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Best Vegan Cheese Brands and Buyer’s Guide

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Best Vegan Cheese Brands and Buyer’s GuideEssentially, vegan cheese which is part of cheese analog is any plant-based substitute for dairy cheese.

When we want something similar to cheese without supporting the abusive dairy industry, vegan cheese is our go-to solution and some may even have it due to lactose intolerance.

Years of trial & error have resulted in many vegan cheese products to be introduced into the market. They now come in many versions as their dairy counterparts that are both hard or soft, and can come as spread, sliced, grated, and perhaps most importantly even melt like the real thing!

It is important to note that some cheese may be free from lactose but still contain casein, which is the major protein contained in cow’s milk, so always make sure to check the labels.

However, all the cheese brands mentioned in this post being vegan you can experiment freely without the hassle of checking the labels.

How Do Vegan Cheese Substitutes Compare with Dairy Cheese?

Traditional dairy cheese is made using the milk protein known as casein found in the milk of animals like cows, goats, buffalo, and sheep.

To begin the process of making cheese, an enzyme called rennet is added to the milk, which helps the curdling (coagulation) process. Rennet is a combination of enzymes, extracted from the stomachs of the animals.

Although there are other ways in which cheese can be produced, adding rennet is the most common and widespread method. As a result, you get dairy cheese with different tastes, textures, and forms.

In a sense, non-dairy cheese substitutes are made in a similar way. It begins with a protein which is physically altered by the addition of another agent. However, in the case of vegan cheese, the protein mass is sourced from plants and the action of ‘curdling’ is performed by lactic bacteria rather than stomach enzymes from animals.

To produce firmer vegan cheeses, additional ingredients like oils and emulsifiers may be added. Other ingredients like nuts, soy, tofu, and seeds can give the end product greater nutritional value than their dairy counterparts, and many people find these non-dairy cheese substitutes easier to digest (no lactose).

Just like dairy cheeses, there are many different varieties of dairy-free cheese substitutes, so it is a good way to expand your taste palate and experience new sensations!

The Question on Everyone’s Lips—Does Non-Dairy Cheese Taste Like Real Cheese?

While the best vegan cheese brands are said to truly rival the taste, texture, and flavors of ‘real’ cheese, at the base level they are different.

The base protein which is used is different, and therefore the taste is going to be slightly different. Now that doesn’t necessarily mean it is a bad thing, isn’t it?

In the process of dairy cheese making the curd (consolidated protein) gets attached to each other and with different stages of aging, produces varying flavors. With vegan cheeses, apart from the aging & bacterial process, a different flavor is also achieved through the addition of other ingredients; which may add a different layer of flavors all together.

It’s pretty safe to say though, that just like some people love certain varieties of dairy cheese and dislike others, you may find a similar experience with vegan cheese. What’s considered delicious by one person might just not work for another. Taste, just like beauty, can be subjective, so staying open-minded may help you a lot.

You may not like the first vegan cheese you try, or you might be completely blown away! There’s certainly a whole new world of exploring to do once you’ve opened the door. Essentially, don’t set out with the mindset – is it as good as dairy cheese? But rather explore each option on its own merit.

What are The Ingredients That Make Best Vegan Cheese?

Because there are so many different sources of vegetable-based proteins and fats, there’s a huge variety of ingredients that can be used to make vegan cheese. Just some of the common ingredients are soy protein, vegetable oils like coconut, palm, sunflower or safflower, nuts such as almonds, macadamias and cashews, protein-rich flours like tapioca, arrowroot and even pea protein may be used as bases.

Then to achieve different flavors and textures, nutritional yeast, vegetable glycerine, agar flakes and natural enzymes and assorted bacterial cultures may be added.

Types of Vegan Cheese, Based On Key Ingredients

Soy Cheese

Best vegan cheese - soy cheese
From Reiskeks (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Made from soy milk, soy vegan cheese is one of the most common and popular vegan cheeses. Relatively low in fat and overall calories, they also come in a variety of flavors and forms, from mozzarella to cheddar, and Gouda to pepper jack. They can be sliced, shredded and tend to melt well too while being a good source of protein.

