in line with your plant-based diet, then the luscious cheese invariably flashes across the mind.
Isn’t that true for most of us?
In all this, one thing that might seem pretty daunting is choosing the best vegan cheese amongst so many options and making sure that it makes for a good substitute for regular cheese in the dishes of your choice.
Well, to help you out in your quest, we have rounded up some of the best alternatives to cheese that you can choose amongst many options in the market to make sumptuous dishes, including everyone’s favorite vegan mac and cheese. But before that, let’s see what we mean by the vegan substitute of cheese and what they are made from!
What is Vegan Cheese?
Vegan cheese is an alternative to regular cheese that is plant-based. These items do not make use of animal-derived ingredients and are considered completely safe for vegan consumption. For making a vegan alternative to cheese, the ingredients can vary, but more often than not they involve plant milk, starchy flour, coconut oil, and miso.
The cheese can come in various forms, such as grated, sliced, and shredded, and can be bought and used per one’s liking and preferences amongst others.
What is Vegan Cheese Made From?
Vegan cheese brands use almost anything to make vegan-friendly cheese, except animal-based ingredients. Usually, they use plant proteins such as nut and soy milk as well as vegetable oils like coconut oil. Starchy flours like arrowroot, tapioca and other root veggies, which include carrots and potatoes, are also used to make vegan cheese.
Is Vegan Cheese Healthy?
Dairy-free cheese, as opposed to regular cheese, is considered healthier. However, they too, have their downsides which cannot be ignored. Many of these substitutes are filled with fillers, sodium, and sumptuous but junk-based ingredients that can add to one’s weight.
Although there exists zero dietary cholesterol in the vegan alternatives, there can be various types of fats as well as unnatural gums, which can increase the risk of developing heart-related issues.
In a nutshell, commercial substitutes cannot be deemed suitable for long-term consumption. Also, it is advised to always check the ingredients of the plant-based cheese to ensure that they are not made with sodium, or fillers and do not have added oil.
List of Top 15 Vegan Cheese Brands, Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
- Field Roast
- Miyoko’s Creamery
- Daiya
- Kite Hill
- Violife
- Tofutti
- Follow Your Heart
- Go Veggie
- Treeline
- Amazon Fresh
- Forager Project
- Babybel
- Moocho
- Nuts for Cheese
- Every Body Eat
Well, to help you find the best vegan cream cheese options in the market, we have come up with some top-rated alternatives that can help you enjoy these sumptuous items in a vegan-friendly way.
1. Field Roast
One of the most popular plant-based cheese brands is Field Roast. Their Chao Slices have a coconut base and are seasoned with fermented tofu. The best part about this non-dairy Chao is that they peel and shred easily. It also melts as required, which makes it a good option for spreading purposes.
A neutral-tasting cheese, it comes in slice or block form. With a mild flavor, this alternative works great with salads, sandwiches, and flatbread.
Texture and Flavor: I found that the texture of the cheese was nice and could be handled easily. It could peel apart without much difficulty. I liked that the cheese did not ooze out like many of its counterparts and its flavor complemented many dishes.
Taste: The taste was good but I found the cheese to be more salty, which you should keep in mind before using it in any dishes.
Price: $115.30
Official website: Field Roast
2. Miyoko’s Creamery
Considered one of the best dairy-free cheese brands, Miyoko’s Creamery has come up with its Fresh Vegan Mozzarella option that is a must-try. Creamy and smooth, this vegan alternative melts and browns easily. A non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) alternative, this substitute is also lactose, palm, gluten, and soy-free. Containing nuts, it is also kosher in its entirety.
You can use vegan mozzarella in different dishes such as pizza, Panini, lasagna, and other Italian dishes.
Texture and Flavor: The texture of this cheese seemed nice to me and was more like a creamy cheese spread. It had a gentle flavor.
Taste: I liked its taste, which was mild yet creamy.
Price: $9.49
Official Website: Miyoko’s Creamery
3. Daiya
Another non-dairy cheese brand that you can go for is Daiya. A renowned company, it has indubitably made its mark amongst the vegan community. Daiya has come up with Dairy-free Swiss Style Vegan Cheese Slices that are not only kosher but also gluten-free. The item is also devoid of soy, which makes it all the more suitable for people with certain kinds of allergies.
Amazingly delectable, this alternative can ratchet up any dish you wish to lay your hands on. With a mild flavor, it can be used in numerous cuisines without a second thought.
