What is vegan cheese made of?
Unlike traditional cheese, which is derived from animal milk, vegan cheese is crafted entirely from plant-based sources. The manufacturing process involves using plant-based proteins and fats, often combined with thickeners and flavorings to replicate the familiar characteristics of dairy cheese.
Common base ingredients for vegan cheese include:
- Nuts: Cashews, almonds, and macadamia nuts are frequently used, especially for creamy or aged artisanal varieties.
- Soy: Tofu and soy milk provide a base for many early and current vegan cheese products. Fermented tofu has a long history as a cheese-like condiment in Asian cuisine.
- Oils: Coconut oil is a key ingredient in many commercially produced vegan cheeses, contributing to a rich, creamy texture and improved meltability.
- Starches: Tapioca, potato, and pea starches act as thickening agents, helping to create different textures, including the desired 'stretch' in some mozzarella styles.
- Flavoring Agents: Nutritional yeast is a staple ingredient that provides a nutty, savory, and 'cheesy' flavor profile. Other ingredients like lactic acid (plant-derived), herbs, and spices are used to enhance flavor complexity.
The cheesemaking process: Vegan vs. Dairy
While the basic principles of cheesemaking involve fermenting proteins and fats, the execution differs significantly between dairy and vegan versions. Dairy cheese relies on casein, a milk protein, to form a stable structure. When heated, the bonds in casein break, causing the cheese to melt and stretch. Plant-based proteins, on the other hand, do not naturally behave this way. Vegan cheesemakers use specific blends of gums, starches, and fats to achieve a similar mouthfeel and melt. Modern techniques and improved recipes have dramatically enhanced the flavor and texture of vegan cheeses over time.
Types of vegan cheese available today
The vegan cheese market has exploded with variety, moving far beyond early, often-criticized versions. Today, you can find a plant-based alternative for almost any dairy cheese type. Here are some popular options:
- Shreds: Perfect for melting on pizza, pasta, or casseroles. Popular brands like Violife and Daiya offer mozzarella, cheddar, and Mexican-style shreds that melt well.
- Slices: Great for sandwiches, burgers, or grilled cheese. Brands such as Field Roast Chao and Violife produce slices that offer excellent meltability and flavor.
- Blocks: Versatile for slicing, grating, or cubing. Blocks of cheddar, smoked gouda, and other aged varieties are available from brands like Violife and Miyoko's Creamery.
- Spreads and Cream Cheese: Ideal for bagels, crackers, and dips. Options from Kite Hill (almond-based) and Miyoko's (cashew-based) offer a tangy, creamy experience.
- Artisanal Cheeses: For the connoisseur, aged and cultured cashew-based cheeses from brands like Miyoko's Creamery and Treeline replicate the complexity of brie, blue cheese, and other gourmet varieties.
Nutritional comparison: Vegan vs. Dairy cheese
When considering nutrition, it's important to read the labels of both vegan and dairy cheeses, as nutritional values can vary significantly. Some vegan cheeses can be highly processed and high in fat and sodium, while others are made from more whole-food ingredients.
| Nutrient | Dairy Cheese (e.g., Cheddar) | Vegan Cheese (e.g., Nut/Starch-based) |
|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol | Contains cholesterol. | Cholesterol-free. |
| Saturated Fat | High content. | Can be high, especially if based on coconut oil, but varies widely. |
| Protein | Excellent source. | Lower than dairy; depends on base ingredients like nuts or soy. |
| Calcium | Rich, natural source. | Usually fortified to provide comparable amounts, but absorption may differ. |
| Vitamin B12 | Natural source. | Not naturally present; often fortified. |
| Sodium | Can be high, depending on the type and brand. | Can also be high; varies by brand and type. |
| Fiber | No fiber. | Some varieties, especially nut-based, contain dietary fiber. |
How to choose the best vegan cheese
With so many options, choosing the right vegan cheese can depend on what you're using it for and your nutritional goals. Here are some tips:
- For Melting: If you're making pizza or grilled cheese, opt for versions that are specifically formulated to melt, such as those from Violife or Field Roast Chao. Grating block cheese thinly can also improve melting.
- For Flavor and Texture: For a charcuterie board or snacking, fermented cashew-based cheeses (like Miyoko's) and aged blocks offer a more complex flavor and realistic texture.
- For Health: Look for options made with a base of nuts or seeds, as they tend to be less processed and can offer more protein and fiber than starch or oil-based versions. Always check the saturated fat and sodium content, as these can be high.
- Consider Allergies: Be mindful of common allergens. While dairy-free, many vegan cheeses contain nuts (cashew, almond) or soy. Some may also use thickeners like starches or gums.
Making your own vegan cheese at home
For those who prefer to have complete control over ingredients and processing, making vegan cheese at home is a rewarding option. Basic recipes often involve soaking nuts (usually cashews) to soften them, then blending them with other ingredients to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.
Ingredients for homemade cheese can include:
- Soaked cashews or sunflower seeds
- Nutritional yeast
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for tang
- Coconut oil for setting
- Tapioca starch or agar-agar for gelling and firmness
- Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
By adjusting the amount of gelling agent, you can create different textures, from a creamy spread to a firm, sliceable block.
Conclusion
For anyone following a vegan diet, the good news is that the days of limited and unappealing dairy-free cheese are long gone. The modern market offers an impressive variety of high-quality vegan cheeses that can satisfy virtually any craving, from a creamy spread on a bagel to a melty topping on a pizza. Whether you choose to explore the many fantastic store-bought brands or experiment with making your own at home, there are plenty of delicious ways to incorporate cheese into a plant-based diet. A little research into ingredients and brands can go a long way toward finding your new favorite dairy-free delight, proving that vegans do not have to miss out on the joys of cheese.
Vegan.com offers a comprehensive list of vegan cheese brands and options. This resource can be helpful for exploring the wide range of products available.
