The Rapidly Expanding World of Vegan Cheese
For many years, vegan cheese was an afterthought—often waxy, lacking flavor, and with poor melting capabilities. Thankfully, that era is long gone. Today's market is a vibrant landscape of sophisticated and delicious dairy-free alternatives, thanks to innovative ingredients and production techniques. Whether you're looking for a sharp cheddar for your sandwiches, a melty mozzarella for pizza, or a tangy cream cheese for your bagel, there is a plant-based version that can satisfy your craving.
Main Types of Vegan Cheese
The most common types of vegan cheese readily replicate their dairy counterparts and can be found in most grocery stores.
Melty Mozzarella for Pizza
Melty, stretchy vegan pizza cheese is now widely available. Options include shreds from brands like Violife and Daiya, fresh mozzarella (including a pourable liquid) from Miyoko's Creamery, and block-style options like MozzaRisella. These often use coconut oil or cashew bases for better melting.
Sharp Cheddar and Slices
Vegan cheddar is versatile and comes in shreds, blocks, and slices from brands like Violife and Cathedral City. Field Roast Chao Creamery slices are popular for sandwiches due to their creamy texture and reliable melt. Artisanal nut-based cheddars offer richer, aged flavors, while newer oat-based options show improved texture and melt.
Creamy Spreads and Soft Cheeses
Cream cheese and soft spreads are commonly made from nuts or soy. Kite Hill (almond) and Tofutti (soy) are popular cream cheese brands. Philadelphia also offers a plant-based version. Artisanal cultured cashew cheeses from brands like Treeline Treenut Cheese and Miyoko's Creamery are great for cheeseboards. Plant-based versions of snacking cheeses like Babybel are also available.
Hard Cheeses and Parmesan
Options for hard, grateable vegan cheese include Violife's parmesan-style block and some artisanal fermented nut cheeses with complex flavors. Nutritional yeast remains a simple, affordable way to add a cheesy flavor.
Key Ingredients in Plant-Based Cheeses
Vegan cheese uses various plant-based ingredients to mimic dairy:
- Nuts (Cashews, Almonds): Provide a creamy base, especially for artisanal and soft cheeses, and can be fermented for tangy flavors.
- Coconut Oil: Crucial for melting and fat content.
- Soy (Tofu): Used in cream cheeses, ricottas, and fermented slices.
- Starches (Tapioca, Potato): Add stretch and meltability (tapioca) and thickness (potato).
- Nutritional Yeast: Provides a nutty, cheesy flavor.
- Thickeners (Agar-Agar): Helps set the cheese into a block.
Vegan Cheese Nutritional Comparison
The nutritional profile varies by type and brand.
| Feature | Dairy Cheese | Vegan Cheese (Coconut/Starch-based) | Vegan Cheese (Nut-based) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol | Contains cholesterol | Zero cholesterol | Zero cholesterol |
| Protein | High (6-10g per ounce) | Low (1-4g per ounce) | Medium (5-15g per 100g) |
| Saturated Fat | High | Can be high (coconut oil) | Generally lower |
| Calcium | Naturally high | Often fortified | Varies; may be fortified |
| Vitamin B12 | Natural source | Often fortified | Not naturally present; must be fortified |
| Fiber | None | Low or none | Can contain some fiber from nuts |
How to Choose the Right Vegan Cheese
Selection depends on use:
- For Melting: Look for products designed for melting, often containing coconut oil and tapioca starch. Brands like Violife, Miyoko's Liquid Mozzarella, and Daiya's Cutting Board Blend are good options.
- For Flavor (Cold): Artisanal, cultured nut-based cheeses from brands like Miyoko's and Honestly Tasty offer richer, tangy flavors for cheeseboards.
- For Spreading: Nut or soy-based cream cheeses from brands like Kite Hill and Tofutti are ideal for bagels and dips.
- Nutritional Focus: Check labels for saturated fat content. Nut-based options may be less processed. Nutritional yeast is a low-fat flavor enhancer. Consult resources like vegan food blogs for detailed comparisons.
- Allergen Concerns: Be aware that many vegan cheeses contain soy or nuts. Violife often provides nut-free options, but always verify ingredients.
Conclusion
The range of available vegan cheese has dramatically improved, offering delicious and functional alternatives for various culinary needs. From melting shreds for pizza to tangy artisanal wheels and creamy spreads, there are options for diverse preferences. Considering ingredients and intended use makes navigating what vegan cheese is available a rewarding experience for anyone seeking dairy-free choices.