Texture and Flavor: The texture was good. I found that it melted smoothly. It has a mild flavor, which makes it suitable to be used along with various cuisines.
Taste: I found the taste to be good and subtle.
Price: $5.99
Official Website: Daiya
4. Kite Hill
Another dairy-free cream cheese brand that is popular amongst vegans is Kite Hill. With an almond milk base, their Kite Hill Plain Almond Milk Cream Cheese Style Spread proves to be a must-try by all, especially by those with certain allergies since the item is gluten and soy-free. The best part about this cheese is that it is devoid of artificial flavors or preservatives.
With several plant-based offerings, the brand has captured people’s hearts across the globe. You can enjoy this cheese in different flavors- Strawberry, Garden Veggie, and Plain amongst others.
Texture and Flavor: The texture and flavor of the cheese were mouthwatering, which I liked the most.
Taste: It tasted like regular cheese. I was amazed at how convincingly the vegan alternative emulated traditional cheese.
Price: $6.99
Official website: Kite Hill
5. Violife
Amongst vegan cheese brands, Violife is an award-winning company that has been into plant-based products for about 30 years now. Their VIOLIFE Just Like Cheddar Shreds is one of their best offerings that is non-GMO and does not contain any kind of preservatives. Enriched with vitamin B12, the product is devoid of any animal-based ingredients.
The cheese alternative is also gluten, nut, soy, dairy, and lactose-free. A vegan food item that can be enjoyed with various foods of your choice.
Texture and Flavor: I liked the taste and flavor of the cheese. It melts easily which makes it good for spreading purposes and making nachos, tacos, and even baked goodies.
Taste: Despite having coconut oil in it, it was not completely coconut in taste. I liked the subtle taste of the cheese substitute.
Price: $6.29
Official website: Violife
6. Tofutti
To make a delectable vegan cheese recipe, Tofutti’s Better Than Cream Cheese can be your best bet. A popular option for vegans, this cheese is free of dairy and gluten apart from being cholesterol-free. It is also a non-hydrogenated and kosher item. Prepared with a blend of natural gums, the cheese has organic sugar and a natural oil blend.
A delectable item, it does not contain butterfat. You can use this cheese alternative as a dip or add it to any recipe of your choice.
Texture and Flavor: I found its texture to be a bit unnatural. The flavor was good overall.
Taste: For me, the taste of this cheese was fine, but not over the top.
Price: $91.53
Official website: Tofutti
7. Follow Your Heart
Parmesan-style grated cheese alternative is one of the main offerings of Follow Your Heart, a renowned name in manufacturing plant-based cheese. A healthy item, it is soy and gluten-free. The brand has also made sure that its product remains casein and GMO-free, which further adds to its value, making it a loved brand across the vegan community.
With this delectable item, you can make your very own vegan mac and cheese at home and relish the exoticism of this alternative that has captured people’s hearts and minds. You can also enjoy them over homemade pizzas and pasta.
Texture and Flavor: I liked the flavor of this cheese alternative. It had a rich and creamy texture.
Taste: It had a good taste and proved to be a good addition to my pasta and salads.
Price: $78.68
Official website: Follow Your Heart
8. Go Veggie
One of the best vegan cheese brands that has never failed to meet the expectations of vegans is indubitably Go Veggie. Their Go Veggie Vegan Classic Plain Flavor Cream Cheese Alternative is a great option for you if you’re looking for some plant-based cheese substitutes. An award-winning product, this item is dairy and gluten-free. Kosher certified, the cheese alternative is also non-GMO.
A delectable item, it can be enjoyed with a bagel or can be stuffed into French toast.
Texture and Flavor: The texture was rich and creamy and I liked the overall flavor. It was spreadable.
Taste: It tasted like normal cheese. It was good.
Price: $47.25
Official Website: Go Veggie
9. Treeline
One of the top vegan cheese brands that can get you going in no time is none other than Treeline. The company has come up with Treeline Cheese – Creamy Soft French-Style Cashew Cheese, which is their unmissable product. A gluten-free option, this alternative is also lactose-free and uses natural ingredients to get prepared. The product is even devoid of artificial preservatives.
You can use this vegan alternative to cheese on any dish of your liking and enjoy the guilt-free goodness of cheese substitutes in a whole new way.
