The 16 Best Vegan Cheeses To Help You Ditch Dairy
Although vegan cheese is not necessary for a healthy vegan diet, it can help a lot! Cheese is an ingredient used in thousands of recipes, so it’s great to have a yummy alternative on hand. You may be thinking: Why do I need an alternative? Isn't dairy cheese healthy enough? While cheese is a source of calcium, it also contains cholesterol, saturated fat, and even cow pus. Yes, you read that right! It also contains large concentrations of 'casein', an addictive dairy protein. (Not to mention the environmental impact and cruelty associated with the dairy industry.) That's why we are here to give you the scoop on which vegan cheese brands can help you get over dairy!
Vegan cheese comes in different varieties, and you can even make it at home, using almost any base you'd like! Some examples are cauliflower, potato, cashew, almond, eggplant, and tofu cheese. Add nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic, and you'll have a savory, cheesy sauce! The only problem is, commercial vegan cheeses are usually made with a starch and an oil. This provides excessive fat and little nutrition. So, even though they are delicious and convenient, we recommend limiting their intake.
If you're ready to dive into the world of non-dairy cheeses, keep reading and discover your new go-to brand!
Moocho Foods Vegan Cheese Shreds
Tofurky has done it again! This vegan brand has released a range of cheese shreds, cream cheeses, and cheesecakes. Although we know them for their 'meaty' creations, their cheeses are also incredible! Under the name 'Moocho', they're now offering cheddar, mozzarella, and fiesta blend shreds! Their cream cheeses include plain, garden vegetables, and strawberry flavors. Moocho's shreds, made with potato starch and coconut oil, are all aged for that extra cheesy flavor! They're perfect for melting over pizzas, paninis, or even nachos! Try to avoid eating them by the handful, though.
Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheeses
Another vegan pioneer, Follow Your Heart's cheese has been around for over a decade! And in 2020, they offer vegan feta, slices, blocks, parmesan, cream cheese, and shreds. You can create almost any cheesy dish with their incredible alternatives!
Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Cheeses
Over the past few years, Miyoko's cheeses have become iconic in the vegan world. Made from cashews, and now also from oat milk, this company focuses on a pure, healthier approach. Plus, they culture all their products to offer the cheesiest flavor possible! Miyoko's cheeses are also all non-GMO, pesticide free, lactose free, and cholesterol free.
Their cashew cheeses are not your typical slices, but rather creamy French-style wheels. These include chive, sundried tomato garlic, garlic herb, truffle, and four other flavors! And for their oat milk cheeses, they offer slices and shreds in cheddar and pepper jack flavors. Miyoko's Kitchen also sells mozzarella, cream cheese, and a full-flavored roadhouse collection.
Chao Creamery Vegan Cheeses
We'd know Chao (Field Roast) cheese's unmistakable flavor anywhere. What gives their cheeses their sharp flavor is one secret ingredient: fermented tofu! You can use these unique melty slices, blocks, or shreds in sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and more. Although some vegan cheeses are better melted than fresh, Chaos' are an exception! Whether you enjoy them by the slice or melted over a panini, you can expect excellence every time! Find your favorite flavor here!
Parmela Creamery Vegan Cheese Slices and Shreds
Parmela's creamy cashew cheeses are also cultured, and aged for 15-60 days! Experienced chefs at Parmela's use master cheesemaking methods to achieve their signature results. Enjoy their cheesy slices or shreds fresh over tacos, in sandwiches, or on pizza! Browse their selection here.
365 Everyday Value Plant-Based Cheese Alternatives (Whole Foods)
Although only two flavors are available, these vegan cheeses are melty and delicious! Whole Food's cheesy selection is great for grilled cheese, cheesy sauces, and much more! Get their creamy, stretchy products here.
Nuts for Cheese Vegan Cheese Alternative
On the healthier side of the vegan cheese spectrum are Nut for Cheese's amazing cheeses! It's made out of cashews, miso, quinoa, nutritional yeast, smoked tea, and active cultures! These artisanal vegan cheeses are great for cheese sauces or on their own with a glass of rosé!
Based in Canada, Nuts for Cheese is all about health and ethics, named a "Best Place to Work" by London Inc. Magazine, and a Toronto Vegetarian Association Veg Awards winner! Their products are also organic and nutritious. Treat yourself to their Chipotle Cheddar, Un-Brie-Lievable, Super "Blue", or Red Rind flavors! You can find them all here.