Nut Cheese

Best vegan cheese - cashew cheeseSome of the most common nuts used to make vegan cheese are cashews, macadamias, and brazil nuts. These cheeses tend to spread very well and often used as a topping for bread, crackers, and vegetables. Nut cheeses are usually an excellent source of calcium, potassium and phosphorous, and also contain healthy fats, iron, and antioxidants.

Seed Cheese

Seeds are a popular base to make hard cheeses and ideal for grating over pasta dishes. Sunflower seeds are a popular choice, as are pignoli nuts, sesame seeds, and hemp seeds. Each type of seed tends to create the resulting cheese with its own unique taste. Seeds are often an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants as well as healthy fats, protein, potassium, iron and phosphorous.

Rice Cheese

A rice base made from water and rice flour is the main ingredient of this cheese. Cheddar and pepper jack are popular variations, and rice cheese comes mainly in blocks or slices.

Vegan Cheese Nutrition

Calories:

Because there are so many different varieties of vegan cheeses, each brand differs somewhat. They generally range from about 30 to 80 calories per serving.

Protein:

In general vegan cheese provides 2g of protein per serving.

Fat:

Vegan cheese tends to be lower in fat than their dairy counterparts, and it is a great way to reduce your cholesterol, since all the products used are of plant origin.

Carbohydrates:

Most vegan cheese brands provide about 2g of carbohydrates per serving.

Introducing the Best Vegan Cheese Brands on the Market!

Vegan Cheddar Style Cheese

Great for veggie burgers, slice thinly and use for sandwiches, or to indulge in a macaroni and cheese!

Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese–Vegan Gourmet Cheddar Cheese Alternative

Best Vegan Cheese Brands - Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese (Vegan Gourmet Cheddar Cheese Alternative)
Image: Follow Your Heart

 

Follow your heart vegan cheese is one of the best vegan cheese brands and a favorite among those that enjoy cooking with a cheese that melts, cooks and even browns under the grill just like the ‘real’ thing! It’s just as perfect on crackers for a quick snack too.

Vegan Cheese Shreds/Mozzarella

Vegan mozzarella cheese can make a great pizza topping. Can also use them to add more delight to quesadillas, burritos, nachos or any other dish to your liking.

Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese–Vegan Gourmet Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Best Vegan Cheese Brands - Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese (Vegan Gourmet Shredded Mozzarella Cheese)
Image: Follow Your Heart

A non-dairy mozzarella alternative with a cheesy taste and texture which melts extremely well!

Read the full review here

Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds

Best Vegan Cheese Brands - Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds

Daiya is a household name among the vegan cheese brands and no wonder why so many vegan restaurants use it. If you want to add more cheesy flavor depending on the recipe, then this does a better job than mozzarella. Try it with recipes that require melted cheddar like pizzas, mac & cheese, grills, etc.

Read the full review here

Daiya Pepperjack Style Shreds

Best Vegan Cheese Brands - Daiya Vegan Cheese (Daiya Pepperjack Style Shreds)
Image: Daiya Foods

The slightly spicy finish to these vegan cheese shreds makes them ideal for use in Mexican dishes like nachos, burritos, and quesadillas or any meal that could use a little extra zing!

Vegan Cheese Slices

Perfect for creating that well-loved classic, the grilled cheese sandwich, these slices are smooth, creamy and bursting with flavour! Great to use as a filling or just as a quick snack all on their own.

GO Veggie Sliced Cheddar Cheese

Best Vegan Cheese Brands - GO Veggie Sliced Cheddar Cheese
Image: GO VEGGIE

Apart from being completely free of animal products and cholesterol, gluten, lactose, and of course, dairy; this cheese alternative slices, stretches, melts and bursts with flavor. Even better though, they contain only half the calories per serving, one-third of the fat and 40% more calcium than their dairy counterpart.