Texture and Flavor: I found the cheese to be creamy and its texture was great. It was thick yet spreadable. The flavor was nice too.
Taste: I found the taste to be a bit nutty and salty.
Price: $84.50
Official Website: Treeline
10. Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh is another vegan cheese brand that you can go to anytime. Their Amazon Fresh – Plant-Based Cream Cheese (Plain) is a non-GMO Project verified product that is also dairy, gluten, soy, lactose, and nut-free. The item is even preservative-free, which makes it safe for everyone’s consumption.
Devoid of animal-based ingredients, this healthy substitute for regular cheese is full of flavor that can add to any dish uniquely.
Texture and Flavor: The texture was nice and the consistency of the cheese alternative was good. For me, the flavor was perfect enough to be used along with different dishes.
Taste: I liked the taste which was not overwhelming. It was plain and simple.
Price: $3.70
11. Forager Project
Making dairy-free cheese, Forager Project is another delectable option for you. The brand’s Forager Project Organic Plant Based 3 Cheese Shreds is a popular product of theirs which is made from cashew milk yogurt. Prepared from a traditional cheese-making process, the item is filled with amazing flavor and a rich, creamy texture that is hard to overlook and even harder to resist.
A sumptuous alternative, you can sprinkle it over various dishes of your liking. An organic product, it is a healthy substitute that can be included in everyday diet.
Texture and Flavor: The texture and flavor appeared good to me. However, the cheese seemed a bit stretchy.
Taste: I found that the product somewhat had an artificial cheese taste to it.
Price: $5.39
Official website: Forager Project
12. Babybel
Another vegan cream cheese brand is Babybel, which can be a good addition to your grocery bags. Their Babybel Plant-Based Cheese Snacks are a sumptuous option for you and your loved ones. A dairy-free item, it possesses a creamy texture that tastes similar to mozzarella. A healthy substitute, it is loaded with vitamin B12 and calcium. The product is also a certified plant-based item and is soy, nut, and gluten-free.
Non-GMO Project Verified, the cheese alternative can be used along with a wide variety of dishes per occasion.
Texture and Flavor: I liked its texture which was smooth and somewhat velvety. The flavor was mild.
Taste: The taste was good and savory.
Price: $5.29
Official Website: Babybel
13. Moocho
A sumptuous vegan cheese brand, Moocho has been a favorite of many vegans out there. The company’s Moocho Dairy-free Mozzarella Style Shreds are a luscious option that cannot be overlooked. A comfort food item, the cheese substitute is certified gluten-free. The product is also devoid of dairy and is GMO-free.
The best part about this cheese alternative is that it is extremely delectable and can be used along with tacos, mac n cheese, and pizzas of your choice.
Texture and Flavor: The texture was soft and creamy and it melted nicely. I liked the flavor which was quite like cheese.
Taste: I liked the taste of the cheese alternative, which was unique and subtle.
Price: $4.99
Official Website: MoochoFoods
14. Nuts for Cheese
Considered one of the best dairy-free cheese brands, Nuts for Cheese is another delightful choice you can make while looking for a cheese alternative. Their Nuts For Cheese Organic Super Blue Cashew Cheese is a dairy-free item that has a great taste.
With an extremely luscious cashew flavor, this alternative is everything you wish for in any cheese substitute. A nutritious product, it is gluten and soy-free, which makes it a good option for people with certain allergy types.
A delicious product, you can use it in star dishes of your choice and even sprinkle it on different cuisines as and when required.
Texture and Flavor: The texture was good and soft. The cheese was spreading well. I liked its flavor, which was deep.
Taste: I found the taste to be tangy and creamy. Overall, it was good.
Price: $10.99
Official Website: Nuts for Cheese
15. Every Body Eat
A non-dairy cheese brand, Every Body Eat is a popular option for vegans out there. The company’s Every Body Eat Snack Thins is a gluten-free and kosher product that is loved far and wide.
This item contains fewer calories than many of its counterparts and is also non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms). Dairy, nut, fish, egg, soy, sugar, corn, and sesame-free, the cheese alternative is made from brown rice flour.
A healthy and allergen-free item, this substitute can be enjoyed with innumerable dishes of your choice. With a cheese-less variant, the product can ratchet up any item you wish to put them in without you having to
go through the pain of regretting your choice later.
Texture and Flavor: The texture was good and soft. The cheese was spreading well. I liked its flavor, which was deep.
