Taste and Texture: A Creamy but Mild Experience
Earth's Own cream cheese has gained a loyal following for its impressively creamy texture, which is achieved through a unique base of butter beans and oats. Many reviewers praise its smoothness and easy spreadability, noting it works wonderfully on bagels, toast, and crackers. The product's consistency is often described as thick and whipped-like, which appeals to many dairy-free consumers seeking a familiar feel.
However, the consensus on taste is more mixed. While the brand describes the flavor as “cheesy,” many find it quite mild and neutral, lacking the distinctive tang of traditional dairy cream cheese. This can be a positive for some, especially when using it as a blank canvas for toppings or in recipes. But for those hoping for a direct replica of the classic cream cheese flavor, the mildness might be a letdown, with some describing it as subtle or slightly lacking. One reviewer on a vegan community forum noted it's "not a good cream cheese alternative for your plain bagel" if you want a bold flavor, recommending it more for recipes.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
One of the standout features of Earth's Own cream cheese is its ingredient list, which is often seen as a cleaner, less-processed option compared to some competitors. The primary components are a plant base of water, butter beans, and oats, along with coconut oil, natural flavors, and agave syrup. It uses konjac root powder as a natural thickener to achieve its desired creamy texture, and contains no soy or gluten.
For those with dietary restrictions, the soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free formula is a significant advantage over other common vegan alternatives that rely on cashew or almond bases. From a nutritional perspective, it contains 50 calories, 4g of fat, and 1g of protein per 2 tbsp serving, along with 1g of fiber. While low in fat and calories, some note its overall nutritional value is relatively low.
Earth's Own vs. Other Popular Vegan Cream Cheeses
To truly understand if Earth's Own is the best choice for you, it's helpful to see how it stacks up against the competition. Here's a comparison table highlighting key differences with two other popular brands, Kite Hill and Violife.
| Feature | Earth's Own | Kite Hill | Violife |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient Base | Butter beans & oats | Almond milk | Coconut oil & potato starch |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, neutral, slightly sweet | Tangy, cultured, distinctively "cheesy" | Mild, hint of coconut oil, creamy |
| Texture | Very creamy, smooth, soft | Softer, less dense, can separate | Very thick, dense, can get buttery when warm |
| Best For | Spreading, dips, baking where mild flavor is needed | Bagels, dips, savory applications | Spreading, recipes where thickness is desired |
| Allergen Info | Nut-free, Soy-free, Gluten-free | Contains tree nuts (almonds) | Coconut oil (some contain soy) |
Best Uses for Earth's Own Cream Cheese
Due to its mild flavor and super smooth texture, Earth's Own excels in certain applications.
- Perfect for Plain Bagels? For those who prefer a subtler flavor, it's a solid choice for a plain bagel. For a tangier taste, some reviewers recommend adding lemon juice or seasonings.
- A Versatile Base: Its neutral flavor makes it an ideal base for mixing in your own flavorings. Try stirring in minced chives and garlic for a savory spread or adding some jam for a sweet twist.
- Dips and Sauces: The creamy consistency blends beautifully into dips and sauces, providing richness without overpowering other ingredients. It works well in everything from vegan spinach dip to creamy pasta sauces.
- Baking and Frosting: While some vegan alternatives can be finicky in baking, Earth's Own's stable, thick texture makes it suitable for cheesecakes, cream cheese frosting, and other baked goods.
Conclusion: So, Is Earth's Own Cream Cheese Good?
The answer to "is Earth's Own cream cheese good?" is a definitive "yes" for many, especially for those prioritizing a clean, allergy-friendly ingredient list and a creamy texture. Its smooth, spreadable consistency is consistently praised, and its mild flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient for a variety of sweet and savory applications. However, if a strong, tangy cream cheese flavor is your top priority, you might find it a bit too subtle for eating plain on a bagel. It is an excellent, reliable product that holds its own in the competitive vegan cream cheese market, particularly for its texture and commitment to clean ingredients.
For more information on the product, you can visit the official Earth's Own product page here.
The Verdict
- Creamy Texture: Many praise the butter bean and oat-based creaminess and smooth, easy-to-spread texture.
- Mild Flavor: The taste is neutral and subtle, lacking the sharp tang of traditional dairy cream cheese, which is a pro for some and a con for others.
- Allergy-Friendly: It's a great option for those with soy or nut allergies, as it is made from butter beans and oats.
- Versatile for Recipes: The mild flavor makes it an excellent base for dips, sauces, and baking applications.
- Competitor Comparison: While it excels in texture, other brands like Kite Hill offer a more distinct and tangy cultured flavor.
