Cheese And Vegans: Friends Or Foes?

Vegans do not eat any animal products or byproducts, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey. This means that most types of cheese, which are usually made from cow's or goat's milk, are not vegan-friendly. However, there are now many cheese substitutes available for vegans, made from plant-based sources such as nuts, seeds, and soy. These vegan cheeses can be purchased from stores or made at home, and come in a wide range of styles and flavors similar to traditional dairy-based cheeses.

Vegan cheese can be made from plant-based ingredients like nuts and seeds

Vegan cheese is a non-dairy, plant-based alternative to traditional cheese. It is made from a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, vegetable proteins, seeds, and nuts. The defining characteristic of vegan cheese is the exclusion of all animal products.

Vegan cheese can be made from a diverse range of plant-based ingredients, such as soybeans, peas, cashews, coconut, and almonds. Nuts and seeds are a particularly popular base for vegan cheese. These include almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Nut and seed-based cheeses are typically fermented with extra probiotic cultures and have nutritional yeast and flavourings added.

One of the key ingredients in vegan cheese is often tapioca starch and flour, which are extracted from cassava plant roots. Tapioca gives cheese its stretchy, melty properties and allows it to brown, like pizza cheese. Coconut milk, cream, and oil are also commonly used in vegan cheese due to their high fat content, which helps mimic the creamy, dense characteristics of dairy cheese. However, additional flavourings are usually needed to mask the natural taste of coconut.

Another popular base for vegan cheese is potatoes, particularly Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes, which provide an orange colour and a light sweetness. Nutritional yeast is also added to give the cheese a nutty, savoury flavour. Other ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavour of vegan cheese include garlic powder, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt.

Vegan cheese can be made at home or purchased from a store. It comes in a variety of styles, such as cream cheese, blocks of cheese, soft spreadable cheese, grated cheese, cheese dips, and shredded cheese. Recent advancements have allowed vegan cheese to melt, ooze, and bubble just like regular cheese, making it a tasty and increasingly popular alternative for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.

Vegan cheese is cholesterol-free and can be a good source of calcium

Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and is perfect for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan. It is cholesterol-free and can be a good source of calcium, depending on the type of vegan cheese.

Cholesterol-Free

Vegan cheese is cholesterol-free as it is made from plant-based ingredients and contains no animal products. This makes it a good option for people looking to improve their cholesterol levels and heart health. However, it is important to note that many vegan cheeses are made with coconut oil and other saturated fats that can affect cholesterol levels.

Good Source of Calcium

Vegan cheese can be a good source of calcium, depending on the type and brand. Only a small percentage of vegan cheese alternatives are fortified with calcium. For example, in one study, less than 20% of the cheese alternatives were fortified with calcium. If you are looking for a vegan cheese that is a good source of calcium, look for calcium-fortified products.

Other Health Benefits

In addition to being cholesterol-free and a potential source of calcium, vegan cheese can also offer other health benefits. Some vegan cheeses are made from nuts, which are a good source of vitamin E and fiber. Vegan cheese is also lactose-free, making it a good option for people who are lactose intolerant.

How to Choose Vegan Cheese

When choosing a vegan cheese, it is important to consider the nutrition and ingredients. Look for vegan cheese with lower saturated fat and sodium levels. Choose calcium-fortified products, especially if you are using vegan cheese as a source of calcium in your diet. Read the labels and compare different brands to find the best option for your health needs.

Some lactose-free cheese may still contain animal products

Vegans avoid all animal products or animal byproducts, including dairy and milk. Because most cheese is made from cow's or goat's milk, most types are not vegan-friendly. However, there are many vegan cheese substitutes available, which are made from plant-based ingredients like soybeans, peas, cashews, coconut, or almonds.

Some people who are lactose intolerant may opt for lactose-free cheese. However, it is important to note that some lactose-free cheese may still contain animal products. Lactose-free cheese is typically made for those who are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

Lactose-free cheese can be made from dairy products that are naturally low in lactose, such as hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or parmesan. These cheeses have been aged, and the longer a cheese has been aged, the less lactose it will contain. According to the Italian Ministry of Health, Parmigiano Reggiano contains less than 1 mg of lactose per 100 grams, and can be labelled as lactose-free. Other lactose-free cheese options include cottage cheese or feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk.

Soft and creamy cheeses like ricotta, burrata, and cream cheese contain significantly more lactose than hard cheeses, but still have far less than milk, yogurt, and ice cream. For those who are lactose intolerant, it is recommended to consume lactose-free or low-lactose cheese in moderation, as some people with lactose intolerance may not be able to tolerate any milk products without discomfort.

