Going Dairy Free? Try These Top 5 Vegan Cheese Alternatives

Who doesn’t love cheese?  Cheese is one of those things that can fit into any occasion.  You can dress it up for wine parties and distinguished guests, or dress it down for soul food like mac and cheese or yummy grilled cheese sandwiches.

However, not everyone can enjoy this creamy wonderfood.  For years, lactose-intolerant folk and devout vegans have struggled to match the flavor and consistency of dairy cheese by combining ingredients such as nutritional yeast, mustard and flour variations, but nothing has come close.  However, it’s a new dawn for cheese lovers everywhere, and thanks to a few new products, cheese can once again be loved by all.

Here is a list of non-dairy cheeses that combine the texture and taste of cheese that so many products have failed to do in the past.  Aside from the non-dairy component of these products, vegan cheese is also a healthy option for those who are monitoring their saturated fat intake and for those who need gluten-free products.

Teese

Teese is a dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-based alternative to cheese, and is one of the best vegan cheeses on the market.  Teese melts and stretches just like regular cheese and can be used on pizzas, nachos, or anywhere else you want melted cheese.  While the company makes several varieties, the mozzarella option offers the best creamy texture.

Cheezly

Cheezly has a distinct cheddar flavor and can be used in all recipes that call for cheddar.  Cheezly doesn’t melt into an oily mess (like some old school non-dairy cheeses), and can be eaten cold right out of the bag.  Perfect for sandwiches and snacks.

Sheese

Sheese is perhaps the more elaborate of the non-dairy cheese options, because it offers a higher quality cheese consistency, and comes with so many different flavors of cheese.  Among these are smoked cheddar, sharp cheddar, Irish cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Cheshire and blue cheese.  Sheese products consistently win taste awards, and are certified Kosher.

Vegan Gourmet

Vegan Gourmet has cornered the market on non-dairy “dairy” products because they offer so many options.  While other vegan cheese companies typically offer cheese products such as cheddar or mozzeralla, Vegan Gourmet offers cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack cheese, creamy nacho cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, non-dairy salad dressings and egg-free mayonnaise (or Veganaise, respectfully).

Daiya

It is well argued that Daiya has revolutionized the vegan cheese industry.  Daiya (pronounced "dayaa") is a product made from tapioca and arrowroot flours, and non-GMO canola, safflower and coconut oils.  It is soy-free, dairy-free and gluten-free, and contains no corn, rice, or wheat. It also contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or animal products.  Daiya is said to taste, feel, smell and resemble real cheese so closely that restaurants around the country are now offering vegan cuisine on their menus and using Daiya for vegan pizzas, vegan sandwiches, and vegan cheese-based soups.

There is no reason to give up your love of cheese if you are lactose intolerant or vegan, when you switch to these great new options!