What is the best non-dairy cheese to eat?

According to industry data, the vegan cheese market is projected to see significant growth in the coming years, with more diverse and high-quality options than ever before. For those exploring a plant-based diet or managing a dairy allergy, identifying what is the best non-dairy cheese to eat can be a game-changer.

Quick Summary

This guide details the top non-dairy cheese options available, reviewing brands and types best suited for different applications, from melting on pizza to spreading on bagels. The text covers cashew, coconut, and soy-based cheeses, offering insights into their taste, texture, and melting properties.

Key Points

• Know Your Base: Nut-based non-dairy cheeses, particularly cashew, often replicate complex, aged flavors, while coconut oil and starches are key for achieving meltability in slices and shreds.

• Match the Cheese to the Application: Not all non-dairy cheeses perform equally. For melting on pizza, look for brands like Miyoko's or Daiya's Oat Cream™ blend. For sandwiches, Field Roast Chao slices are highly-regarded for their texture and melt.

• Brands Offer Variety: Reputable brands often have specific strengths. For example, Miyoko's is celebrated for mozzarella, while artisanal makers like Mouse's Favourite produce complex aged blocks for cheeseboards.

• Improve Melting Results: For better melting, grate cheese thinly and avoid high heat. Pre-treating shreds with a small amount of oil or water can also ensure an even, creamy finish.

• Scrutinize Ingredient Labels: Check labels for allergens like nuts or soy, as well as for important nutritional fortification, including B12 and calcium. Also, note that some 'plant-based' items are not truly vegan.

• Embrace Experimentation: Given the wide range of available products and subjective taste, trying a variety of brands and types is the best way to discover your preferred non-dairy cheese for different dishes.

Navigating the World of Non-Dairy Cheeses

Choosing a non-dairy cheese is no longer a compromise; it’s an exploration of innovative and delicious alternatives. The best choice depends largely on how you plan to use it, as different bases offer distinct tastes, textures, and melting characteristics. A soft, spreadable cheese for a cracker board will be formulated very differently than a shredded mozzarella designed for melting on a pizza.

The Rise of Plant-Based Artisanal Cheeses

For those seeking sophisticated flavors, artisanal non-dairy cheese brands are leading the way. These are often nut-based, primarily using cashews or almonds, and are cultured and aged to develop complex flavors reminiscent of traditional dairy cheeses. Companies like Miyoko's Creamery, Mouse's Favourite, and Honestly Tasty have earned high praise for their high-quality vegan cheeses, with products that can rival dairy-based versions in taste and texture. For example, aged cashew cheeses can have a sharp, tangy profile similar to cheddar, while soft, cultured nut cheeses can mimic brie or camembert with surprising accuracy.

The Importance of Ingredients and Formulation

Most mainstream, meltable vegan cheeses rely on bases of coconut oil, starches, or soy, combined with flavorings like nutritional yeast and lactic acid for that signature 'cheesy' tang. Coconut oil, in particular, is key for many products that need to melt well, as it behaves similarly to dairy fat. However, the use of different starches can affect texture, with some formulations producing better results than others. Recent advancements, like Daiya's Oat Cream™ blend and new high-protein formulations, are improving both the melt and texture of vegan options. Consumers should check ingredient lists for common allergens like nuts or soy and for nutritional fortification, such as with B12 or calcium.

Top Non-Dairy Cheeses for Specific Uses: A Comparison

Application	Top Non-Dairy Cheese Options	Base	Pros	Cons
Pizza (Melting)	Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella, Daiya Oat Cream™ Shreds, Violife Mozzarella Shreds	Cashew, Oat Cream, Coconut Oil	Melts and stretches effectively, good flavor.	Can be pricey, some can feel oily.
Grilled Cheese & Sandwiches	Field Roast Chao Slices, Violife Cheddar Slices, Daiya Swiss Style Slices	Coconut Oil, Starches, Fermented Tofu	Excellent meltability, creamy texture.	Some versions can be soft, not all brands melt evenly.
Cream Cheese Spread	Kite Hill Almond Milk Cream Cheese, Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese, Nush Almond M*lk Spread	Almond Milk, Soy, Almonds	Smooth, tangy flavor, great for baking and bagels.	Almond-based can be higher calorie; soy-based may contain other allergens.
Cheeseboards (Artisanal)	Honestly Tasty Shamembert, Mouse's Favourite Aged Classic, Kashew Aged Cheese	Cashew, Nuts	Complex, mature flavor, authentic texture.	High-end and more expensive, not designed for melting.
Feta	Violife Just Like Feta Block, I Am Nut OK Fetamorphosis	Coconut Oil, Nuts	Briny, salty flavor, crumbles well.	Flavor can be milder than dairy version, may contain coconut.

How to Maximize Your Non-Dairy Cheese Experience

For the best results with any non-dairy cheese, consider how you handle it before use. For melting, grating or thinly slicing the cheese can help it melt more evenly and quickly. Pre-melting shredded cheeses with a small amount of boiling water or oil can also prevent a dry, uneven finish on dishes like pizza. For harder cheeses, ensuring they are well-chilled before grating can simplify the process. Since flavors vary greatly between brands and bases, it is best to try a few different options for each application to find your personal favorite. The non-dairy cheese market is constantly evolving, with innovations leading to products that are more authentic in taste and texture than ever before, offering a world of cheesy goodness without the dairy. The Spruce Eats provides additional insights into top dairy-free cheeses for 2025.

