A Beginner's Guide to Vegan Cheese Types and Best Brands

Do Vegans Eat Cheese?

Cheese may seem like it's off the table for vegans since traditional cheeses contain animal-based ingredients. But thanks to innovative approaches, there are actually many plant-based cheese alternatives out there for those pursuing a vegan lifestyle.

Why Vegans Don't Eat Traditional Cheese

Vegans follow a strict plant-based diet avoiding all animal products for ethical, environmental or health reasons. All traditional cheeses contain some form of animal-derived ingredient:

• Rennet - extracted from the stomach lining of calves
• Milk protein - found in dairy milk from cows or goats
• Butterfat - the fatty portion of milk

So all conventional cheeses are off-limits for vegans. But technology and creativity now empower vegans to enjoy delicious cheese substitutes sourced from plants instead.

Introducing Vegan Cheese

Vegan cheese seeks to mimic the taste, texture, melting ability and culinary utility of conventional dairy cheese - but entirely plant based. These innovative products provide vegans with cheesy flavors they may miss. There are now many decent pre-packaged vegan cheese options, or you can make your own.

How Is Vegan Cheese Made?

The primary ingredients in pre-made vegan cheeses include:

• Plant-based milk - soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc.
• Plant oils - coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil
• Thickeners - starches, gums, nutritional yeast
• Flavorings - lemon juice, vegetable broth, herbs
• Salt - for tangy savoriness
• Proteins - beans, lentils, peas, rice, potatoes

Blending the right ratios of these ingredients can produce creamy vegan cheese with diverse tastes for many recipes.

Types of Vegan Cheese

There are vegan versions of many popular types of cheese, including:

• Mozzarella - For pizza, pasta, salads
• Cheddar - For grilled cheese, burgers
• Cream cheese - For bagels, dips
• Soft spreadable cheeses - For crackers, sandwiches
• Aged hard cheeses - For cheese boards

Benefits of Vegan Cheese

Transitioning from regular dairy cheese, vegan options offer advantages like:

• Dairy-free - No lactose
• Soy free varieties available
• No cholesterol
• Less saturated fat
• Cruelty-free - from plants not animals

How to Choose Quality Vegan Cheese

Experimenting with different brands is key when finding vegan cheeses you enjoy:

Understand the Main Vegan Cheese Base

Nut-based, soy-based and starch-based are the main kinds. Know any allergy restrictions before purchasing.

Read the Ingredient List

Ensure no hidden animal products included. Look for whole, recognizable ingredients over fillers and stabilizers.

Consider Specific Flavors

Not all brands excel at every cheese style. Sample varieties tailored for intended melting level, tang, etc.

Texture Is Key

Mouthfeel should resemble dairy cheese. Soft and creamy spreads vs. firmer blocks appeal differently.

Expect Some Difference from Dairy

Vegan cheese uses different ingredients/processes so won't mimic traditional exactly. But great options exist now.

Expert Tips for Cooking with Vegan Cheese

Because it lacks dairy proteins, vegan cheese behaves a bit uniquely in recipes. With trial and error, you can find what suits your preferences best. Here are some pointers:

Read Prep Guidelines Carefully

Some vegan cheese needs pre-shredding, special melting steps or other unique handling for best results.

Use More Patience Melting Vegan Cheese

It often requires lower heat and more time to melt smoothly without becoming rubbery or separating.

Enhance Flavor with Spices and Acid

Boost taste in vegan cheese sauces or fondues by incorporating nutritional yeast, mustard powder, lemon juice, etc.

Mix with Condiments for Spreadable Options

For cream cheese alternatives, blend in soy yogurt, smashed avocado or cashew cream sauce for dips, sandwiches, etc.

Shred Cold for Better Results

Pre-shred blocks of firmer vegan cheeses before cooking for ideal melted consistency.

Reviews of the Best Store-Bought Vegan Cheese Brands

Today there exists excellent vegan cheese products replicating melty, tangy dairy cheese quite nicely. Here are top brands to try first:

Miyoko's Creamery

Melt-able aged cheese wheels, soft butter spreads, cream cheese and more. Nut-based.

Kite Hill

Almond milk forms the base for soft cheesy spreads, ricotta and grated parmesan alternatives.

Violife

Excels at stretchy, melty vegan mozzarella shreds and blocks ideal for pizza and pasta.

Field Roast Chao Slices

These dense and creamy coconut oil-based slices mimic American cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches wonderfully.

Daiya

Their classic shredded cheddar and mozzarella styles retain popularity for being soy-free and budget friendly.

Treeline

For soft French-style nut-based cheeses, herb and garlic infused spreads and exotic flavors like black pepper truffle.

Making Your Own Vegan Cheese Recipes

While store-bought options abound, you can also DIY tasty vegan cheese at home. This allows fully customized textures, flavors and ingredients to suit your needs. Experiment with different plant milks, fats, seasonings and nut/seed/starch bases to develop your own signatures.

Numerous excellent vegan cheese making cookbooks offer step-by-step methodology and recipe ideas to get started. And many free online recipes exist too for quicker, simpler cheeses requiring minimal time and equipment.

Going dairy-free doesn't mean abandoning cheesy deliciousness forever thanks to modern vegan cheesemaking. With ample tasting and testing, you can discover new favorite cheese alternatives to remain happily vegan.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.