Understanding Nutrition: What Cheese Isn't Considered Dairy?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

For those with dairy allergies or following a vegan diet, navigating the cheese aisle can be confusing, but the good news is that many flavorful alternatives exist. The simple and definitive answer to the question, 'What cheese isn't considered dairy?' is vegan cheese, a plant-based product made entirely without animal milk. These products offer a range of tastes and textures, from creamy spreads to hard, sliceable blocks.

Quick Summary

This article explains that vegan and plant-based cheese are the non-dairy alternatives made from ingredients like nuts, soy, and starches. It details how they are crafted and compares their nutritional profile to traditional cheese. The piece also highlights the benefits and variety of these products for those on a dairy-free eating plan.

Key Points

Vegan Cheese is the Dairy-Free Option: Any cheese made entirely from plant-based ingredients is not considered dairy.
Made from Diverse Plant Sources: Vegan cheese is commonly made from nuts (cashews, almonds), soy (tofu), and coconut oil.
Nutritionally Different from Dairy Cheese: Plant-based alternatives contain no cholesterol and are lactose-free, while protein and calcium levels vary.
Offers Various Health and Ethical Benefits: Benefits include suitability for lactose intolerance, potential for lower saturated fat, and reduced environmental impact.
Comes in Many Forms: Vegan cheese is available in a wide variety of styles, including shreds, slices, blocks, and creamy spreads.

The Plant-Powered Answer: Vegan and Plant-Based Cheeses

For individuals with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or those adhering to a vegan lifestyle, the category of cheese that is not considered dairy is quite simply vegan or plant-based cheese. Unlike traditional cheese, which is derived from the milk of animals such as cows, goats, or sheep, vegan cheese is created using entirely non-animal ingredients. The vegan cheese market has expanded significantly, offering a diverse array of products that mimic the taste, texture, and meltability of their dairy counterparts. This expansion is a testament to food science and innovation, providing accessible options for those who, for various reasons, must or choose to avoid dairy.

The Diverse Ingredients of Dairy-Free Cheeses

Vegan cheese manufacturers use a wide range of plant-based ingredients to replicate the properties of traditional cheese. The base ingredients often determine the flavor and consistency of the final product.

Nut-Based Cheeses: Cashews and almonds are among the most popular nuts used to create creamy, rich, and firm vegan cheeses. Soaking and blending these nuts with bacterial cultures and other seasonings produces complex, tangy flavors that can be aged similarly to dairy cheese.
Soy-Based Cheeses: Products like tofu, made from curdled soy milk, can be processed into spreads and ricotta-style alternatives. Many commercial shredded and sliced cheeses also use soy protein as a base, offering a familiar texture.
Coconut-Based Cheeses: Coconut milk and oil are frequently used for their high fat content, which provides a creamy mouthfeel and helps with melting properties. These are often combined with starches to achieve a solid block or a smooth texture.
Starch and Root Vegetable Cheeses: Ingredients like tapioca, potato starch, and arrowroot are common thickeners that give vegan cheese its structure and melt characteristics. Some recipes even use cooked root vegetables like potatoes and carrots to form a smooth, sauce-like cheese substitute.
Flavoring Agents: Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient known for its nutty, cheesy flavor profile and is often used to create dairy-free Parmesan substitutes. Other spices, herbs, and acids like lemon juice are used to develop the final flavor.

Comparing Vegan Cheese and Dairy Cheese

While both vegan and dairy cheeses aim to satisfy a cheesy craving, their nutritional profiles and behaviors differ significantly. This comparison is particularly relevant for those managing dietary restrictions or health goals.


Aspect	Vegan Cheese	Traditional Dairy Cheese
Source	100% plant-based ingredients (nuts, soy, coconut)	Animal milk (cow, goat, sheep)
Lactose	100% lactose-free	Contains lactose, can cause issues for intolerant individuals
Cholesterol	Zero dietary cholesterol	Contains dietary cholesterol
Saturated Fat	Varies; can be high in coconut oil-based types	Typically high
Protein	Generally lower, can vary widely by ingredients	Higher protein content
Calcium	May be fortified, but needs to be checked on label	Naturally rich in calcium
Vitamin B12	Often fortified, not naturally occurring	Found naturally
Environmental Impact	Generally lower footprint than dairy production	Higher greenhouse gas emissions

The Benefits of Opting for Dairy-Free

Beyond simply avoiding dairy, choosing a plant-based cheese can offer a number of health and ethical advantages.

