What is the best vegan cheese at the grocery store?

The global vegan cheese market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, reflecting an increasing consumer demand for dairy-free alternatives. For many, the quest for a satisfying plant-based substitute that truly captures the flavor and texture of dairy cheese is a top priority, making the question of what is the best vegan cheese at the grocery store a common one.

Quick Summary

An in-depth review of top-rated vegan cheese brands available in grocery stores, assessing their performance based on use—from melting and snacking to sophisticated charcuterie.

Key Points

• Top for Melting: Violife mozzarella shreds and slices are consistently praised for their meltability on pizzas and grilled cheese sandwiches.

• Gourmet Choice: Miyoko's Creamery offers artisanal, cultured cashew cheeses perfect for charcuterie boards and special occasions.

• Best for Sandwiches: Chao Creamery slices, made with fermented tofu, provide a creamy texture and savory flavor that performs well both hot and cold.

• Nutrient-Fortified: Violife products are often fortified with Vitamin B12, a beneficial addition for those following a vegan diet.

• Allergen-Friendly & Accessible: Daiya's updated Oat Cream™ blend formulas offer a widely available, allergen-friendly option that melts better than previous recipes.

• Excellent Soft Cheeses: Kite Hill is a top choice for high-quality almond-based cream cheese and ricotta.

Navigating the Dairy-Free Aisle: How to Choose the Right Vegan Cheese

Finding a great vegan cheese is a highly personal journey, as taste, texture, and application preferences vary greatly. Today's market offers an impressive array of products, from creamy spreads to aged blocks, a significant improvement from the rubbery and flavorless options of the past. The best choice for you depends on what you plan to do with it. Factors to consider include the base ingredients (cashew, oat, coconut), meltability, and overall flavor profile, especially since some options are better hot while others excel when served cold.

Top Contenders for Best Vegan Cheese

Several brands consistently earn high marks from consumers and food critics for their quality and performance. These brands have invested heavily in research and development to improve their formulas, using innovative techniques like fermentation and proprietary blends to mimic the properties of dairy cheese.

• Violife: This Greek brand is a staple in the vegan community, known for its extensive range of products, including shreds, slices, and blocks. Its coconut-based formulations are celebrated for their impressive meltability, making them a go-to for pizzas, grilled cheeses, and sauces. The Epic Mature Cheddar block is often praised for its authentic flavor, suitable for cold eating or a cheeseboard. Violife's products are fortified with B12, a key nutrient for those on a vegan diet.

• Miyoko's Creamery: For those seeking a gourmet experience, Miyoko's is a leader in artisanal, cultured vegan cheeses. Using traditional creamery methods with a base of organic cashews, Miyoko's offers complex flavors and textures. The pourable liquid mozzarella is a game-changer for pizza, bubbling and browning like the real thing. Their aged cheese wheels and cream cheese are perfect for sophisticated cheese boards or entertaining.

• Chao Creamery (by Field Roast): Made with a coconut base and fermented tofu, Chao slices have a distinctly creamy texture and a savory, umami flavor that stands out. While they are excellent for cold sandwiches, they also melt well, becoming gooey and delicious on veggie burgers and quesadillas. Their unique flavor profile and dependable performance make them a favorite for many vegans and flexitarians.

• Daiya: A legacy brand that has dramatically improved its formulas over the years, Daiya is now a reliable choice, especially for its new oat-cream™ blend. Their reformulated shreds and slices melt significantly better than previous versions and are free from many common allergens. Daiya is widely accessible in most major grocery stores, making it a convenient option for many.

• Kite Hill: Known for their almond-based dairy alternatives, Kite Hill produces exceptional cream cheese and ricotta. Their cream cheese, available in plain and flavored varieties, offers a perfectly light and tangy schmear for bagels. The almond milk ricotta is praised for its texture and mild flavor, making it perfect for lasagna and other pasta dishes. Kite Hill focuses on wholesome, non-GMO ingredients.

Comparison of Popular Vegan Cheeses

To help you decide, here is a comparison of some popular options based on their typical use.

