10 Vegan Cheese Brands That Will Make You Forget About Dairy Forever!

In recent years, the world of plant-based cheese has experienced a remarkable transformation. What was once seen as an inferior alternative to dairy has evolved into a culinary delight that even cheese enthusiasts are praising. The era of bland, rubbery textures and unappealing flavors is behind us. Welcome to the plant-based cheese revolution, where plant-based options are just as creamy, flavorful, and versatile as their dairy counterparts.

In this article, we’ll explore why plant-based cheese is on the rise, introduce you to 10 incredible brands, delve into their secret ingredients, and show you how to pair plant-based cheese for any occasion. Get ready to discover a world of cheesy goodness that will make you forget about dairy for good!

Vegan Cheese Revolution: Why Ditching Dairy Has Never Been Easier

The rise of plant-based cheese is more than just a food trend; it’s part of a larger movement toward plant-based eating. People are becoming increasingly aware of their health, the environment, and animal welfare, leading to a surge in popularity for plant-based alternatives like plant-based cheese.

For decades, dairy has been a staple in kitchens worldwide, with cheese playing a central role in everything from pizza to gourmet dishes. However, dairy comes with its own set of challenges: lactose intolerance affects millions, and the environmental impact of dairy farming is significant, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. This is where plant-based cheese comes in as a game-changer for those looking to reduce or eliminate dairy from their diets without sacrificing flavor.

What’s remarkable about plant-based cheese today is the level of innovation in both taste and texture. Brands have perfected the art of creating rich, creamy, and melty cheeses that rival (and in some cases, surpass) their dairy counterparts. Whether you’re craving a gooey grilled cheese or a tangy cheese platter for your next gathering, plant-based cheese has evolved to meet your needs in every way. With so many varieties available—ranging from cheddar and mozzarella to cream cheese and blue cheese—ditching dairy has never been easier or more delicious.

10 Vegan Cheese Brands You Need to Taste to Believe

When it comes to vegan cheese, there are a lot of brands out there, but some stand head and shoulders above the rest. These 10 brands have perfected their craft and are turning heads with their exceptional flavor and texture. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious about plant-based options, these are the vegan cheese brands you need to try:

1. Miyoko’s Creamery
   Miyoko’s is a pioneer in the vegan cheese world, known for their artisan-crafted cheeses made from cashews and oats. Their aged, smoky flavors are perfect for a charcuterie board.
2. Violife
   Violife is a favorite for its wide range of products, from shredded mozzarella to feta. Their vegan cheddar slices are especially beloved for sandwiches and burgers.
3. Daiya
   Daiya is a household name for many vegans, and for good reason. Their cheeses melt beautifully, making them ideal for pizzas and quesadillas.
4. Treeline Treenut Cheese
   Treeline specializes in nut-based cheeses, particularly cashew cheese. Their creamy spreads and tangy French-style flavors are a must-try.
5. Follow Your Heart
   Follow Your Heart is known for its classic vegan cheese slices and shreds. Their American cheese is perfect for those who love a good grilled cheese.
6. Kite Hill
   Kite Hill’s cheeses are made from almond milk and have a light, creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading on bagels or crackers.
7. Chao Creamery
   Known for its buttery flavor, Chao by Field Roast has revolutionized vegan cheese with its coconut-based slices that melt like a dream.
8. Nuts for Cheese
   This Canadian brand focuses on cashew-based artisanal cheeses that are fermented to perfection, giving them a sharp, tangy taste.
9. Parmela Creamery
   Parmela creates aged, cultured vegan cheeses that mimic the flavors of dairy cheeses like parmesan and cheddar. Their nutty, aged flavors are ideal for pastas.
10. Vromage
    A gourmet vegan cheese brand based in Los Angeles, Vromage is known for its unique, luxurious plant-based offerings, perfect for upscale dining.

These brands are not only delicious but also widely available, making it easier than ever to find a vegan cheese that fits your tastes and needs.

The Secret Ingredients Behind These Amazing Vegan Cheese Flavors

What sets plant-based cheese apart from dairy cheese? It all comes down to the ingredients. Plant-based cheese makers have become creative in crafting rich, creamy, and tangy flavors using various plant-based components. The most common base ingredients for plant-based cheese include nuts (such as cashews and almonds), seeds, soy, coconut oil, and nutritional yeast.

Nuts
Cashews, almonds, and macadamia nuts are popular choices for plant-based cheese because they create a creamy texture when blended. These nuts are rich in fats and proteins, helping to mimic the texture of dairy cheese.

Coconut Oil
Many plant-based cheeses, especially those designed to melt, use coconut oil. Its high fat content provides that rich, gooey consistency when heated.

Nutritional Yeast
This ingredient is a staple in vegan kitchens due to its nutty, cheesy flavor. It is often added to sauces, spreads, and homemade plant-based cheeses to impart a “cheesy” taste.