Conclusion: Finding Your Non-Dairy Cheese Match

Determining the absolute best non-dairy cheese to eat is a matter of personal preference and intended use. The market has expanded far beyond simple soy blocks, now offering a diverse and delicious range of options. From the creamy meltability of coconut oil-based mozzarellas to the sophisticated tang of artisanal cashew cheeses, there is a vegan counterpart for nearly every application. When shopping, consider the intended dish and explore brands known for specific strengths, such as Miyoko's for mozzarella or Field Roast Chao for slices. As reformulations and new products continue to emerge, the quality of non-dairy cheese only gets better, making it easier than ever to enjoy cheesy flavors without dairy. Experiment with different varieties to find the one that best satisfies your cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common base for non-dairy cheese?

The most common bases are coconut oil, nuts (especially cashews and almonds), soy protein, and various starches and flours like tapioca.

Does non-dairy cheese melt the same as dairy cheese?

Not exactly, but many modern formulations are designed to melt and stretch similarly. Vegan cheese often softens and becomes creamy rather than bubbling and browning in the same way as traditional dairy cheese.

Are all plant-based cheeses vegan?

No. While all vegan cheese is plant-based, not all plant-based cheese is strictly vegan. Some "plant-based" cheeses may contain trace animal products like casein, so it is important to check the ingredient list if you follow a strict vegan diet.

Is vegan cheese healthier than dairy cheese?

Nutritional profiles vary greatly. Some vegan cheeses are lower in saturated fat and calories than their dairy counterparts, but they may also contain less protein, calcium, and B12 unless fortified. Some can be high in sodium, so checking nutritional labels is recommended.

What are the best non-dairy cheeses for pizza?

Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella, Daiya's Oat Cream™ blend shredded mozzarella, and Violife Mozzarella Shreds are often cited for their superior melting properties on pizza.

How can I make non-dairy cheese melt better?

For the best results, grate or slice the cheese thinly and use a lower, slower heat setting. Pre-melting shreds with a little oil or water before baking is another effective technique.

What is nutritional yeast and why is it in vegan cheese?

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that has a nutty, savory, and cheesy flavor. It is often used to add a 'cheesy' flavor profile to vegan cheese recipes and products and is also a source of B vitamins.

Keypoints

• Consider the Application: The best non-dairy cheese depends on how you plan to use it, whether for melting, spreading, or a cheeseboard.
• Base Ingredients Matter: Cashew-based cheeses are often best for artisanal, complex flavors, while coconut oil and starch bases excel at meltability.
• Top Brands to Try: Popular and well-regarded brands include Miyoko's Creamery for mozzarella, Field Roast Chao for slices, and Kite Hill for cream cheese.
• Improve Melting Techniques: For optimal melt, grate cheese thinly and use moderate heat. Pre-treating shreds with a little oil or water can help.
• Read the Labels: Always check ingredient lists for allergens like nuts or soy and for important nutrient fortification, such as B12.
• Taste is Subjective: With many options available, don't give up if the first one you try isn't a hit. Experiment to find your personal preference.

Citations

• 16 best vegan cheese alternatives 2025: Tried and tested. (2025, August 20). Vegan Food & Living. https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/products/best-vegan-cheese-alternatives-uk-supermarkets/
• The 10 Best Dairy-Free Cheeses of 2025. (2025, January 31). The Spruce Eats. https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-dairy-free-cheeses-1001581
• Cheese Alternatives: Latest News 2025. (2025, October 10). vegconomist. https://vegconomist.com/category/cheese-alternatives/
• The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Cheese 2025. PETA UK. https://www.peta.org.uk/living/ultimate-guide-vegan-cheese-uk/
• How do I get vegan "cheese" to melt? (2025, July 7). Cooking - Codidact. https://cooking.codidact.com/posts/284965/285022

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common base for non-dairy cheese?

The most common bases are coconut oil, nuts (especially cashews and almonds), soy protein, and various starches and flours like tapioca.

Does non-dairy cheese melt the same as dairy cheese?

Not exactly, but many modern formulations are designed to melt and stretch similarly. Vegan cheese often softens and becomes creamy rather than bubbling and browning in the same way as traditional dairy cheese.

Are all plant-based cheeses vegan?

No. While all vegan cheese is plant-based, not all plant-based cheese is strictly vegan. Some "plant-based" cheeses may contain trace animal products like casein, so it is important to check the ingredient list if you follow a strict vegan diet.

Is vegan cheese healthier than dairy cheese?

Nutritional profiles vary greatly. Some vegan cheeses are lower in saturated fat and calories than their dairy counterparts, but they may also contain less protein, calcium, and B12 unless fortified. Some can be high in sodium, so checking nutritional labels is recommended.

What are the best non-dairy cheeses for pizza?

Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella, Daiya's Oat Cream™ blend shredded mozzarella, and Violife Mozzarella Shreds are often cited for their superior melting properties on pizza.

How can I make non-dairy cheese melt better?

For the best results, grate or slice the cheese thinly and use a lower, slower heat setting. Pre-melting shreds with a little oil or water before baking is another effective technique.

What is nutritional yeast and why is it in vegan cheese?

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that has a nutty, savory, and cheesy flavor. It is often used to add a 'cheesy' flavor profile to vegan cheese recipes and products and is also a source of B vitamins.

What is the best type of non-dairy cheese for sandwiches?

For sandwiches, many find slices like Field Roast Chao or Violife Cheddar to be ideal due to their excellent taste and texture. They are known for their creamy mouthfeel and effective melt when heated.

Is it possible to make non-dairy cheese at home?

Yes, it is possible to make your own non-dairy cheese at home using ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and spices. Numerous recipes are available online for different types of homemade vegan cheese.