Daiya Swiss Style Cheese Slices

Best Vegan Cheese Brands - Daiya Vegan Cheese (Daiya Swiss Style Cheese Slices)
Image: Daiya Foods

These creamy slices have that slightly sharp flavor which Swiss Cheeses are so renowned for, and make the perfect addition to any grilled or plain sandwich.

Daiya Provolone Style Cheese Slices

Best Vegan Cheese Brands - Daiya Vegan Cheese (Daiya Provolone Style Cheese Slices)
Image: Daiya Foods

If you’re a cheese and wine lover, then you’re in for a treat with these great tasting vegan cheese slices that pair oh so nicely with crackers and your favorite bottle of red wine!

Field Roast Chao Slices Collection

Best Vegan Cheese Brands - Field Roast Chao Slices Collection
Image: Field Roast

Field Roast Creamy Original with Chao Tofu Chao Slice

Field Roast is no new name for vegans though its latest vegan cheese range just launched in 2015. But boy, hasn’t this already made a name for its self, brought to you by an award-winning company. If you enjoy cheese with truly unique and creamy character, then you must try these! Made with coconut oil base and flavored with tofu in the traditional Vietnamese way, they’re perfect for use on burgers or sandwiches which melt as well if you need to!

Field Roast Tomato Cayenne with Spicy Pepper Chao Slice

Feeling a bit more experimental by now? Then Tomato Cayenne Chao Slices by Field Roast, flavored with tomato, spicy bell peppers and a touch of cayenne give a sharp, spicy flavor to delight your palette.

Field Roast Coconut Herb with Black Pepper Chao Slice

Another flavor in the Field Roast Chao Slices Collection. Get this and keep on broadening your palate!

Read the full review here

Best Vegan Cream Cheese Brands / Vegan Cheese Spread

Soft, creamy, and spreadable, are the qualities you can expect from these best vegan cream cheese brands! Once you try these cream cheese spreads they are bound to take up permanent residency in your fridge!

Use as a dip for veggies or chips and the creamy and garlic varieties are just as good to indulge in pasta dishes. Use the spicier Mexican style to create an awesome grilled cheese sandwich, pizzas, or nachos, bagels and savory muffins! Well, as you can see, these non-dairy cream cheese substitutes can be versatile as their dairy counterparts.

Tofutti Brand Non-Hydrogenated Better Than Cream Cheese

Best Vegan Cream Cheese Brands - Tofutti Brand Non-Hydrogenated Better Than Cheese Cream
Image: Tofutti Brands

These non-dairy Tofutti Products contain no milk, butterfat or cholesterol, and are certified kosher and parve.

Creamy Sheese Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread

Non-Dairy Cream Cheese Substitute - Creamy Sheese Garlic & Herb Cheese Spread
Image: Bute Island Foods

This award-winning vegan cheese spread is non-hydrogenated, GMO-free, gluten-free and made in Scotland from a coconut oil base, and extremely versatile. It’s just as good for making the ultimate mashed potato, melted over asparagus, stirred into your favorite soups and sauces or to spread on bread.

Read the full review here

Creamy Sheese Cheddar Style Cheese Spread

Non-Dairy Cream Cheese Substitute - Creamy Sheese Cheddar Style Cheese Spread
Image: Bute Island Foods

Non-hydrogenated, GMO-free, gluten-free and imported from Scotland, this cheddar spread is bound to be a favorite with kids of all ages. Ideal for deep dish pizzas, potato bakes, and pasta sauces, making that delicious grilled sandwich or spreading on rye bread, crackers, bagels or crumpets. Did I forget the joy of a quick and satisfying dip?

Read the full review here

Heidi Ho Organic Creamy Chia Cheeze

Best Vegan Cream Cheese Brands - Heidi Ho Organic Creamy Chia Cheeze
Image: Heidi Ho

If you’re not a fan of vegan cheeses made with nutritional yeast, then try this tasty alternative which is made from chia seeds! Gluten, soy and dairy free, this vegan cheese is perfect for a delicious macaroni cheese dish, spread on sandwiches for a quick snack, or heated and poured over your favorite steamed veggies.

