Our high quality vegan cheese products are perfect for those transitioning to a vegan diet. Even seasoned vegans enjoy the convenience of a classic grilled cheese made with non-dairy cheddar slices. However, these products are often processed and can be expensive. You may feel like you want something with a more streamlined ingredient list and enhanced nutritional profile. With that in mind, here are five non-dairy cheeses that aren’t the typical sliced, shredded, or gourmet vegan cheese products. Learn more about why you choose not to eat.
where did the cheese come from
Cheese is a dairy product, usually made from milk. However, it can also be made from goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, and buffalo’s milk. Casein and whey are the two main milk proteins used in cheese making. Worldwide, he raises more than 264 million cows to produce cheese and other dairy products. Last year, global production he exceeded 22 million tons.
Why Vegans Don’t Eat Cheese
Many vegans choose to eat plant-based cheeses and cheesy-tasting products (such as those listed below) for animal welfare reasons. Dairy farms cannot produce milk without calves, so cows are artificially inseminated repeatedly. After the calf is born, often within 24 hours (but sometimes as little as an hour), the calf is separated from the mother so that the farmer can milk it. According to Animal Equality, most cattle (over 90%) on U.S. dairy farms are confined to cramped indoor work.
However, the dairy industry not only undermines animal welfare, it also harms the planet. Livestock farming is associated with many environmental problems, such as water pollution, air pollution, and increased greenhouse gases. According to the United Nations, the livestock industry as a whole accounts for 14.5% of emissions.
But good news. Dairy cheese is not required. Thankfully, there are many plant-based alternatives out there, so we’ve put together the ultimate guide to finding the best ones.
5 dairy-free cheeses that aren’t your typical vegan cheese
crunchy plant
1 nutritional yeast
These nutrient-rich golden flakes are a key ingredient in well-kneaded homemade cheeses. . Great for pasta instead of vegan Parmesan cheese, popcorn instead of powdered cheese, roasted or steamed vegetables instead of melted cheese products. You can also find it in some recipes for cheese sauces, dips, and even desserts. , gives you 2 grams of fiber, no fat, and B vitamins (including 80% of your daily vitamin B12). The only thing it can’t do is make bread. Not to be confused with baker’s yeast.
Paul M. Dillon
2 Khums
please listen. I understand that hummus doesn’t taste like cheese. However, in certain applications, the creamy, melty texture can be replicated. Especially standing out are his three: pizza, quesadillas and grilled sandwiches. The next time you make pizza at home, skip the tomato sauce and use hummus as a base. When cooked, they become slightly bubbly and brown while still retaining a creamy texture. The same effect can be achieved with grilled dishes such as quesadillas and paninis. It doesn’t stretch or ooze, but it provides a moisture and silky factor that complements the other ingredients in your sandwich. One thing to note is that hummus has protein, but many people overdo it. A two-tablespoon serving contains two grams of protein, which is slightly better than most store-bought vegan cheese options.
vegetables save the day
3 tofu
While cauliflower is said to have endless uses, we would argue that tofu can do much more than this cruciferous vegetable. ricotta cheese with a crust, or a silky cheese sauce. Serve it raw in a tomato and basil caprese salad, or bake it in a rich lasagna or decadent mac and cheese. Stock up on both firm and silky varieties to make one of these options in the afternoon. It’s more nutritious (the silk version has more water). Contains 8% iron. This is definitely better than the vegan cheese products on the shelf.
Four cashew nuts
Sour cream, sweet cream, crema, mascarpone, parmesan cheese, alfredo…When blended with a few other ingredients, cashews can take on a whole new identity.The fat content of the nut gives it a creamy texture. and its neutral taste allows the addition of seasonings such as miso and nutritional yeast. If you’re looking for vegan cheesecake, Alfredo sauce, or tiramisu recipes, you’re likely to see a trend. Almost all cheesy recipes of this caliber contain cashews. Of all the foods listed here, cashews are the most calorie-dense and fat-dense. It also contains 5 grams of protein and 8% of your daily recommended iron.
Drina Burton
Five potato
The secret ingredient in a stellar mac and cheese or vegan queso? Potatoes … plus a few more. I ate countless stomach-warming macs and cheeses and endless amounts of tortillas and dipped his chips in hot, gooey queso made with both white and sweet potatoes. Baked and blended, the potato pulp makes a real difference in creating a velvety cheese sauce. While this recipe from chef Chloe Coscarelli uses sweet potatoes to make a very creamy stovetop pasta, this Easy Veggie Fakeout Queso relies on Yukon Gold potatoes (and some carrots and spices) to add a touch of spice to your meal. Delivers spicy, dippable cheese sauce. Potatoes are often villainized by fad diet culture, but are simply misunderstood. One medium-sized potato contains only about 160 calories and negligible fat, but 4 grams of protein, about 5 grams of fiber, 70 percent of your daily vitamin C, and your daily iron. and supplies the body with about 10 percent of magnesium. We say eat more potatoes, especially in cheesy form.
Read on for more vegan cheesy goodness.
Tanya Flink is a digital editor at VegNews, a writer and runner in Orange County, California.
