Understanding the Ingredients in Follow Your Heart Cheese
To determine if Follow Your Heart cheese is healthy, you must first look at its ingredients. While specific formulations vary by product type (e.g., slices vs. shreds), the core ingredients are generally consistent across many of their cheese alternatives. Most are built on a foundation of filtered water, coconut oil, and starches like modified potato and corn starch. Other common components include calcium citrate, sea salt, natural flavors, and plant-based coloring agents like beta-carotene.
Coconut oil is the main source of fat and is used to provide the creamy texture and solid structure of the cheese alternative. The use of starches, such as tapioca maltodextrin and modified food starch, is crucial for mimicking the melt and stretch of dairy cheese. Although the company uses sustainably sourced palm fruit oil in some of its products, coconut oil remains a primary component.
Nutritional Profile: Saturated Fat and Beyond
One of the most debated aspects of coconut oil-based vegan cheese is its saturated fat content. Coconut oil is predominantly made of saturated fat, particularly lauric acid, which can significantly increase levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. For context, a single slice of some Follow Your Heart American-style cheese contains 3.5g of saturated fat, representing a notable portion of the daily recommended intake. This means that while it avoids the saturated fat from animal sources, it introduces a different type that still warrants consideration for heart health.
On the plus side, like all vegan products, Follow Your Heart cheese is completely cholesterol-free. This is a major benefit for individuals on cholesterol-restricted diets. The sodium content can be moderate and varies by product, so checking the nutrition label is always recommended.
The Lack of Protein and Micronutrients
In contrast to dairy cheese, which is known for its high protein content, Follow Your Heart cheese offers little to no protein. A typical serving, such as a slice of American-style cheese, contains 0 grams of protein. For vegans relying on cheese alternatives, this necessitates sourcing protein from other food sources, such as nuts, legumes, or whole grains. This lack of protein is a significant distinction from dairy and highlights that not all plant-based alternatives are nutritionally equal.
Similarly, while some products are fortified with calcium, they generally lack other important micronutrients naturally found in dairy, like vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Therefore, if you replace dairy cheese with this alternative, it's vital to ensure these nutrients are obtained elsewhere in your diet, either through fortification or supplements.
Comparison: Follow Your Heart vs. Dairy Cheese vs. Nut-Based Vegan Cheese
To put the nutritional profile into perspective, here's a comparison table illustrating how a typical coconut oil-based Follow Your Heart product stacks up against dairy cheese and a higher-protein, nut-based vegan alternative.
| Feature | Follow Your Heart (Coconut Oil-Based) | Traditional Dairy Cheese (e.g., Cheddar) | Nut-Based Vegan Cheese (e.g., Cashew) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | High (from coconut oil) | High (from animal milk fat) | Lower |
| Protein | Very Low to None | High | Moderate to High |
| Cholesterol | Zero | Contains dietary cholesterol | Zero |
| Calcium | Often Fortified, Varies | High, Naturally Occurring | Varies, can be fortified or from nuts |
| Processing Level | Ultra-processed | Processed | Often Less Processed, Varies |
| Ingredients | Water, Coconut Oil, Starches | Milk, Cultures, Enzymes | Nuts, Water, Cultures, Spices |
A Processed Food to Be Consumed in Moderation
Given its ingredient list and manufacturing process, Follow Your Heart cheese, like many store-bought vegan alternatives, is an ultra-processed food. Relying on processed foods can have negative health effects, and this should be a primary consideration. While it serves a valuable purpose for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or those avoiding cholesterol, it should be treated as a discretionary item rather than a staple. The best approach is to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet that prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods. For individuals seeking a less processed option, homemade vegan cheeses from whole foods like nuts or a higher-quality, artisanal brand may be a better choice.
Conclusion
So, is Follow Your Heart cheese healthy? The answer is nuanced. On one hand, it's a cholesterol-free, lactose-free option that provides a satisfying cheesy experience for those on a plant-based diet. On the other hand, it is high in saturated fat and lacks the protein and micronutrients found naturally in dairy cheese. Its status as an ultra-processed food means it should not be considered a health food and is best enjoyed in moderation. Ultimately, how healthy it is for you depends on its role within your overall dietary pattern and your specific health goals. For a deeper look into dietary choices and overall health, you can research the potential health effects of ultra-processed foods. the potential health effects of ultra-processed foods