Cardiovascular Health: Because vegan cheese is made from plants, it contains no dietary cholesterol. Some varieties, particularly those made from nuts, offer heart-healthy unsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for managing cholesterol levels.
Digestive Comfort: For the millions of people who are lactose intolerant, vegan cheese provides a delicious way to enjoy cheesy flavors without the uncomfortable digestive symptoms that dairy can cause.
Increased Fiber Intake: While dairy cheese contains no fiber, many nut- and seed-based vegan cheeses contain some dietary fiber, which is important for gut health.
Ethical Considerations: Choosing vegan cheese eliminates the ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture and the dairy industry.
Versatility in Cooking: The expanding market for vegan cheeses means there is a suitable alternative for nearly every culinary application. From shredded mozzarella-style for pizza to creamy dips, dairy-free options can be used in a variety of dishes.

How to Pick the Right Vegan Cheese

With so many options now available, here's how to navigate your choices:

Read the Ingredients: For a healthier, less processed option, look for products with a base of nuts, seeds, or soy. Be mindful of brands that use coconut oil and starches, which can be higher in saturated fat but offer better meltability.
Check Nutritional Information: If calcium and vitamin B12 are important, check the label to see if the product is fortified. Compare sodium and saturated fat content, as these can vary widely between brands.
Consider the Application: Match the type of vegan cheese to your recipe. Shreds are great for pizza, slices for sandwiches, and creamy spreads for crackers and dips.
Don't Give Up After One Try: Just like with dairy cheese, not all vegan cheeses taste the same or have the same texture. Experiment with different brands and types to find your favorites.

Common Vegan Cheese Types

Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar-style
Soft Spreads (e.g., Cream Cheese, Ricotta)
Blocks and Slices (e.g., Cheddar, Swiss)
Hard, Grateable (e.g., Parmesan-style)
Meltable (often with a coconut oil base)

The Flavorful Future for Dairy-Free Nutrition

The world of cheese that isn't considered dairy is no longer a niche market with limited, unpalatable options. Modern vegan cheeses are now widely accessible and deliver delicious results for a variety of culinary applications. From complex, aged artisan wheels made with cashews to simple, melty shreds perfect for pizza, the quality and taste have advanced tremendously. Whether you are exploring dairy-free options for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, there is a vegan cheese waiting to satisfy your taste buds without compromise. For more information on vegan cheese options and delicious dairy-free recipes, a helpful resource is Rainbow Plant Life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vegan cheese is made from a variety of plant-based ingredients, including nuts like cashews and almonds, soy milk or tofu, coconut oil, and starches like tapioca. Flavor is often added using nutritional yeast, spices, and lemon juice.

Yes, vegan and dairy-free cheese are generally used interchangeably to describe cheese alternatives made without any animal products. A product that is vegan is always dairy-free, but a dairy-free product isn't always vegan if it contains other animal ingredients like casein.

Melting properties vary depending on the ingredients. Some vegan cheeses, particularly those containing coconut oil or certain starches, are specifically formulated to melt and can do so effectively in cooked applications like pizza and grilled cheese.

Not necessarily. Vegan cheese is cholesterol-free and lactose-free. Some varieties are lower in saturated fat, but others, especially those with coconut oil, can be high. The overall healthiness depends on the ingredients, so checking the nutritional label is key.

Vegan cheese is now widely available and can be found in most major grocery stores. Look for it in the refrigerated section, often near the regular cheeses or in a dedicated vegan/vegetarian section.

Yes, many recipes exist for homemade vegan cheese. Common recipes use soaked cashews or firm tofu as a base, along with nutritional yeast and other flavorings to create simple and customizable cheese alternatives.

Vegan cheese can be a part of a weight loss diet, as some options are lower in calories and saturated fat than dairy cheese. However, portion control and checking the label for calorie and fat content are important, as varieties and ingredients differ.