Heidi Ho Organic Smoky Chia Cheeze

Best Vegan Cream Cheese Brands - Heidi Ho Organic Smoky Chia Cheeze
Image: Heidi Ho

The smokey character of this cheese makes it perfect for serving at any barbecue (of course meatless BBQ). Suitable as a nachos topping or a pizza base for that ‘wood-fired oven’ taste as well! Also ideal for an artichoke dip, creamy au gratin potatoes or for preparing a truly creamy alfredo. This vegan cheese is made from all organic vegetables, chia seeds and nuts.

Vegan Cheese Dressings

When you need to make that fresh salad extra special, create a decadent glaze, spice up your grilled veggies or just add something extra to a sandwich, then these versatile dressings will deliver flavor to rave over!

Daiya Blue Cheeze Dairy-Free Dressing

Vegan Cheese Dressings - Daiya Blue Cheeze Dairy-Free Dressing
Image: Daiya Foods

With that rich, sharp and tangy flavor which blue cheese is so famous for, this is the ultimate grilled veggie dressing for former cheese lovers that really packs in the flavor!

Read the full review here

Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Go Veggie Vegan Parmesan Grated Cheese

Vegan Parmesan Cheese - Go Veggie Vegan Parmesan Grated Cheese
Image: GO VEGGIE

Basically, you can use this grated vegan cheese wherever you’d normally use to sprinkle parmesan! Great for adding that extra zing to pizzas, pasta dishes, soups and fresh salads. Dairy and gluten free.

Read the full review here

Best Vegan Cheese Brands and Buyer’s Guide
Don’t forget to read the labels with any new cheese alternative you try unless it’s vegan certified, and keep experimenting with different types of vegan cheese so that you can be on your way to find the best vegan cheese brands fully suited for you!


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The Healthy Vegan Diet Plan with Nutrition

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Healthy Vegan Diet Plan with Nutrition

Where do the authorities stand when it comes to a healthy vegan diet plan?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that appropriately planned vegetarian diets (including total vegetarian or vegan diets) are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases [1].

Now that we know the importance of planning out our routine diet, let’s see what it means to have a healthy vegan diet and the ideal food sources to incorporate.

Vegan Diet, What Does it Mean?

Many interested in knowing the breadth, variety, what’s included and avoided in a vegan diet. Simply put, a vegan diet excludes all animal products like meat, eggs, dairy milk, cheese, honey, gelatin, etc. and primarily includes vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds.

Let’s explore the list of healthy vegan food we should build our meals around to make sure we get all the nutrients we need and include all those health-promoting aspects a vegan diet has to offer.

Vegetables, Essential for Nourishment!

We’ve known for generations that eating our veggies is important; but why? What makes vegetables in their natural form so much better than just taking processed food or supplements?

While our scientific understanding of nutrition has certainly improved exponentially over the years, man-made nutrients are still no match for all the macro & micronutrients contained in plant foods that work together.

Essentially, all the components in the make-up of vegetables work in a synergy that is greater than the individual nutrients it contains; and it would be quite difficult to understand how to replicate it or the miraculous inner workings of a plant food yet.

Luckily, we don’t have to. We’ve been eating plants for millennia, and our bodies are perfectly adapted to extract exactly what they need, in the right quantities at the right time; as long as we make sure we eat them!

This is why including vegetables as part of a healthy vegan diet is vital.

