Is there a non-dairy substitute for parmesan cheese?: Your Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 20% of Americans are now choosing to follow a diet with less or no dairy, leading to a surge in demand for quality non-dairy substitutes for traditional ingredients like parmesan cheese. Whether for dietary restrictions, ethical reasons, or health benefits, finding a suitable plant-based alternative that mimics the nutty, salty flavor of parmesan is now easier than ever. This guide will explore the best homemade and store-bought options to satisfy your craving without the dairy.

Quick Summary

This article explores a variety of non-dairy parmesan substitutes, covering quick homemade recipes using cashews and nutritional yeast, popular store-bought brands, and their nutritional comparisons to traditional parmesan. It also offers advice on using these alternatives for various dishes.

Key Points

Nutritional Yeast is Key: This flaky, yellow seasoning provides the signature cheesy, savory, umami flavor necessary for convincing parmesan alternatives.
Homemade with Nuts or Seeds: Simple recipes combine nutritional yeast with cashews, almonds, or seeds like sunflower or hemp hearts to achieve a crumbly, grated texture.
Store-Bought Options for Convenience: Pre-made vegan parmesan is available in various forms, including grated, shredded, and wedges, from brands like Follow Your Heart and Violife.
Melting Capability Varies: While homemade alternatives don't melt, certain store-bought products like Daiya shreds are formulated to melt and are best for specific baked dishes.
Nutritional Benefits: Fortified nutritional yeast provides essential B vitamins, including B12, and is a complete protein source, offering a healthier profile than traditional dairy parmesan.
Versatile in the Kitchen: Non-dairy parmesan can be used in a wide range of recipes, from sprinkling on pasta and salads to adding to pestos and sauces.

Finding a delicious and convincing substitute for parmesan cheese has become a culinary quest for many following a plant-based or dairy-free lifestyle. Fortunately, the market is now rich with options, and with a few simple ingredients, you can even create your own version at home. From flaky sprinkles to meltable shreds, the choices offer savory, cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Homemade Non-Dairy Parmesan Options

For those who prefer a hands-on approach and control over their ingredients, homemade non-dairy parmesan is a quick and simple solution. These alternatives are typically made with a base of nuts or seeds combined with savory seasonings.

The Nutritional Yeast and Nut Combo

One of the most popular and effective methods for creating a dairy-free parmesan involves using nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor. This deactivated yeast is often blended with raw nuts to replicate the salty, nutty flavor and dry, crumbly texture of grated parmesan. Raw cashews or blanched almonds work particularly well due to their neutral flavor and creamy texture when ground.

To make a basic version, you will need:

Raw Cashews or Blanched Almonds: 1 cup
Nutritional Yeast: 4 tablespoons
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon

Simply combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until it reaches a fine, crumbly texture. Be careful not to over-process, or you will end up with a paste. The resulting mixture can be sprinkled over pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables.

Nut-Free Alternatives

For individuals with nut allergies, several effective substitutes exist. Raw sunflower seeds or hemp hearts can be used as a base instead of cashews or almonds. These provide a similar texture and a rich, nutty flavor, which can be enhanced with nutritional yeast and seasonings. You may need to increase the salt slightly when using seeds, as their flavor can be more pronounced.

Store-Bought Vegan Parmesan Cheeses

As the vegan market has expanded, so have the number of readily available store-bought non-dairy parmesan options. These products offer convenience and consistency, and some are even designed to melt like traditional cheese.

Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge: This product comes in a solid block that can be grated or shaved, making it a good choice for presentation.
Follow Your Heart Grated Dairy-Free Parmesan-Style: A convenient grated product that works well for sprinkling over finished dishes.
Daiya Dairy-Free Parmesan Shreds: Made to melt, these shreds are ideal for dishes where you want a creamy, cheesy texture, such as chicken or eggplant parmesan.
Nooch It! Cashew Grated Cheeze: A shelf-stable, cashew-based parmesan alternative that is often found in health food stores.

How Non-Dairy Parmesan Substitutes Compare

When choosing a non-dairy parmesan, it's helpful to consider the ingredients, flavor, and intended use. The table below provides a quick comparison of the most common substitutes.


