Veganism is gaining ground among people due to its health benefits and ethical considerations. The vegan lifestyle involves abstaining from anything that involves animal exploitation, including dairy products. However, cheese is a favorite among food enthusiasts, and vegans often struggle to find an acceptable replacement for traditional dairy-based cheeses. Luckily, the vegan community has worked tirelessly to create a variety of plant-based cheese substitutes, which are now readily available in supermarkets and online. This article highlights some of the best vegan cheese substitutes to try.
1. Nutritional Yeast Flakes
Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free substitute that is perfect for adding a cheesy flavor to dishes. It’s a vegan-friendly product that can be sprinkled over popcorn, salads or even used to make cheese sauce. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients.
2. Vegan Cheddar Cheese
The vegan cheddar cheese looks, feels, and tastes like the original dairy-based cheddar cheese. It is made from a blend of soy milk, coconut oil, and vegetable starches. Some vegan cheddar cheese brands available in stores include Miyoko’s and Daiya Foods.
3. Cashew Cream Cheese
Cashew cream cheese is a popular vegan cheese substitute. Cashew nuts are soaked overnight and blended with water to create a smooth and creamy cheese spread. The cheese is also seasoned to create a delicious flavor. Lox Plant-based Deli is a vegan deli that sells a wide range of cheese substitutes, including cashew cream cheese.
4. Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Vegan Parmesan cheese is a dairy-free substitute that is perfect for topping pasta dishes, pizza, and salads. It is made from a blend of cashews, nutritional yeast, and other seasonings. Some brands available in stores include GO VEGGIE, the Garlic Diaries, and Treeline Cheese.
5. Miyoko’s Mozzarella Cheese
Miyoko’s Mozzarella Cheese is one of the best vegan cheese substitutes. The cheese is made from organic cashews and coconut oil, which give it its creamy texture. It is perfect for making vegan pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches.
6. Tofu Cheese
Tofu cheese is one of the most versatile cheese substitutes. It can be used to make cheese sauce, cheese spreads, and even cheese blocks. The cheese is made from soy milk, which is then coagulated with vinegar or lemon juice. Brands such as Tofutti and Follow Your Heart make several types of tofu-based cheese products.
In conclusion, the vegan lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular, and many people are looking for dairy-free alternatives to cheese. The vegan cheese substitutes mentioned above offer a vast range of flavors and textures that can satisfy any cheese lover’s demands. Moreover, they are beneficial to eat since they are free of cholesterol and other fats that clog arteries and increase the risk of heart diseases and other illnesses. With the abundance of vegan cheese substitutes available in stores and online, there is no excuse not to try them now.