Variety of Vegetables to Include Each Day

  • Broccoli (protein 6.2%, calcium 3.3%, vitamin C 67%, vitamin A 20%, vitamin B-6 6.5%, and dietary fiber 12%) * [2]
  • Asparagus (protein 4%, vitamin A 15%, and iron 11%)*
  • Carrots (vitamin A 334%)*
  • Pumpkins  (good source of vitamin A)
  • Sweet potatoes  (good source of vitamin A)
  • Cauliflower (vitamin C 80%)*
  • Okra (ladies’ fingers)
  • Beets (folate (B9) 27%, manganese 16%)*
  • Peppers
  • Cabbage
  • Brussels sprouts (protein 6%, calcium 4%, vitamin C 141%, iron 11%, vitamin B-6 10%, vitamin K 169%, manganese 16%)*
  • Tomatoes
  • Potatoes (eat in moderation)
  • Scallion
  • Radish (vitamin C 18%)*
  • Cucumbers
  • Chicory (protein 3%, good source of B vitamins, vitamin C 29%, vitamin E 15%, vitamin K 283%)*
  • Zucchini/courgette
  • Leeks

*Nutrition values per 100 grams

Green Leafy Vegetables

Healthy Vegan Diet: Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are simply one of the best dietary sources of minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron, as well as vital vitamins like vitamin A, C, and K.

They are also a great source of fiber and folate. Increased consumption of these has been shown to benefit health in countless ways, from skeletal health, healthy heart, stronger immune system, to better cognition, and even reducing risks of certain cancers. It is also known to reduce eye related diseases and digestive issues.

Green Leafy Vegetable Options

  • Spring greens
  • Kale/baby kale (protein 8%, vitamin A 199%, good source of B vitamins, vitamin C 145%, vitamin K 671%)*
  • Collard greens
  • Mustard greens
  • Rocket/ arugula
  • Watercress (protein 4%, calcium 12%, vitamin A 63%, vitamin C 71%)*
  • Parsley (good source of iron)
  • Broccoli Raab, Rabe, or Rapini
  • Spinach (good source of iron)
  • Chard (vitamin A 122%, calcium 5%, iron 9%)*
  • Turnip greens
  • Beet greens (protein 3%, folate B9 27%)*
  • Lettuce / Iceberg lettuce

*Nutrition values per 100 grams

Legumes/Pulses

Not only legumes and pulses are some of the best sources of protein, they are quite affordable as well! Thus it’s only sensible for us to include them in our daily routine!

While you get many plant foods containing some amount of protein, grains generally tend to be a bit lower on the scale, so combining your rice with some legumes is the perfect way to make sure you’re covering all your bases.

List of Legumes/Pulses (eat at least 3 servings per day or 4 servings if you are over 50 years of age)

  • Green beans
  • Soybeans–Non-GMO (protein 72%, calcium 28%, good source of B vitamins, vitamin K 45%, iron 121%, zinc 51%)*
  • White beans, navy beans, and pinto beans
  • Aduki/ adzuki beans
  • Black-eyed peas
  • Chickpeas (protein 38%, calcium 5%, iron 22%)*
  • Cowpea
  • Kidney beans (protein 48%, calcium 3%, iron 23%)*
  • Green peas
  • Mung bean
  • Lentils (protein 18%, calcium 6%)*

*nutrition values per 100 grams

Grains

Grains are there for the gains and the health benefits associated with whole grain consumption range from improved digestion (due to fiber), better weight management, reduced risk of heart disease and may even prevent birth defects.

They are a wonderful source of essential & trace minerals, like magnesium & selenium while being an excellent source of the B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin which are essential for the nervous system and healthy metabolism.

Whole Grains (emphasize whole grains over refined)

  • Amaranth
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Oats
  • Millet


Fruits for Vitamins & Antioxidants

Rich in micronutrients, antioxidants and health-promoting natural pigments (not to mention the sweet taste!), adding fruits to your diet every day is one of the sweetest ways to improve your health.

An excellent source of fiber, they also assist in keeping cholesterol in check and improving digestion. Its rich supply of antioxidants helps the body not only to combat aging, but cope with disease, and boost your immunity.

