Welcome to vegcurious – the blog for people who are curious about plant-based eating.
It’s a story heard over and over again on vegan social media pages, “I’m almost plant-based but it’s so hard to give up cheese.” This is usually because many people think that the vegan cheese replacements available are rubbery and tasteless. And I would completely agree with this if we traveled in a time machine back about five years. Way back then, there were very few plant-based cheese products available, and they were, in a word, meh. Today’s world of plant-based cheese rivals the world of dairy-based cheese in variety, taste, texture and meltiness (yes…that is a word…I just made it up).
Also, you’ll notice that plant-based cheese products are often referred to with “cute” variations on the spelling of the word, cheese. I just did it in the title of this blog. This is because the dairy industry is trying its best to protect the word for their exclusive use and they have had some luck in the European Union and the United Kingdom, but in a lot of places, they do not own the word.
Often, to avoid controversy, companies will use the term “dairy-free cheese”, or “plant-based cheese”, but even these are coming under attack. But, since this is not a blog about the legalities of the word “cheese”, we can move on. I will be using the word “cheese” throughout this blog because my spell check doesn’t like all the cute alternatives I came up with.
"Today, you can find plant-based Parmesan, blue cheese, mozzarella, Cheddar (both regular and aged), cream cheese including a variety of flavoured versions and enough delicious and visually enticing cheese products to put together a pretty impressive vegan cheese board for your next get together!"
All about vegan cheese
Vegan cheese can be made from many different plant proteins and fats depending on who is making the cheese and the type of cheese they are producing. Most plant-based cheese is made from some type of soy or nuts, or from plant oils such as coconut oil. Some are even made from tapioca or pea protein. When you are purchasing vegan cheese for the first time, and you’re not sure what it tastes like, make sure to read the ingredient list carefully. The base that is used will often, but not always, make an appearance in the flavour profile. For example, I never purchase plant-based cream cheese that is coconut based. This is because I find the taste of coconut with jam or tomatoes or plant-based lox, a bit odd. I must be very sensitive to the flavour of coconut because most of my vegan friends buy coconut-based cream cheese products and swear they cannot taste any coconut at all. If you are sensitive to a particular taste, remember, the further down the ingredient list it is, the less of it, by weight, the product contains.
The many faces of vegan cheese
Like dairy-based cheese products, vegan cheese can be purchased in a variety of forms depending on how you plan to use it. Here are some of my favourite brands and formats, but there are so many out there now, you’re sure to find a few that you love. This is not an exhaustive list. I haven’t tried every variety. Living in Canada, not every brand is available here and some brands use different names in different countries, so check out the product websites and take a look at what’s on your store’s shelves.
For melting…
These brands have extra meltability, IMO, and are perfect for a grilled cheese sandwich or for a baked mac ‘n cheese casserole.
Violife – all the sliced varieties and shreds.
Applewood – if you like a smoky Cheddar, this is for you.
Follow Your Heart – all the sliced varieties and shreds.
For munching…
These brands are perfect to enjoy right out of the package and are great for a cheese board or quick snack.
Babybel Plant-Based Cheese – so much like the dairy version it’s almost indistinguishable.
Daiya Cheddar Block – this has been featured on many cheese trays at my house.
Plant Ahead – hands down the best vegan feta I’ve ever eaten.
For spreading…
These are the perfect schmear for your morning bagel!
Miyoko – this one started out for millionaires only (it was pretty expensive!) but with increased popularity and availability it has come down to a price everyone can enjoy. And enjoy you will! Pretty much all Miyoko products are in a league of their own!
Kite Hill – another player that entered the market at a very high price point but is now much more affordable and worth every penny!
Tofutti – for an option that’s not nut-based or coconut-based.
Nuts for Cheese – lots of flavours to choose from and in a pretty triangle shape that’s perfect for your cheese board, too.
The last word…
If you are basing your impression of plant-based cheese on products you tasted years ago, then it might be time for a retaste! A good place to start is with the brands you already trust and love. Pretty much every major player is in the plant-based game now from Philidelphia Cream Cheese to Laughing Cow, and Boursin to Babybel.
I hope this blog has helped you find your way to plant-based eating. Remember…the goal is not to be perfect. Do the best you can and enjoy the journey! Sign up for vegcurious to be delivered right to your inbox at vegcurious.ca.
Note: It is strongly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician before making any changes to your diet. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to recommend or endorse any particular product, diet or eating plan.
Commentaires