Substitute	Key Ingredients	Flavor Profile	Best Uses	Melting Properties
Homemade Nut-Based	Cashews or almonds, nutritional yeast, seasonings	Nutty, salty, umami	Topping for pasta, salads, pizza; added to pesto	Does not melt; holds a dry, crumbly texture
Nutritional Yeast Flakes	Deactivated yeast	Cheesy, savory, umami	Sprinkled on popcorn, stirred into soups and stews	Does not melt; dissolves to thicken sauces
Store-Bought Wedge (Violife)	Filtered water, potato & rice starch, coconut oil, flavorings	Mild, savory, slightly tangy	Grating over dishes, cheese boards	Designed to melt, grate, and shave like real cheese
Store-Bought Shreds (Daiya)	Filtered water, tapioca starch, coconut oil, flavorings	Salty, mild cheese flavor	Layered in baked dishes, melting on pizza	Melts well and provides a soft, gooey texture

Nutrition Facts: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy

From a nutritional standpoint, non-dairy parmesan alternatives offer distinct advantages, particularly for heart health and specific nutrient intake.

Compared to traditional dairy parmesan, vegan alternatives typically contain:

Less Saturated Fat: Plant-based substitutes, especially those using nutritional yeast and nuts, are often lower in saturated fat and completely free of cholesterol.
High in B Vitamins: Nutritional yeast is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with B vitamins. Fortified varieties are an excellent source of Vitamin B12, a nutrient vital for energy metabolism and nerve function that is often supplemented in vegan diets.
Complete Protein: When fortified, nutritional yeast provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.

How to Use Non-Dairy Parmesan in Your Cooking

The versatility of non-dairy parmesan means you can use it in many of the same ways as its dairy counterpart. Here are some ideas:

Pasta and Sauces: Sprinkle grated homemade or store-bought parmesan over spaghetti, lasagna, or mac and cheese for a cheesy finish. For creamier sauces, nutritional yeast can be incorporated directly into the recipe.
Pizza Topping: Use a meltable shredded version on top of your homemade pizza or sprinkle a dry, nutty parmesan blend over the finished pie.
Pesto: For a dairy-free pesto, simply swap out the parmesan for an equal amount of nutritional yeast. Some recipes also suggest using miso for a deeper umami flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables with a generous sprinkle of your favorite non-dairy parmesan for a savory boost.
Popcorn and Snacks: Nutritional yeast flakes are a classic vegan topping for popcorn, offering a cheesy, savory flavor.

Conclusion: Finding Your Favorite Dairy-Free Alternative

The modern kitchen has no shortage of delicious and healthy non-dairy parmesan substitutes. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a homemade recipe or the convenience of a store-bought brand, there are flavorful options for every application and dietary need. The rise of these alternatives is a testament to the fact that you can enjoy rich, satisfying food without relying on dairy, and with the added bonus of nutrients like B vitamins. With a little experimentation, you can easily find your perfect plant-based parmesan and elevate your favorite dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutritional yeast is a great flavoring agent that provides a cheesy, savory flavor, but it is not a complete substitute on its own. While it can mimic parmesan's umami notes when used as a sprinkle, it lacks the creamy mouthfeel and texture. Blending it with nuts like cashews or almonds more closely replicates the grated texture of parmesan.

No, most homemade non-dairy parmesan substitutes made from nuts and nutritional yeast will not melt like dairy cheese. They retain a dry, crumbly texture. For a meltable substitute, it is best to use a store-bought vegan parmesan that has been specifically formulated to melt, such as shreds from brands like Daiya.

From a nutritional perspective, many vegan parmesan alternatives offer health benefits over dairy parmesan. They are often lower in saturated fat and contain no cholesterol. Fortified nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B vitamins, including B12, which dairy parmesan does not provide in high amounts.

If you have a nut allergy, you can make a homemade parmesan substitute by replacing nuts like cashews or almonds with raw sunflower seeds or hemp hearts. When blended with nutritional yeast and seasonings, these seeds create a similar texture and flavor.

Homemade non-dairy parmesan should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It can typically last for several weeks to a month. For longer storage, it can also be frozen.

Nutritional yeast, often called "nooch," can be found in most health food stores, online retailers, and the health or bulk food section of many major grocery stores.

No, nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, meaning it cannot cause things to rise. It is grown and heat-treated specifically for its cheesy flavor and nutritional value. Baker's yeast, on the other hand, is an active yeast used to leaven bread and other baked goods.