Fermentation
Some high-quality plant-based cheeses are made through fermentation, similar to dairy cheese. Brands like Treeline and Miyoko’s utilize traditional cheese-making techniques, such as aging and culturing, which give their products a sharp, tangy flavor reminiscent of traditional cheese.

By carefully selecting and blending these ingredients, plant-based cheese makers can recreate the flavors and textures that cheese lovers crave—all without the use of dairy.

Vegan Cheese for Every Dish: Perfect Pairings for Every Meal

One of the most exciting aspects of vegan cheese is its versatility. You can use vegan cheese in just about any dish where you’d use dairy cheese, from pizzas to pasta, to burgers and beyond. Here are some perfect pairings to try with your favorite vegan cheese brands:

Pizza Night
For a gooey, melty pizza, try using Daiya mozzarella shreds or Violife’s pizza-style cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and stretch just like dairy mozzarella.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Nothing beats a classic grilled cheese, and Follow Your Heart American slices or Chao Creamery’s creamy original slices are the perfect choice for that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Cheese Platters
Impress your guests with a gourmet vegan cheese board featuring Miyoko’s smoked farmhouse cheddar and Treeline’s aged nut cheeses. Add some fruit, crackers, and nuts for the perfect appetizer.

Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food, try making mac and cheese with Daiya cheddar or Violife mature cheddar. These cheeses melt into a rich, creamy sauce that will satisfy any cheesy craving.

Salads and Wraps
For fresh, summery dishes, try crumbling Violife’s feta-style cheese over a salad or adding Kite Hill ricotta to a veggie wrap. These lighter cheeses are perfect for adding a punch of flavor without overwhelming the dish.

With so many options available, you can enjoy vegan cheese in any meal, from breakfast to dinner to dessert (yes, there are even vegan cream cheeses perfect for sweet treats!).

Ready to Try Vegan Cheese? Here’s Where to Buy Your Favorites

Excited to try these amazing plant-based cheese brands? Fortunately, most of them are available at your local grocery store or online. Here’s where you can find them:

Grocery Stores
Many mainstream grocery stores now carry plant-based cheese. Check your local Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, or Kroger for a wide selection of brands like Daiya, Violife, and Miyoko’s. Even larger chains like Walmart and Target have started stocking popular plant-based cheeses.

Online Retailers
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in stores, you can always turn to online retailers. Websites like Thrive Market, Amazon, and VeganEssentials offer a wide variety of plant-based cheese that can be delivered straight to your door.

Specialty Shops
For gourmet or artisanal plant-based cheeses, consider visiting specialty vegan or health food stores. Some brands, like Vromage and Nuts for Cheese, are available in select markets and online shops that specialize in plant-based products.

Wherever you shop, you’re sure to find a plant-based cheese that will make you forget all about dairy!

Conclusion

The world of plant-based cheese is more delicious and diverse than ever before. Whether you’re motivated by health, ethics, or simply a love for great food, these 10 plant-based cheese brands offer a tempting array of flavors and textures that can easily replace dairy in any dish. From creamy spreads to melty delights, plant-based cheese is here to stay, and making the switch has never been easier. So go ahead and explore these exciting options—you might just find yourself forgetting all about dairy cheese!

FAQs

• What is vegan cheese made from?
  Vegan cheese is typically made from a variety of plant-based ingredients, including nuts (such as cashews, almonds, or macadamias), seeds, soy, coconut oil, and nutritional yeast. Some vegan cheeses are also made through fermentation processes, giving them a rich and tangy flavor similar to traditional dairy cheese.
• Does vegan cheese melt like dairy cheese?
  Yes! Many vegan cheese brands have perfected their recipes to ensure that their products melt, stretch, and bubble just like dairy cheese. Brands like Daiya, Violife, and Miyoko’s Creamery are known for producing vegan cheeses that melt perfectly on pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
• Is vegan cheese healthier than dairy cheese?
  Vegan cheese can be a healthier alternative, as it is often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. However, the nutritional content can vary between brands, so it’s important to check the labels for fat, sodium, and calorie content. Some vegan cheeses are fortified with vitamins like B12 and calcium, offering additional health benefits.
• Can I use vegan cheese in cooking and baking?
  Absolutely! Vegan cheese works wonderfully in a wide range of recipes, from pizzas and casseroles to grilled cheese sandwiches and mac and cheese. Many vegan cheeses melt well, making them great for dishes that require gooey, creamy textures.
• Where can I buy vegan cheese?
  Vegan cheese is widely available in most grocery stores, especially in health food stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s. You can also find it in larger chains like Walmart and Target. Additionally, vegan cheese can be purchased online through platforms like Thrive Market, Amazon, and VeganEssentials for convenient home delivery.