I first considered veganism at sixteen years old, my best friend and I decided we wanted to participate in Meatless Mondays, which led to vegetarianism, which led to considering veganism. I was living in Kentucky at the time and knew that if I committed to a plant-based lifestyle the options for local vegan alternatives would be slim to none. So I tucked away thoughts of being free of all animal products and began my journey of vegetarianism. It was nearly six years later before I allowed myself to again consider what a vegan lifestyle may look like for me. One of my biggest reasons for having these thoughts reoccur was due to the wide selection of dairy-free alternatives I would see lining the shelves at my local grocer. Of course, I was now living in Los Angeles which naturally caters to veganism much better than most. But man oh man were options present! I decided to take on the challenge, it’s been a year and I must say, plant-based alternatives are only expanding! So, today I will be sharing my 6 must-try vegan cheese brands. I am happy to say most can be found just about anywhere.
This vegan cheese brand is most known for its alternatives to cream cheese, mozzarella wheels, and sliced cheddar. The plant-based company was founded by Miyoko Schinner, a Japan-born female chef (yes that’s right, POC and female-owned!). Miyoko Schinner is a major advocate for a plant-based lifestyle and believes in vegan brands having the right to use traditional dairy labels. This plant-based brand is one of the more expensive ones, but trust me when I say it’s worth every penny to support this company. Miyokos is currently based out of Northern California but they are available nationwide. If you’re interested in trying these products, you can keep an eye out at grocery chains like Whole Foods and Target!
This company made its way by creating Vegenaise, the vegan mayonnaise. Although they have now expanded their brand with dairy-free cheeses, yogurts, and dressings. Some of their popular dairy-free cheeses include shredded mozzarella and cheddar, pepper jack slices, feta crumbles, and grated parmesan! They also have a dairy-free mozzarella cheese block which works perfectly with that new TikTok recipe going around. This company is always releasing new products and so far, they have all been more than satisfactory! Follow Your Heart is mostly found at independent food chains but is also commonly sold at Safeway, I don’t think you’ll regret picking them up during your next grocery haul!
Let’s talk about Violife, this brand is soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free! Did I mention they’re also award-winning? They specialize in sliced cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and cheese blocks. The ingredients are simple, nutritional, and include vitamin B12 which a dairy-free diet can sometimes lack! Violife focuses on cheese and therefore has one of the larger selections, I rarely leave the store without grabbing one or two of their products. You have plenty to choose from but if this particular company catches your attention, you can find them available for purchase nationwide at Whole Foods.
Their website says it perfectly, game-changing. This plant-based brand is one of the more unique ones on this list, with dairy-free alternatives from cheese tortellini to kids’ yogurt tubes. Everything you could want is at your fingertips when it comes to Kite Hill. The tortellini and ravioli available to Kite Hill consumers are made with an almond milk ricotta cheese alternative that is also available for purchase individually. This plant-based company also sells a delicious cream cheese alternative made with almond milk. If you’re currently running out the door to find this vegan cheese tortellini, you can find it available for purchase at Whole Foods!
Although Field Roast is well known for their plant-based meat substitutes (which I speak about in my vegan chicken article), they also carry a popular selection of vegan cheese. Some of the common products that can be found are shreds, slices, and blocks as well as a dairy-free mac and cheese. Field Roast is also known for having a bigger selection when it comes to spicy flavors like tomato cayenne and spicy original. This brand is based out of Seattle although their products are inspired by European charcuterie methods. Field Roast is currently available in the United States and Canada at popular grocery chains like Target and Whole Foods.
So Delicious has definitely branded itself as more of a dessert-based company, so you may be surprised to discover that they actually have a collection of vegan cheeses! These coconut-based, gluten-free shredded cheeses come in flavors like mozzarella, cheddar, and a Mexican-style mix. I’ve had these shredded cheeses a couple of times but my favorite way to have it is on top of a pile of vegan nachos, I’ve also had it in French Onion Soup, yum! So Delicious products can be found at grocery chains like Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods! Although this brand is currently only available in the United States.
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