Kite Hill Foods Vegan Cream Cheeses and Ricottas
Another super-healthy option, Kite Hill's creamy cheeses contain simple, natural ingredients. Think almond milk, mushroom extract, cultures, and natural plant-based gums. But, the healthiness of their products does NOT take away from the flavor. Their beloved products are a vegan favorite, and are amazing on bagels and sandwiches!
Kite Hill's focus is on sustainability, health, and providing you with quality products. That's why they always protect the bees on their local farm, and pick seasonal nuts for their products. Support their initiatives by purchasing their products here!
Vtopian Artisan Vegan Cheeses
Centered on one-of-a-kind, artisanal flavors, Vtopian is a brand for true cheese lovers! Their Dark Chocolate Strawberry, and Lavender cheeses are as unique as they get! Crafted in Portland, this cruelty-free, organic brand focuses on whole, healthy ingredients. Rich in magnesium, protein, iron, and cultures, these cheeses are an excellent choice. Start tasting their incredible varieties today!
SoDelicious Vegan Coconut Milk Cheese
SoDelicious' cheddar, cheddar jack, and mozzarella shreds are great for those with allergies! That's because they have a coconut milk base, making them soy, gluten, and dairy free! Use them for topping nachos, tacos, pizzas, or paninis! Available here.
Violife Vegan Cheeses
This Greece-based company has one of the most varied vegan cheese selections in the world! Feta, cream cheese, slices, blocks, shreds, halloumi, parmesan, "blu", cheese platters... If you have trouble finding any type of vegan cheese, Violife likely carries it.
Some of their cheeses also provide nutrition, at 2.5mcg of vitamin B12 per 100g serving. And if you're on the hunt for a high-protein vegan cheese, look no further. Flavors like their Blu Wedge contain up to 2g of plant protein!
Tofutti Dairy Free Cheese Slices
Yes, you can find individually-wrapped vegan cheese slices in 2020! These are perfect for grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, and vegan cheeseburgers! A gluten free, Kosher, non-GMO, and Halal product, these slices are for everyone to enjoy. Avoid only if you're allergic to soy.
Another high-protein option, Tofutti's cheese slices contain 2g in one slice! This classic vegan brand also sells a super accessible ricotta and cream cheese. Find these dairy free products here.
Wayfare Cheese Sauces/Dips
A nut and soy free option, Wayfare's cheeses contain a butter bean and oat base! They recommend you use their cheesy products on macaroni, in grilled cheeses, or as a yummy dip! Both flavors, cheddar and cheddar with jalapeños, or non-GMO, gluten free, and Kosher. Make sure to pick up your creamy tub of vegan cheese today! Find them here.
Treeline Vegan Cheeses
For a fancy cheese board, a classy snack, or for date night, you'll want to go with these. With both creamy French-Style and Artisanal cheeses, Treeline cheeses are a special treat. They also offer cream cheeses, including plain, chive and onion, and strawberry flavors. With products available in 8 popular grocery chains, you can pick these up on your next trip to the store!
Good Planet Dairy-Free Cheeses
Available in slices or shreds, Good Planet's products are excellent in tons of recipes. Try them on pizza, nachos, paninis, or grilled cheese sandwiches! They are also great for those who suffer from allergies, since they contain zero gluten, nuts, soy, or dairy! Find mozzarella, garlic & herb, American, parmesan, and other cheesy varieties here.
Daiya Dairy-Free Cheese Slices
Daiya has revamped their cheesy selection with these deliciously dairy-free slices! In fact, they now boast a new look and formula, perfect for veggie burgers and grilled cheese. These slices are dairy, gluten, and soy-free, making them suitable for almost any diet. Give them a try today!
SoDelicious Vegan Coconut Oil Cheese
SoDelicious' cheddar, cheddar jack, and mozzarella shreds are great for those with allergies. That's because they have a coconut oil and starch base, making them soy, gluten, and dairy free! Plus, they've recently added to their cheese range with American and Cheddar style slices! Use them for topping nachos, tacos, pizzas, or paninis!
Vegan Cheese Nutritional Value Comparison Table
If you love cheese as much as we do, these products will help you overcome your cravings! As mentioned earlier, vegan cheese comes in plenty of different varieties. So, if you've tried one and didn't like it, don't knock the rest! You're sure to find the perfect brand for your taste buds and nutritional needs. Thank you for choosing healthier, cruelty-free, sustainable products!