Taste: I found the taste to be tangy and creamy. Overall, it was good.
Price: $10.99
Official Website: Every Body Eat
As such, these plant-based cheese alternatives are sure to add to your palate and your taste buds in a whole new way. You can even try vegan parmesan cheese, which is yet another variety of cheese that you can buy. But for now, try laying your hands on these alternatives that are a must-try to use in your next vegan cheese recipe.
Is Vegan Cheese Suitable for Allergic People?
Since dairy-free cream cheese does not have lactose, it can be deemed fit for people with intolerance towards this ingredient. However, it cannot be said for every allergy sufferer. This is because a lot of cheese substitutes use nuts as their base, which can trigger allergies in many people.
Therefore, it is recommended to always check the ingredients before purchasing these alternatives.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Choosing Vegan Cheese Brands
When buying any non-dairy cheese, keep certain things in mind so that you end up with the best bet. Some of the recommendations are as follows:-
1. Check Sodium Levels
Intrinsically, cheese is salty, but certain varieties, such as Parmesan, are on the higher side, whereas the cream cheese options are on the lower. Therefore, try laying your hands on such alternatives which have 260 milligrams or less of sodium per serving. This will help you stay below the 2,300mg required for the day.
2. Look For Saturated Fat
Although regular cheese usually has at least 3 grams of saturated fat per serving, a vegan alternative can have as much as 7 grams since it is made of coconut oil.
Always try to select vegan cheese options that have 6 grams or less sodium per serving.
3. Check Protein and Calcium Levels
It is important to remember that plant-based cheese alternatives are essentially low in protein and calcium compared to regular cheese. As such, choose seed and nut-based cheeses since they contain maximum protein. On the other hand, the ones prepared with coconut oil and starches possess the least protein.
Likewise, for calcium, some of the alternatives are fortified but they still possess less calcium than regular cheese varieties. Therefore, buy ones that are fortified to meet your calcium needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there vegan cream cheese?
Yes, there are various types of vegan cream cheese in the market that are made from plant-based extractions and are safe for vegan consumption.
Which of the cheese is considered best for vegans?
Plant-based cheese options are considered suitable for vegans. The most popular types available are Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Gouda.
Do vegan alternatives to cheese taste similar to regular cheese?
Yes, several vegan cheese options have a taste and texture similar to that of regular cheese.
Is vegan cheese healthy?
Although vegan cheese is healthier than regular cheese, it must be consumed in moderation since it also has certain downsides to it.
How is vegan cheese different from regular cheese varieties?
Vegan cheese is deemed different from regular cheese since it is made from plant-based ingredients. These sources carry healthy fats without any cholesterol or rennet, which is present in cheeses prepared from cow’s milk.
Do vegan cheese melt?
Usually, most vegan cheese does not melt, especially the ones that are less processed. However, if you like such cheeses, there are a few options available in the market in shreds and sliced form that can melt easily.
Can vegan cheese be eaten every day?
Yes, vegan cheese just like regular cheese can be eaten in moderation on a daily basis. However, it is recommended to avoid such options that are highly processed.
Are vegan cheese cruelty-free?
Yes, vegan cheese is deemed cruelty-free since it is made from plant-based ingredients and is not derived from animal-based products.
Is Feta cheese suitable for vegans?
No, Feta cheese is not ideal for vegan consumption since it is essentially made from sheep and goat’s milk, which makes it a non-vegan option.
What is considered the best vegan substitute for cheese?
Although there exist several vegan alternatives to cheese, the one that is considered the best is Nutritional Yeast.
Takeaway (Final Thoughts)
Vegan cheese has invariably made the lives of vegans easier and more delectable. While they might not appear to be the perfect copy of regular cheese, they still do their part and are equally luscious and creamy as the traditional ones, if not more.
If you keep on experimenting and finding new ways to use these alternatives in your cooking endeavors, you can enjoy the best out of them and revel in their taste for as long as you want.
So, the next time, you’re in the grocery aisle, grab any of the delicious substitutes and let these creamy magic hold your senses and dip you completely in their richness!
This article was a great introduction to vegan cheese! I learned that there are many different brands of vegan cheese available, and that some things to consider when choosing one include sodium levels, saturated fat content, protein and calcium levels. I’m interested in trying Follow Your Heart’s Parmesan-style grated cheese alternative based on the article’s recommendation. Thanks for the info!