Taste and Texture: A Flavorful Experience
Good PLANeT vegan cheese is recognized for its satisfying and authentic flavor, appealing to both vegans and those who consume dairy. Varieties like the Smoked Gouda and Cheddar wheels are often highlighted for their authentic taste, while the Pepper Jack is noted for its good, moderately spicy flavor. The texture is also well-regarded, described as close to dairy cheese, with soft wedges, firm, sliceable blocks, and shreds that melt well without becoming sticky.
Meltability: A Key Factor for Vegan Cheese
Achieving a realistic melt is a key challenge for vegan cheeses, and Good PLANeT excels in this area. Their shreds and slices are known for melting impressively, providing a desirable gooey texture for various dishes. The olive oil-based products are particularly praised for their melt and lack of stickiness.
Ingredient Profile
Good PLANeT vegan cheeses feature a relatively simple ingredient list designed to be free from many common allergens, including dairy, nuts, soy, gluten, and eggs. Common ingredients across their product lines include filtered water, starch (potato and tapioca), vegetable proteins (chickpea or faba), natural vegan flavors, and sea salt. The base is either coconut oil or olive oil, depending on the product line.
Is Good PLANeT Cheese Healthy? A Balanced View
Good PLANeT vegan cheese can offer certain health advantages over dairy cheese, such as containing no cholesterol and sometimes having fewer calories and less fat. However, it is a processed food. Products made with coconut oil are high in saturated fat. The Center for Science in the Public Interest notes that newer olive oil-based versions have significantly less saturated fat. Unlike dairy, it's not a natural source of calcium unless fortified. As with most processed foods, moderation is advised.
Good PLANeT vs. Other Popular Vegan Cheeses
| Feature | Good PLANeT (Coconut Oil) | Good PLANeT (Olive Oil) | Miyoko's Kitchen | Daiya (Older) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Base | Coconut Oil, Starch, Proteins | Olive Oil, Starch, Faba Protein | Cultured Nuts (Cashews) | Tapioca Starch, Oils, Pea Protein |
| Melt Performance | Superior melt, great for grilled cheese | Excellent, gooey melt without sticking | Does not melt, better for boards | Melts reliably, but can have a sticky texture |
| Flavor Profile | Widely praised as authentic, especially wedges | Loved for taste, especially the feta and cheddar | Artisanal, complex, aged flavors | Can have a mild or sometimes slightly off aftertaste |
| Allergen Info | Top allergen-free (no dairy, nuts, soy) | Top allergen-free | Nut-based, contains cashews | Free of dairy, soy, gluten |
| Health Consideration | Processed, high in saturated fat | Processed, lower in saturated fat | Uses organic, raw ingredients, healthy fats | Highly processed with fillers |
| Best For... | Sandwiches, melting applications | Pizzas, crackers, charcuterie boards | Cheese boards, gourmet pairings | Nachos, dishes needing gooey melt |
Versatility in the Kitchen
Good PLANeT cheese is available in various formats, making it versatile for cooking and snacking. Slices and shreds are excellent for melting in sandwiches or on pizzas and pasta. Wedges, wheels, and blocks are suitable for cheese boards, snacking, or cubing for salads.
Conclusion: So, Is Good PLANeT Vegan Cheese Good?
Overall, Good PLANeT vegan cheese is generally considered a good and highly recommended option, particularly noted for its authentic taste, pleasing texture, and exceptional meltability. It's recognized as a market leader, appreciated by both vegan and non-vegan consumers. Being free from many major allergens is another significant plus. While it offers health benefits over dairy in some areas, the older coconut oil-based varieties are high in saturated fat. The newer olive oil options provide a lower-saturated-fat choice. For dairy-free individuals seeking a reliable and enjoyable cheese alternative, Good PLANeT is a strong contender.
For more in-depth reviews on specific Good PLANeT products, see this GOOD PLANet Foods Cheese Review.
