Original Dairy-Based Laughing Cow vs. New Plant-Based Version
For a long time, the question "is The Laughing Cow cheese vegan?" had a simple answer: no. The classic creamy wedges, known for their smooth texture and individual packaging, were made with a blend of cheeses and milk products, including milk, cream, and whey, and contained animal enzymes. The traditional recipe, similar to a cheese fondue process, involves melting and blending real cheeses with other milk ingredients. However, in a move to embrace the growing plant-based market, the company introduced a new line of dairy-free, vegan alternatives.
The Rise of Plant-Based Wedges
The vegan wedges were introduced to U.S. stores in December 2022, offering a certified plant-based and dairy-free alternative to the original. Instead of cow's milk, these new triangles are made from a blend of ingredients designed to mimic the creamy texture and mild flavor of the classic cheese. They are certified by the Vegan Society and are an appealing option for those following a vegan diet or seeking to reduce their dairy consumption.
What's in the Vegan Wedges?
An examination of the ingredient list for the plant-based original wedges reveals the core components that create the dairy-free experience.
- Almondmilk: Forms the base of the spreadable cheese alternative, providing a foundation for the creamy texture.
- Coconut Oil & Sunflower Oil: Contribute to the rich, smooth consistency, replacing the fat from dairy milk and butter.
- Corn Starch & Modified Food Starch: Act as thickeners and stabilizers, ensuring the wedges hold their shape.
- Pea Protein: Adds a touch of protein and helps with texture.
- Tricalcium Phosphate: A calcium source added to fortify the product.
- Lactic Acid: Crucial for flavoring, creating the tangy finish reminiscent of dairy cheese. Importantly, the lactic acid used in the plant-based product is derived from plant sugars via fermentation, not from milk.
The Traditional vs. Vegan Laughing Cow: A Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Laughing Cow (Original) | Plant-Based Laughing Cow (Original) |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Content | Contains real cow's milk, cheese, and whey | 100% dairy-free, made with almond milk |
| Vegan Status | Not vegan | Certified Vegan and Plant-Based |
| Primary Ingredients | Real cow's milk, cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, etc.), whey, butter, emulsifying salts | Almond milk, coconut oil, sunflower oil, corn starch, pea protein |
| Key Flavor Component | Blend of cheeses, citric acid | Natural flavors, salt, plant-based lactic acid |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, and spreadable, a product of melting dairy cheese | Smooth, creamy, and spreadable, engineered with plant-based ingredients |
| Availability | Widely available globally | Growing distribution, available at major retailers and health food stores |
Vegan Alternatives to Laughing Cow
For those who can't find the plant-based Laughing Cow or want to explore other vegan spreadable cheese options, the market is full of delicious alternatives. These products offer a variety of flavors and textures, often based on nuts or other plant ingredients.
- Kite Hill Soft Spreadable Cheese: Known for its rich, tangy flavor, Kite Hill offers almond-based cream cheese style spreads in a variety of flavors, including chive and garden veggie.
- Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Cheese Spreads: Made from organic cashews, Miyoko's offers a range of artisan cheese products, with spreads that replicate the texture and complex flavors of dairy-based options.
- Treeline Treenut Cheeses: These spreads and wheels are made from cultured cashews, offering distinct flavors and a smooth, creamy finish perfect for crackers or a cheese board.
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers & Cheese Dip: While not a spreadable wedge, Simple Mills offers a delicious almond flour-based cheese dip, often found in the snack aisle, that provides a similar creamy, savory snack experience.
The Truth About Lactic Acid in Vegan Products
A common point of confusion for many consumers is the ingredient "lactic acid". The word "lac" comes from the Latin word for milk, but in commercial food production, lactic acid is overwhelmingly made via the fermentation of plant-based sugars, such as cornstarch or beet sugar. It is used as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and stabilizing agent. When it appears in a product certified as vegan, you can be confident that its source is plant-based and not derived from milk. Manufacturers of commercial lactic acid, including large-scale suppliers like Cargill, often use plant-based sources.
Conclusion: Look for the Certified Vegan Label
The definitive answer to "is The Laughing Cow cheese vegan?" is that while the traditional product is not, there is now a certified plant-based version available. Consumers must be careful to distinguish between the two by checking the packaging. The vegan-friendly option is clearly labeled and made with almond milk and other plant-based ingredients. This development highlights the broader shift in the food industry towards offering more inclusive options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. For more details on the company's plant-based initiatives, you can visit the official Bel Brands website.
- Bel Brands: https://www.belbrandsusa.com/our-brands
How to Identify Vegan Laughing Cow Wedges
To ensure you are purchasing the vegan variety, look for a few key indicators on the packaging:
- "Plant-Based" or "Dairy-Free" labeling: These are often prominently displayed on the box.
- Certified Vegan logo: Many regions feature an official vegan certification logo, like the Vegan Society Approved label seen in the UK.
- Ingredient list: Always check the ingredient list to confirm the presence of almond milk and the absence of dairy products like milk, whey, or casein.
By following these simple steps, you can confidently enjoy a plant-based version of this classic snack.
