Does vegan cheese contain coconut oil?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

While no universal recipe exists, many popular, supermarket dairy-free cheeses list coconut oil as a primary ingredient. For those with dietary concerns, this fact immediately raises the question: does vegan cheese contain coconut oil, and what does it mean for your health?

Quick Summary

The inclusion of coconut oil varies across vegan cheeses, with many brands using it for texture and meltability, though options made from nuts, soy, or starches are also widely available. Consumers can find suitable choices by reviewing the ingredient list.

Key Points

Coconut oil is common: Many popular store-bought vegan cheeses contain coconut oil for its ability to mimic dairy's texture and meltability.
Not all contain coconut oil: Artisan and homemade vegan cheeses frequently use alternative bases like cashews, almonds, and soy.
Check the ingredients list: The most reliable way to know if a vegan cheese contains coconut oil is to check the product's ingredients label.
High saturated fat content: Coconut oil is very high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol, making some vegan cheeses a less healthy option than perceived.
Nut-based alternatives exist: Cashew-based cheeses are a popular alternative, often providing more protein and complex flavors with lower saturated fat.
Homemade is an option: For complete control over ingredients, making vegan cheese at home from nuts or seeds is a viable and often healthier choice.

The Role of Coconut Oil in Mainstream Vegan Cheeses

For many who are new to plant-based eating, the question "Does vegan cheese contain coconut oil?" is a critical one. The simple answer is that many mass-market vegan cheeses do contain coconut oil, but it is not a universal ingredient across all brands and types. Manufacturers often use it to replicate the fatty, creamy mouthfeel and melting properties of traditional dairy cheese. The reason is rooted in chemistry: coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts when heated, mimicking the behavior of dairy fat. This makes it a popular choice for shreddable and meltable varieties designed for pizza and grilled sandwiches.

Nutritional Considerations of Coconut Oil-Based Cheeses

The use of coconut oil, while functional, comes with nutritional implications. Coconut oil is almost entirely saturated fat, with a composition that includes lauric acid, which can significantly raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels. A study analyzing non-dairy cheese alternatives found that nearly 60% had high levels of saturated fat. This means that for individuals managing heart health, not all vegan cheeses are created equal. These ultra-processed vegan products often have lower protein content than their dairy counterparts, relying on starch and oil rather than nutrient-dense bases. A modest serving can contribute a significant portion of a person's recommended daily allowance for saturated fat. Therefore, consumers should treat these products as an occasional treat rather than a healthy staple.

Alternatives to Coconut Oil in Vegan Cheese

Thankfully, the vegan cheese market has expanded to offer numerous alternatives that do not rely on coconut oil. These products cater to consumers seeking lower saturated fat content, unique flavor profiles, or simply a different textural experience. Artisan and homemade vegan cheeses, in particular, often use wholesome, nut-based ingredients for their creamy consistency.

Common Coconut Oil-Free Vegan Cheese Bases

Cashews: A popular base for creamy, decadent, and fermented artisan cheeses. Many brands and DIY recipes use cashews for everything from soft cheese spreads to aged blocks.
Almonds: Used for ricotta-style or crumbly cheeses, almonds offer a milder flavor profile than cashews.
Soy (Tofu/Soy Milk): Soy-based cheeses, especially ricotta or feta alternatives, are often lower in fat and higher in protein than oil-based versions.
Sunflower Seeds: A great option for nut-free vegan cheeses, sunflower seeds can produce a sharp cheddar-style cheese when combined with other ingredients.
Root Vegetables and Starches: Some recipes combine ingredients like potatoes, tapioca, and nutritional yeast to create sauces or soft, meltable cheeses.

Comparing Coconut Oil-Based vs. Nut-Based Vegan Cheese

To make an informed choice, it helps to understand the key differences between these two common types of vegan cheese. The right option for you depends on your culinary goals and nutritional needs.


Feature	Coconut Oil-Based Vegan Cheese	Nut-Based (e.g., Cashew) Vegan Cheese
Primary Function	Excellent meltability and slicing; mimics mainstream dairy cheese texture.	Offers deeper flavor, creamier texture, and fermentation complexity.
Saturated Fat	Often very high due to coconut oil's composition.	Generally lower in saturated fat, but still can be high depending on preparation.
Protein Content	Typically low, as the primary ingredients are oil and starch.	Can be a good source of plant-based protein.
Key Ingredients	Coconut oil, water, starches (tapioca, potato), flavorings.	Cashews, water, cultures, nutritional yeast, seasonings.
Use Cases	Great for melting on pizza, quesadillas, and grilled cheese.	Best for cheese boards, spreads, and sauces; can be aged.
Processing Level	Often highly processed with added thickeners and flavors.	Often more minimally processed, especially artisan or homemade versions.

How to Choose a Coconut Oil-Free Vegan Cheese

Selecting a vegan cheese that aligns with your preferences is simple with a few key strategies. First, and most importantly, always check the ingredient list. The primary ingredients will be listed first and will quickly tell you if coconut oil is the base. Look for products listing nuts, seeds, or soy as the first ingredient. Next, consider artisan or boutique brands, which often focus on whole-food ingredients and unique fermenting processes rather than relying on oils for texture. Some brands even specialize in coconut oil-free products specifically for those with dietary restrictions or health goals. Finally, for the most control over ingredients, you can make your own! There are countless recipes available for homemade cheeses using cashews, almonds, and other healthy bases, allowing you to completely avoid coconut oil and other additives. For more insights on healthier dietary choices, consider consulting a comprehensive nutritional guide, such as those available on reputable health websites like the NIH(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8952881/).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while many mainstream vegan cheeses rely heavily on coconut oil for texture, it is a misconception that all vegan cheeses contain it. A wide range of high-quality, flavorful alternatives made from nuts, seeds, and soy exists for consumers seeking different nutritional profiles or taste experiences. By reading ingredient labels and exploring the vast market of plant-based cheeses, you can easily find delicious options that meet your specific dietary needs and preferences without relying on coconut oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manufacturers primarily use coconut oil because its solid-at-room-temperature properties mimic the fat content of dairy cheese, allowing the product to firm up and melt in a similar way.

Not necessarily. While vegan cheese contains no dietary cholesterol, many coconut oil-based varieties are still very high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels, similar to dairy cheese.

The most effective method is to read the product's ingredient label. Look for cheese alternatives that list cashews, almonds, soy, or sunflower seeds as a primary ingredient instead of coconut oil.

Alternatives to coconut oil include nuts like cashews and almonds, seeds such as sunflower seeds, soy products like tofu, and other plant-based fats or oils like olive oil.

No, not all vegan cheese brands use coconut oil. Many artisan brands and home recipes use whole food ingredients like cashews, almonds, or soy, providing a range of textures and flavors without relying on it.

Yes, some vegan cheese recipes and products achieve meltability using other ingredients like tapioca starch, potato starch, or kappa carrageenan in combination with nut or soy bases.

Homemade vegan cheeses are an excellent alternative, offering complete control over ingredients. Recipes often feature healthier bases like cashews, almonds, or sunflower seeds and allow you to avoid coconut oil entirely.