Navigating the world of vegan cheese can be a challenge, especially when aiming to replicate the classic, gooey perfection of dairy mozzarella. The market is saturated with options, from oil-and-starch-based shreds to artisanal nut-based blocks, and the 'best' choice often depends on your intended use. For melting on pizza, you'll need a different product than for slicing onto a caprese salad. The good news is that product innovation has come a long way, with many brands now producing impressive, high-quality alternatives.
Store-Bought Vegan Mozzarella: Top Contenders
When it comes to convenience, store-bought vegan mozzarella is the way to go. Several brands have emerged as leaders in the space, each with unique strengths.
Miyoko's Creamery
Miyoko's is a name synonymous with high-end vegan dairy alternatives. Their products are often cashew-based and renowned for their authentic, slightly fermented flavor.
- Fresh Vegan Mozzarella: Comes in a block, perfect for slicing on caprese salads. It also melts beautifully, though some grating or thinly slicing may be required.
- Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella: A revolutionary product designed specifically for pizza. You pour it on, and it solidifies in the oven, creating a smooth, bubbly, and browned topping.
Violife
A popular and widely available brand, Violife offers a range of coconut oil-based cheeses that are free from most common allergens.
- Just Like Mozzarella Shreds: These shreds melt well and are a reliable option for pizza and other baked dishes. While they don't offer much stretch, the flavor is mild and familiar.
- Just Like Mozzarella Block: Can be sliced or grated, and offers a good melting performance. Best enjoyed melted rather than cold.
Follow Your Heart
Known for its solid melt and classic "junk food" cheese flavor, Follow Your Heart is a favorite for those seeking a nostalgic, greasy pizza experience.
- Vegan Shredded Mozzarella: Delivers a decent cheese pull when hot and is one of the denser options available. It's an excellent choice for a classic, comforting pizza night.
Daiya
Daiya has revamped its formula over the years, with newer oat-cream based products showing significant improvement.
- Mozzarella Style Shreds: The newer formulation offers better melt and flavor than its predecessors. It's a widely accessible and affordable option.
The Art of Homemade Vegan Mozzarella
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, crafting your own vegan mozzarella can be a rewarding experience. Homemade versions often allow for more control over ingredients and texture. Here are some common ingredients and preparation styles:
- Cashew-Based: Many recipes use soaked raw cashews for a creamy base, often thickened with tapioca starch or agar-agar for stretch and melt. Fermented options can add a tangy flavor profile.
- Tofu-Based: Silken tofu can provide a soft, creamy base. Recipes often combine it with nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and miso for flavor and texture.
- Potato/Cauliflower-Based: Less common, but some recipes use cooked potato or cauliflower for a unique, whole-food base.
Comparison Table: Store-Bought Vegan Mozzarella
| Feature | Miyoko's Fresh Mozzarella | Miyoko's Liquid Mozzarella | Violife Shreds | Follow Your Heart Shreds | Daiya Shreds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Cashew | Cashew | Coconut Oil | Coconut Oil/Starches | Coconut/Oat Cream |
| Flavor | Mild, Authentic, Fermented | Mild, Clean, Unobtrusive | Mild, Neutral | Classic "Mall Pizza" | Improved, Mild |
| Melt | Very good (best grated) | Excellent (coagulates) | Good (no stretch) | Very good (some pull) | Good (melts well) |
| Texture | Soft, Sliceable, Light | Smooth, Coagulates | Firm shreds, sauce-like | Dense, Gooey, Pasty | Sauce-like, improved |
| Best For | Caprese, Pizza | Pizza | Pizza, Casseroles | Pizza, Junk Food | General use, Pizza |
| Availability | Whole Foods, Specialty Stores | Major Grocers | Major Grocers | Major Grocers | Major Grocers |
| Organic | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
How to Choose the Best Vegan Mozzarella for Your Needs
Selecting the right vegan mozzarella depends entirely on your cooking application. Consider the following factors:
- For Pizza: If you want a classic, stretchy pizza, Follow Your Heart or Violife shreds are reliable. For a gourmet, artisanal pizza, Miyoko's Fresh Mozzarella is excellent when thinly sliced or grated. For a modern, pour-on application, Miyoko's Liquid Mozzarella is a standout choice.
- For Caprese Salad: A fresh, sliceable mozzarella is key here. Miyoko's Fresh Mozzarella is arguably the best on the market, offering the authentic look and feel needed for this dish.
- For Grilled Cheese: Shreds melt more evenly than slices, making Violife or Follow Your Heart shreds a great choice. The coconut oil content helps with meltability.
- For Stuffed Shells or Lasagna: A cheese that bakes well and provides a creamy texture is ideal. Violife or Daiya shreds work well for these types of baked pasta dishes.
Tips for Cooking with Vegan Mozzarella
Cooking with plant-based mozzarella requires a slightly different approach than with dairy cheese. Here are some tips to ensure the best results:
- Don't Overcook: Vegan cheeses can sometimes dry out if baked for too long or at too high a temperature. Check on your dish periodically.
- Pre-grate Blocks: If using a block like Miyoko's Fresh Mozzarella, freezing it for a short time before grating can make the process easier and prevent clumping.
- Use the Right Tool: When making homemade recipes, a high-speed blender is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Add Moisture: If you find your cheese isn't melting well, adding a splash of plant-based milk can help improve its creaminess and texture.
Conclusion
The landscape of vegan mozzarella has evolved significantly, offering a range of high-quality options for every taste and application. For an authentic, artisanal experience, Miyoko's Creamery products are consistently praised for their taste and texture. For reliable melting and a more accessible price point, brands like Violife and Follow Your Heart offer dependable, functional options. The best choice ultimately depends on your culinary goals—whether you're aiming for a classic pizzeria feel, a gourmet caprese, or a comforting grilled cheese. As the market continues to innovate, plant-based mozzarella will only get better, making it easier than ever to enjoy dairy-free versions of your favorite cheesy dishes. Finding your personal best vegan mozzarella may involve some delicious experimentation. For those interested in a deeper dive into the science behind crafting vegan cheese, resources from expert vegan chefs like Miyoko Schinner offer invaluable insights and recipes into the process.
