Navigating the Plant-Based Cheese Aisle
The perception of vegan cheese has evolved dramatically. Early products often struggled to replicate the complex flavor and texture of dairy cheese, but modern advancements in ingredients and fermentation have led to a new generation of delicious alternatives. Today, the market is rich with options that cater to every need, from a gooey grilled cheese to a sophisticated cheeseboard. This guide helps you navigate the options by focusing on specific cheese types and brands, evaluating what makes each one stand out.
The Best Vegan Cheeses by Type
The Ultimate Melting Mozzarella
For pizza and lasagna, meltability is key. Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella is a standout, praised for its authentic flavor and impressive melt. Made from a cashew base, it softens beautifully and gets a pleasant bubbly texture. Another strong contender is Violife's Just Like Mozzarella Shreds, which are widely available and deliver a reliable melt and mild flavor. A good meltable cheese is often rich in coconut oil, which mimics the fat content of dairy cheese and helps it stretch and brown properly. Home cooks can also create their own stretchy mozzarella using ingredients like cashews, tapioca starch, and nutritional yeast.
The Sharp and Savory Cheddar
Cheddar is a staple, and several vegan brands now offer excellent alternatives. Field Roast Chao Creamy Original Slices are a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers, known for their creamy texture and balanced, slightly sweet flavor. Daiya's Cheddar Style Slices, following a reformulation, have won taste tests for their strong, cheesy flavor. For a more artisan feel, aged cashew-based cheddars, such as those from Kashew or Mouse's Favourite, provide a deeper, tangy flavor developed through fermentation.
The Tangy Feta
Vegan feta alternatives have improved significantly, capturing the characteristic salty tang. Violife's Just Like Feta is a widely available and highly-regarded option, praised for its briny, salty profile that crumbles like the real thing. Brands like I Am Nut OK also offer high-quality, artisan-style feta alternatives, often with added herbs for more complex flavor. These products are perfect for salads, wraps, and Mediterranean dishes.
The Creamy Dream Cream Cheese
For bagels and frosting, a smooth and tangy cream cheese is a must. Kite Hill's Original Almond Milk Cream Cheese Spread is known for its mild flavor and pleasant texture. For a more traditional, tangy experience, Tofutti's Better Than Cream Cheese has been a long-standing favorite for its uncanny resemblance to dairy cream cheese. Its tofu base makes it a reliable and classic option for baking and spreading.
Vegan Cheese Comparison Table
| Brand | Cheese Type | Base | Flavor Profile | Meltability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miyoko's | Fresh Mozzarella | Cashew | Mild, authentic, creamy | High | Pizza, Caprese Salad |
| Field Roast Chao | Cheddar Slices | Tofu/Coconut Oil | Creamy, mild, savory | High | Sandwiches, Quesadillas |
| Violife | Just Like Feta | Coconut Oil | Briny, salty, tangy | Low (Crumbles) | Salads, Greek Dishes |
| Kite Hill | Cream Cheese | Almond Milk | Mild, tangy, smooth | N/A | Bagels, Spreads, Frosting |
| Daiya (Reformulated) | Cheddar Slices | Coconut/Potato Starch | Strong cheddar, cheesy | Medium | Grilled Cheese |
| Kashew | Classic Aged | Cashew | Creamy, tangy, aged | Low | Cheeseboards, Crackers |
Factors Influencing Taste and Texture
Several factors contribute to the taste and texture of vegan cheese, which can vary more widely than dairy cheese due to the different base ingredients.
- Base Ingredients: The main ingredient, whether it's nuts, soy, or coconut oil, dictates much of the texture and flavor. Cashews produce a creamy, rich product, while coconut oil enhances meltability. Soy can create a more firm, block-like cheese like tofu.
- Fermentation: High-quality vegan cheeses, particularly artisan varieties, use bacterial cultures to ferment the plant-based milk. This process develops the complex, tangy, and savory flavors that are characteristic of aged dairy cheese.
- Additives: Thickeners like tapioca starch, agar, and carrageenan are often used to create a cheese-like texture and melt. Nutritional yeast is a common addition to impart a cheesy, savory flavor.
How to Choose Your Perfect Vegan Cheese
Choosing the best vegan cheese depends on your intended use. For melting, look for brands that prominently feature coconut oil and starches. For a cheeseboard, seek out fermented, nut-based artisan brands. If you are concerned about allergens, many brands now offer soy-free or nut-free alternatives. Tasting different varieties is the best way to discover your preference. Start with highly-rated, widely available options like Miyoko's or Field Roast to get a feel for modern vegan cheese quality before exploring smaller, more specialized brands.
Conclusion: The Journey to Finding Your Favorite
The vegan cheese landscape has grown beyond simple novelty items into a world of diverse and delicious options. The answer to "Which vegan cheese tastes the best?" is subjective and depends on what you're looking for. By considering the base ingredients, brand reputation, and intended application, you can find a product that perfectly suits your palate. The options are better than ever, making it a great time to be a vegan cheese lover. To learn more about the latest innovations in the plant-based food world, check out Vegan Food & Living, a great resource for reviews and recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegan cheese healthier than dairy cheese?
Vegan cheese can be a healthier alternative, depending on the ingredients. Many are lower in saturated fat and calories but can also be highly processed. Always check the nutritional information and ingredients list to make an informed choice.
What is the best vegan cheese for pizza?
Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella is often cited as the best for pizza due to its excellent meltability and authentic, creamy flavor.
Why does some vegan cheese not melt well?
Some vegan cheeses, particularly aged, nut-based varieties, are not formulated to melt like dairy cheese. Meltability is often dependent on the presence of coconut oil and certain starches.
What are common ingredients in vegan cheese?
Common ingredients include nut milks (cashew, almond), soy, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and seasonings.
How can I improve the flavor of store-bought vegan cheese?
You can enhance the flavor by pairing it with savory elements like herbs, roasted garlic, or a tangy chutney. Fermented, artisan brands tend to have the most complex flavors.
Can I make my own vegan cheese at home?
Yes, many recipes are available for making vegan cheese at home using nuts, seeds, and various thickeners like tapioca starch.
Are there any allergen-free vegan cheeses?
Yes, some brands like Daiya offer products free of common allergens like soy, nuts, and gluten, though always check the label.
