The World of Plant-Based Cheese
For those new to the vegan lifestyle or simply curious about dairy-free alternatives, the sheer variety of plant-based cheeses available today can be surprising. Unlike the early days of veganism, which offered only a few subpar options, today's market is rich with innovative products crafted to replicate the flavors, textures, and meltability of their dairy counterparts. Vegan cheese is made from components derived from vegetables, including fats, proteins, and plant milks from sources such as nuts, seeds, and soy. The key to finding the right vegan cheese lies in understanding the different base ingredients and their properties.
Nut-Based Cheeses
Cashews and almonds are among the most popular nuts used to create creamy, rich vegan cheeses. When soaked and blended, they form a smooth base that can be fermented and aged to develop complex flavors reminiscent of artisanal dairy cheese.
- Cultured Cashew Cheese: Often aged for several weeks, these cheeses develop a tangy, complex flavor profile and are perfect for a sophisticated cheeseboard. They can mimic everything from brie to blue cheese.
- Almond-Based Spreads: Almonds are commonly used for soft, spreadable cream cheese and ricotta-style alternatives. Brands like Kite Hill offer almond-based cream cheeses with a subtle tang.
Coconut-Based Cheeses
Coconut oil is a staple in many vegan cheeses, particularly those designed for melting. Its high fat content provides the richness needed to replicate the texture of traditional cheese and helps it melt properly.
- Melty Shreds and Slices: Many cheddar and mozzarella-style shreds and slices use a coconut oil base. While some varieties can be waxy, newer formulations are significantly improved and melt beautifully on pizza or in grilled sandwiches.
- Firm Blocks: Some coconut-based cheeses are made into firm blocks that are excellent for slicing and grating. They often come in flavors like cheddar or gouda.
Soy-Based Cheeses
Soy has been used in dairy alternatives for centuries and is a reliable base for many vegan cheese products. Tofu, a soy-based food, is often used to create softer, spreadable alternatives.
- Tofu-Based Ricotta and Cream Cheese: Tofu provides a mild, smooth base that is ideal for recreating ricotta or cream cheese. It can be easily seasoned with herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast to build a savory flavor profile.
- Fermented Tofu: In some artisanal applications, fermented tofu (known as furu in China) is used as a flavorful, pungent cheese-like condiment with a deep, savory taste.
Other Ingredient Innovations
Modern vegan cheese-making isn't limited to nuts and soy. New innovations are creating a wider range of options.
- Oat Milk: Some brands are exploring oat milk as a base for creamy, dairy-free alternatives.
- Potato and Tapioca Starch: Starches derived from potatoes and cassava are frequently used as thickening agents to create a dense, flexible texture and improve meltability, especially in commercial products.
- Nutritional Yeast: This inactive yeast is a cornerstone in many homemade and store-bought vegan cheeses. It imparts a savory, umami flavor that is often described as nutty or cheesy.
- Precision Fermentation: A new frontier in vegan cheese production involves using genetically engineered yeast to produce casein, the milk protein responsible for dairy cheese's unique texture and melting properties. This technology aims to create vegan cheese that is indistinguishable from its dairy counterpart.
Using Vegan Cheese in the Kitchen
While the variety of vegan cheeses has exploded, it is important to remember that not all vegan cheese behaves like dairy cheese. When cooking, it's helpful to know which types work best for specific applications.
- For Melting: Brands like Violife, Daiya's Cutting Board Blend, and Follow Your Heart are known for their good meltability on pizza and in casseroles. For best results, shredding a block of cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties can help, as pre-shredded cheeses sometimes contain starches that inhibit melting. Baking at a higher temperature or covering the dish can also enhance melting. Miyoko's even offers a pourable liquid mozzarella designed specifically for pizza.
- For Spreading: Nut-based cream cheese and soft cheese wheels are perfect for spreading on bagels, crackers, or baguettes. Treeline's French-style cheeses and Kite Hill's almond-based cream cheeses are popular choices.
- For Grating: Harder, aged vegan cheeses or parmesan-style alternatives are excellent for grating over pasta, salads, or risottos. Options include cashew-based parmesan or nutritional yeast-based homemade blends.
Comparison of Popular Vegan Cheese Bases
| Feature | Nut-Based (e.g., Cashew) | Coconut-Based | Soy-Based (e.g., Tofu) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Artisanal wheels, spreads, and high-end charcuterie boards. | Melty shreds, slices for pizza, and grilled sandwiches. | Soft spreads like ricotta and cream cheese. |
| Flavor Profile | Complex, tangy, and rich, especially when cultured and aged. | Mild and neutral, with some newer formulas improving to be less sweet. | Mild and versatile, taking on flavors from added seasonings. |
| Texture | Creamy and smooth, or firm and crumbly when aged. | Solidifies when cold, becomes gooey and pliable when melted. | Soft, spreadable, and often grainy like traditional ricotta. |
| Nutritional Profile | Good source of healthy fats and protein, but can be high in calories. | Can be high in saturated fat due to coconut oil; lower in protein. | Can be a good source of protein; often lower in fat than nut-based options. |
| Considerations | May not melt as effectively as coconut-based varieties. | Some older versions have a rubbery reputation; look for newer formulations. | Tends to be mild; seasoning is essential for a strong 'cheesy' flavor. |
Conclusion: A World of Vegan Cheese to Explore
The landscape of vegan cheese has transformed dramatically, offering a wealth of options that cater to every taste and culinary need. Whether you are looking for a perfectly melty mozzarella for your homemade pizza, a tangy artisanal block for a cheeseboard, or a rich cream cheese for your bagel, a plant-based alternative exists. Experimenting with different brands and bases—from cashews and coconut to soy and advanced fermented proteins—is the best way to discover your new favorite. By understanding the ingredients and applications, anyone can find a delicious dairy-free cheese that satisfies their cravings and enhances their meals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Cheese
What are common vegan cheese ingredients?
Vegan cheese is typically made from a base of cashews, almonds, soy, or coconut oil, and often includes thickeners like tapioca starch, flavorings like nutritional yeast, and sometimes bacterial cultures for fermentation.
Does vegan cheese melt like dairy cheese?
Some vegan cheeses, particularly those formulated with coconut oil, are designed to melt, but the result is often a gooey, pliable texture rather than the stretchy melt of dairy cheese due to the lack of casein protein. Heating at higher temperatures can improve melting.
Is vegan cheese healthier than dairy cheese?
It depends on the specific product. Vegan cheese is cholesterol-free and often lower in saturated fat, but can still be high in fat and sodium. Dairy cheese is a natural source of calcium and B12, which are often fortified in vegan versions.
How does the flavor of vegan cheese compare to dairy cheese?
Vegan cheese doesn't taste exactly like dairy cheese, but it effectively replicates many of the flavors and textures. Modern, cultured, and aged options offer a wide range of authentic and complex flavor profiles.
Are all vegan cheeses nut-free?
No, many high-quality artisanal vegan cheeses use cashews, almonds, or other nuts as a base. However, many major brands like Daiya and Violife offer nut-free products, often made with coconut or other starches.
Can you make your own vegan cheese at home?
Yes, there are many recipes for homemade vegan cheese. Common ingredients include soaked nuts, nutritional yeast, and spices. Recipes range from simple, spreadable cheeses to more complex aged varieties.
What brands make good vegan cheese?
Popular and widely available brands include Violife, Daiya, Follow Your Heart, Miyoko's Creamery, and Chao (by Field Roast). Several smaller artisanal brands also offer high-quality, specialty products.