It is worth noting that some soy-based cheeses contain casein, a milk protein, which is included to allow the processed product to melt like real cheese. These soy-based cheeses that contain casein are not vegan, but may be appropriate for those avoiding dairy to manage a lactose allergy.

Vegan cheese melts and stretches like dairy cheese

Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, soybeans, plant milks, oils, and nutritional yeast. While early iterations of vegan cheese were not particularly palatable, the market has since exploded with flavorful varieties that mimic the taste and texture of dairy cheese.

Vegan cheese does melt, although not in the same way as dairy cheese. It softens, becomes creamier, and stretches when heated. Some types of vegan cheese melt better than others, and the melting properties of vegan cheese are determined by their ingredients. For example, coconut oil is a common ingredient in meltable vegan cheese.

• Miyoko's Fresh Vegan Mozzarella: This cheese melts easily onto pizza and bakes beautifully into pasta and casseroles. It has a soft texture like its dairy-based counterpart and a similar taste to traditional mozzarella.
• Field Roast Chao Creamy Original Chao Slices: These slices have a soft texture and melt easily, making them ideal for sandwiches and quesadillas. They have a slightly sweet flavor like a true mild cheddar and a creamy mouthfeel.
• Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Cheddar Shreds: These shreds mimic the sharp flavor of cheddar cheese and are versatile for both hot and cold uses. They melt well into hot dishes and hold their shape when served cold.
• NOOCH IT! Cashew Grated Cheeze: This cheese is made from a base of cashews and nutritional yeast, with added ingredients like organic brown rice flour, organic garlic powder, organic hemp seeds, and sea salt. It has a funky bite that some may love and others may dislike.
• Violife Just Like Parmesan Block: This cheese is made from a base of coconut oil and various starches, which contributes to its meltability. It is a good source of vitamin B12 and is suitable for individuals with nut allergies. It grates easily and melts well, making it perfect for hot pasta dishes and soups.
• Daiya Swiss Style Cheese Slices: These slices are made from a base of potato starch and coconut oil, which allows them to melt and stretch on burgers and sandwiches. They are also allergen-friendly, free from the eight most common food allergens.
• Kite Hill Original Almond Milk Cream Cheese Spread: This cream cheese has a smooth, spreadable consistency and a slight tartness that some other vegan alternatives lack. It has a pleasant texture that falls between whipped and thick, making it perfect for bagels or creative savory dishes.
• Tofutti Better Than Cheese Ricotta: This ricotta-style cheese has a grainy texture but melts easily when cooked. It is made from a tofu base and is kosher and Halal certified. It has a mild flavor and light, airy consistency, making it ideal for vegan ravioli, casseroles, and pizza.
• Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda: This smoked gouda has a score of 9.8 out of 10 for melting and is perfect for homemade pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Flavor: This vegan cheddar cheese receives a perfect score of 10 out of 10 for melting. It has a strong flavor and can be enjoyed raw on crackers or straight from the block. It melts beautifully and is recommended for homemade pizzas or as an extra cheese on top of store-bought plant-based pizza.
• Sheese Cheddar Style with Jalapeno and Chilli: This spicy vegan cheese gets a 9 out of 10 rating for melting. It melts well and takes vegan pizzas to the next level. It can be purchased from supermarkets like Tesco, where it is sold under their own brand name.

In summary, there are many vegan cheeses available that melt and stretch like dairy cheese. The key to finding meltable vegan cheese is to look for products with coconut oil as an ingredient and to choose blocks of cheese that can be grated for better melting.

Vegan cheese is available in multiple styles, including shredded, cream cheese, block and sliced, soft cheese, and parmesan-style

Vegans avoid all animal products and byproducts, including dairy and milk. As most cheese is made from cow's or goat's milk, it is not usually considered vegan-friendly. However, there are many vegan cheese options available, which are made from plant-based ingredients such as soybeans, peas, cashews, coconut, or almonds.

Shredded vegan cheese is one of the most popular styles and is perfect for sprinkling on pizza, tacos, potatoes, or casseroles. Major brands now offer shredded vegan cheese, with mozzarella and cheddar being the most common varieties.

Cream cheese is another popular vegan cheese option, great for spreading on bagels and toast or using in creamy sauces. Like traditional cream cheese, it comes in a variety of flavors.

Vegan block and sliced cheese options include cheddar, smoked gouda, provolone, and American. These varieties are best used on crackers or sandwiches.

Soft vegan cheese options include ricotta, brie, and camembert.

Vegan parmesan-style cheese is a great plant-based option for topping pasta, pizza, or popcorn. It can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients, such as nutritional yeast and garlic powder, and is an easy way to add a cheesy flavor to any dish.

Vegan cheese is a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet, offering the same convenience, versatility, and taste as regular cheese.

Frequently asked questions