Brand	Base Ingredient	Best For Melting	Best For Cold/Snacking	Key Attributes
Violife	Coconut oil, starch	Excellent, smooth melt on pizza and grilled cheese.	Excellent, especially blocks and feta.	Widely available, fortified with B12, reliable.
Miyoko's Creamery	Cultured cashew milk, oat milk	Excellent, especially liquid mozzarella for pizza.	Excellent for cheese boards; complex, aged flavors.	Artisanal, gourmet, organic, premium ingredients.
Chao Creamery	Coconut oil, fermented tofu	Gooey and creamy melt for sandwiches and quesadillas.	Great creamy slices for cold sandwiches.	Unique umami flavor, smooth texture.
Daiya	Oat Cream™ blend	Good, reliable melt on nachos and pizza with new formula.	Decent, especially slices and sticks.	Very accessible, allergen-friendly, improved formula.
Kite Hill	Almond milk	Not applicable for most cheese styles; excellent for ricotta.	Excellent cream cheese and ricotta.	Clean ingredients, soft cheeses are a standout.
Follow Your Heart	Palm oil, starches	Great for shredding and melting in hot dishes.	Mild flavor, good texture for sandwiches.	Versatile shreds, melts well, also known for dressings.

Expert Tips for Using Vegan Cheese

• Understand Melting Differences: Vegan cheeses don't melt exactly like dairy cheese. Most are coconut oil or starch-based, which soften rather than truly melt and stretch. For best results, cook low and slow, or cover the pan to trap steam.
• Grate Your Own: Some experts recommend buying a block of vegan cheese, like Violife's Just Like Parmesan, and grating it yourself to achieve a better melt.
• Boost the Flavor: Nutritional yeast, or "nooch," is a popular addition for a cheesy, nutty flavor. For a tangy kick, look for cheeses made with fermented ingredients or use a bit of lemon juice in your recipes.
• Look for Fortified Options: Since dairy is a primary source of calcium and vitamin B12, choose vegan cheeses that are fortified with these nutrients to ensure you're meeting your daily requirements. Violife is a key brand known for this.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Choice

Determining what is the best vegan cheese at the grocery store ultimately depends on your specific needs. For reliable and accessible melting cheese for everyday dishes like pizza and grilled cheese, Violife shreds are a top contender. If you're hosting a dinner party and want gourmet, artisanal options for a charcuterie board, Miyoko's Creamery or Rebel Cheese offer cultured and aged wheels that impress. For creamy, spreadable alternatives for bagels or baking, Kite Hill and Miyoko's cream cheeses are excellent. Meanwhile, for those prioritizing allergen-friendly products and widespread availability, Daiya's updated formulas are a solid choice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brands and styles to find the ones that perfectly satisfy your cravings.

Authoritative Resource

For additional vegan product reviews and dietary information, visit the reputable World of Vegan website. World of Vegan offers a wealth of knowledge on plant-based living, including detailed comparisons and expert advice on a variety of products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vegan cheese is best for pizza?

For pizza, Miyoko's pourable liquid mozzarella is highly recommended as it bubbles and browns like dairy cheese. Violife mozzarella shreds are also a very popular and widely available choice that melts well.

What is the best melting vegan cheese for grilled cheese?

Violife and Chao Creamery slices are often cited as excellent options for gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. Both brands melt smoothly and offer a satisfying texture.

Are there any nut-free vegan cheese options?

Yes, many brands cater to nut allergies. Violife, Daiya, and Good Planet Foods offer several nut-free products. Always check the ingredients list, as some brands use coconut or soy as a base.

Which vegan cheese tastes most like real cheddar?

For a flavor that closely mimics dairy cheddar, Violife's Epic Mature Cheddar block is a standout. Daiya's slices with the new Oat Cream™ formula are also much improved and offer a distinctly cheesy taste.

What vegan cream cheese is best for bagels?

Kite Hill's almond-based cream cheese is a popular choice for bagels due to its light, tangy flavor and creamy consistency. Miyoko's cream cheese is another high-quality option.

Is vegan cheese healthier than regular cheese?

Many vegan cheeses are lower in fat and cholesterol, but they can still be high in saturated fat (often from coconut oil) and sodium. They also typically contain less protein and calcium unless fortified. Read nutrition labels to make the best choice for your dietary needs.

How can I improve the flavor of store-bought vegan cheese?

You can enhance the flavor by adding seasonings like nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty taste or a pinch of garlic or onion powder. For tanginess, a little lemon juice can help. Pairing the cheese with flavorful condiments like herbs or spicy jam can also help.