List of Fruits (try as much as possible to include below fruits)

  • Oranges (good source of calcium and vitamin C)
  • Blueberries (vitamin C 16%, vitamin E 4%, vitamin K 18%)*
  • Strawberries
  • Blackberries
  • Cranberries
  • Avocado (good source for healthy fats)
  • Guavas (good source of vitamin C)
  • Apples
  • Olives
  • Grapefruit
  • Kiwis
  • Papaya (vitamin A 19%, vitamin C 101%, dietary fiber 6%)
  • Mangos
  • Bananas (vitamin C 14%, vitamin B-6 20%, dietary fiber 10%, potassium 8%)*
  • Pineapple
  • Lemon

*Nutrition values per 100 grams

Nuts & Seeds (too good to miss!)

Unlike the saturated and trans fats found in animal products and processed foods, nuts and seeds are rich in good fats; mono and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can actually help lower cholesterol and as a result, lower the risk of heart disease while helping with nerve function, and reduce inflammation.

Especially for vegans, this is one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acid ALA (which can convert into other omega 3 fatty acids EPA & DHA) which is important for lowering the risk of heart disease and aid in brain function! They are also an excellent source of protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.

As you can have nuts and seeds as a snack, incorporating those to your diet is much easier!

List of Nuts & Seeds

  • Almonds (protein 42%, calcium 26%, iron 29%, vitamin E 175%, magnesium 75%, manganese 109%, phosphorus 69%, zinc 32%)*
  • Walnuts (protein 30%, calcium 10%, iron 22%)*
  • Cashews
  • Pistachios
  • Pine nuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Macadamia
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Hemp, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds
  • Flaxseed

*Nutrition values per 100 grams

Plant-Based Oils

  • Flaxseed oil*
  • Canola oil*
  • Hempseed oil*
  • Camelina oil*
  • Chia seed oil*
  • Extra virgin olive oil  (recommended for dressings and a good source of antioxidants)
  • Coconut Oil

*good source of omega 3 fatty acid ALA

Other Vegan Foods for Nourishment

  • Tempeh (non-GMO: good source of protein & calcium)
  • Tofu (non-GMO: good source of protein & calcium)
  • Fortified plant milk (good source of vitamin B12: soy milk, almond milk, etc)
  • Fortified vegan breakfast cereals (good source of vitamin B12)
  • Whole grain bread
  • Use iodized salt for iodine
  • Vegan dark chocolate
  • Mushrooms (can be a source of vitamin D)
  • Peanut butter
  • Molasses (good source of iron)

Healthy Vegan Diet Plan

Conclusion

While getting the majority of your nutrients is entirely possible and ideal through a diet of whole foods, in reality, it may not be just simple or straightforward! Sometimes we may not have enough time to prepare balanced meals from scratch.

Vegan supplementation and fortified food are also options to consider which can be handy in such situations if you are battling to balance & incorporate certain nutrients (like vitamin B12, and omega 3 DHA/EPA). It is generally advised for all vegans, vegetarians (even omnivores over the age of 50) to take a vitamin B12 supplement unless you are certain that your diet contains enough B12 from fortified foods like vegan breakfast cereals, or fortified plant milk.

If you’re not getting adequate sun exposure, have dark skin or just spend most of your time indoors, you may consider taking a vegan vitamin D supplement.

Keep the focus on whole foods as much as possible, but there’s no need to get obsessive about it. Fortified food with the appropriate nutrients can be helpful in maintaining your health that may be hard to achieve if you’re caught up with a fast-paced lifestyle! They can be a useful source of nutrients that make your vegan diet easier to stick with, in the long run.

Besides having a healthy diet, you may want to consider other aspects of overall health, like physical activity, proper sleep, stress management and occasional medical checkup etc. as well.

Finally, try your best to stick to whole foods when you can, but fortified foods and a few vegan supplements can be just as useful, to make sure all your nutritional needs are being met when you need to.

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References

[1] http://www.eatrightpro.org/resource/practice/position-and-practice-papers/position-papers/vegetarian-diets
[2] https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/11093

Disclaimer: 

While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided here, the content in this post is for informational purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice. By providing the information contained herein we’re not diagnosing, or treating any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any regimen it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

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