The Top Brands for Dairy-Free Cheese
With the market for plant-based foods expanding rapidly, several brands have become leaders in the dairy-free cheese space. They each offer unique flavors, textures, and ingredient profiles to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
Violife: The Global Favorite
Violife is arguably one of the most widely available and well-regarded dairy-free cheese brands globally. Known for its impressive meltability and extensive product line, Violife utilizes a coconut oil and starch base, making most of its products free from nuts, soy, and gluten. This makes it an excellent option for those with multiple food allergies. The brand offers blocks, slices, and shreds in a variety of styles, including cheddar, mozzarella, and feta.
Daiya: The Allergen-Friendly Pioneer
Daiya was one of the early pioneers in the vegan cheese market and has since re-formulated its products based on consumer feedback. The newer 'Cutting Board Blend' shreds and slices are known for their improved taste and melt performance. Made with potato starch and coconut oil, Daiya's products are often free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, but always check the label. They are a staple in many grocery stores and often found on vegan-friendly pizzas at restaurants.
Miyoko's Creamery: The Artisanal Choice
Miyoko's Creamery is praised for its artisan-crafted, cultured vegan cheeses that prioritize flavor and texture. Unlike many mainstream brands, Miyoko's often uses a base of organic cultured cashew milk or oat milk, fermented with traditional creamery methods. This process results in a tangy, rich flavor profile. Their famous Fresh Vegan Mozzarella is a favorite for pizzas and caprese salads, while their plant milk cheese slices and spreads offer great options for sandwiches and cheeseboards.
Follow Your Heart and Other Notable Brands
Follow Your Heart provides a wide variety of dairy-free cheese options, including shredded cheddar and mozzarella, as well as slices in American, provolone, and smoked gouda styles. Other brands to look for include Kite Hill, known for its almond milk-based cream cheese and ricotta, and Good Planet Foods, which uses a coconut oil base and is free from the 8 most common allergens. The Babybel brand also offers a plant-based cheese alternative for a nostalgic, snackable option.
What is Dairy-Free Cheese Made Of?
Dairy-free cheese is created by blending a base ingredient with oils, starches, and seasonings to replicate the texture, flavor, and function of traditional cheese.
- Nuts and Seeds: Cashews and almonds are common bases for their creamy texture. Seeds like sunflower seeds can be used for nut-free varieties.
- Oils: Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its high fat content, which helps achieve a creamy mouthfeel and better meltability.
- Starches and Thickeners: Tapioca starch, arrowroot powder, and potato starch are frequently used to create a gooey, stretchy texture, especially when heated.
- Nutritional Yeast: This deactivated yeast is a staple ingredient for many vegan cheeses, providing a distinctly savory, cheesy flavor and a boost of B vitamins.
- Flavorings and Cultures: Ingredients like spices (garlic powder, paprika), lemon juice for tang, and sometimes bacterial cultures are added to develop a more complex, aged cheese flavor.
Melting and Cooking with Dairy-Free Cheese
One of the biggest differences between dairy and plant-based cheese lies in its melting properties. Traditional cheese melts due to its casein protein network. Since vegan cheese lacks casein, it behaves differently. Products made with coconut oil tend to melt best, softening and becoming gooey when heated. For best results, shred or slice the cheese thinly before cooking. Newer formulations and artisanal options have significantly improved melt and texture, bringing them much closer to their dairy counterparts.
Dairy-Free Cheese Brand Comparison Table
| Brand | Primary Base | Best For | Allergen Info | Meltability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violife | Coconut Oil, Starches | Sandwiches, Pizza, Cheeseboards | Free from dairy, nuts, soy, gluten | Excellent |
| Daiya (Cutting Board) | Potato Starch, Coconut Oil | Pizza, Grilled Cheese, Burgers | Top-8 allergen-free (except coconut) | Good |
| Miyoko's Creamery | Cultured Cashew/Oat Milk | Pizzas, Artisanal Boards, Spreads | Contains cashews (tree nut). Oat milk options are nut-free. | Very Good |
| Follow Your Heart | Coconut Oil, Starches | Shreds for Nachos, Slices for Sandwiches | Some products soy-free, gluten-free | Good |
| Kite Hill | Almond Milk | Cream Cheese, Ricotta | Contains almonds (tree nut) | N/A (Spreads) |
| Good Planet | Coconut Oil, Starches | Shreds and Slices, Allergen-Friendly | Free from 8 common allergens (except coconut) | Good |
Conclusion
For those needing or choosing dairy-free options, the market provides a diverse and ever-improving selection. Leading brands such as Violife, Daiya, and Miyoko's Creamery each offer distinct characteristics, from allergen-friendly formulations to artisanal flavor profiles. By considering the base ingredients and intended use, it's easier than ever to find a high-quality dairy-free cheese that perfectly suits your needs, whether for melting on a pizza, layering in a sandwich, or enjoying on a cheeseboard. The best option truly depends on individual taste and dietary requirements. For more comprehensive insights into the best vegan cheeses available, resources like The Spruce Eats provide ongoing, detailed reviews.
