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he process of traditional cheesemaking is something that goes back for generations. While artisanal cheesemaking can be considered an artistic process, it’s still a process that depends on animal products such as milk and rennet.
However, for vegans who choose not to eat or use animal products, finding an alternative to cheese can be a complicated journey. Let’s face it — cheese is a staple in many diets, and it can be difficult to give up.
But, thanks to the rise in veganism over the last decade or so, there are more dairy-free alternatives than ever.
You don’t have to compromise taste, texture, or familiarity when you’re using vegan cheese. You just have to know what to look for, how to use different types of dairy-free cheese, and how to store it properly.
Let’s go a little further into this exploration of vegan cheese so you can feel more confident the next time you go to the grocery store.
Since vegan cheese isn’t made using any animal products, how can manufacturers get the same taste and texture as traditional cheese?
What this kind of cheese is made of depends largely on the type you’re looking for. For example, vegan cream cheese is going to have a different taste and texture than vegan cheddar, so the ingredients will undoubtedly be different.
However, the most common ingredients used in plant-based cheeses include:
Today, you can find nut-based cheeses, soy, and tofu-based cheeses, and even vegetable-based cheeses in most larger grocery stores throughout the United States.
But, before you get excited and pick up a package of vegan mozzarella, make sure you always take the time to read the ingredients.
Different brands have their own manufacturing processes and might include different ingredients than what you’re used to.
If you have other dietary restrictions or a soy-based product contains casein — a protein typically found in milk that gives it a white color — you might want to choose a different alternative.
In most cases, vegan cheeses can be used as a one-to-one substitute for traditional dairy cheese. Depending on the type of cheese you get, however, you might find that it works better in certain applications than others.
It’s best to experiment with your favorite cheesy recipes to find what works best for you.
For example, shredded vegan cheese tends to work best when cooked instead of eaten raw. Try adding them to plant-based taco meat for a “cheesy” burrito, or grill them between bread for an ooey-gooey grilled “cheese” sandwich.
When it comes to slices, you can pretty much get away with anything if you just want to eat one as a snack or place it on top of a cold sandwich.
But, if you want to use them for grilled cheese or as a melty option on top of a plant-based burger, you might have to shop around for a brand that melts the best. Not all vegan cheese is created equally!
As briefly mentioned above, artisan cheese makers take great pride in their work.
Some traditional cheeses take years to make and age. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t vegan artisan cheese varieties that taste just as great — especially if you’re trying to put together a killer charcuterie board.
Artisanal varieties of vegan cheese are also commonly made from nuts and other plant-based products. What makes them different from slices and shreds is the process.
Much like traditional artisanal cheese, vegan cheese makers take a lot of time to develop flavors and textures in their products.
When a vegan cheese uses cashews, for example, an artisan might ferment the cashews for weeks beforehand, giving the final product a deeper, “funkier” flavor.
Artisanal or not, it’s important to make sure you’re storing your plant-based cheese properly.
Food storage can influence flavor, and while there is no dairy in vegan cheese, proper storage will keep it from spoiling too quickly while preserving the flavor.
Most vegan cheeses should be stored in the refrigerator to slow down bacterial growth and reduce the fermentation process.
Keep your cheese covered or protected by the package it came in, and make sure it stays dry.
People choose to turn to veganism for a variety of reasons. Some want to experience better health benefits while others are trying to promote animal rights.
Whatever the case, there’s no denying that vegan cheese has a variety of health benefits. Plus, unlike traditional cheese, it doesn’t have the potential to raise your cholesterol levels.
But, some might also argue vegan cheese is missing out on some of the benefits found in traditional cheese, like a lot of calcium and protein.
You can get the most nutritional value out of your vegan cheese by looking at brands that aren’t highly processed.
Ingredients still matter. For example, most people know that dairy products are good for strong, healthy teeth. If you to get want the same dental benefits from vegan cheese, look for options that are higher in calcium.
When it comes to which vegan cheeses are right for you, it’s a matter of personal preference and taste. Today, most grocery stores carry at least a few varieties of plant-based cheeses, so don’t be afraid to try different ones for different applications.
Tasting Table put out a list of the best brands and options, with Treeline dairy-free cream cheese coming out on top. But, you’ll quickly discover the brands and varieties you like best.
As veganism continues to rise in popularity, it’s likely that more stores will start carrying a larger selection of options, so you can enjoy all of the benefits of vegan cheese at home without missing the taste and texture of traditional artisan cheeses.