We spent 6 hours researching the top alternative cheeses. We looked at over 41 new and old vegan cheeses. We listened to what our tasters had to say. And then we were left with 10…
Not all cheeses get created equally. Sure, dairy-free cheeses have come a long way. In fact, vegan cheese shops are popping up all over the western world. But is it all cheese-and-dance? Or are most still plasticy and disgusting?
We can tell you one thing: If you gave up on vegan cheese a while ago, it might now be time to reconsider. And if you’re newly vegan, you’re in for a lot of fun.
But first, keep in mind that vegan cheese is exactly that: vegan cheese. They are not, and will never be dairy cheese. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t expect a DAMN GOOD cheese. Just don’t expect your cheese to be melting from residual heat when you sprinkle it on top of pasta.
By being realistic we are able to enjoy our cheese more.
Besides being cruelty-free, another benefit of vegan cheese is that they stay good in the fridge for much longer than dairy. A big plus for all you cheesey connoisseurs.
So lets get into it. All the cheeses in this list are soy-free EXCEPT for Chao which has a surprising ingredient.
First up, we have a new one that’s quite the game-changer…
Table of Contents
Best Mozzarella / Best for Pizza
Miyoko’s Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella (Cashew-based)
You read that right. This cashew-based cheese is POURABLE.
Quick science lesson…
Solid vegan cheeses typically contain anti-caking agents. These are used to prevent clumping. But not here. Instead, the tapioca starch turns the liquid thick and stretchy as you’re cooking it.
So how do you use it? First, give it a shake. Then pour a thin layer on top of a sauced pizza and throw it in the oven.
It bubbles. It browns. It tastes great. Perfect for any homemade pizza, cheesy fries or
jalapeño poppers.
Runner Up: Miyoko’s Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella
Best Parmesan
Parma! Vegan Parmesan Original (Walnut based)
Remember those cheese puff snacks? Parma! Original tastes mildly like that. Along with a nutty taste, which makes sense as the primary ingredient is organic walnuts.
We won’t lie. Nutritional yeast (nooch) already makes for good parmesan. But sometimes, you need a bit more for that flavor you’re missing. Parma! fills that gap nicely.
There’s a slight crunch – it’s not smooth like “traditional” parmesan. And it may be too salty for some. But honestly? We’re nitpicking here.
Sprinkle it on salads, soups, pasta, baked potato and popcorn. It’s SUPER versatile.
And if you want a bold, smoky flavor, we recommend going for the bacon one.
If you want a softer, less-crunchy parmesan, Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge is a great runner-up.
Best Queso
Siete Nacho Queso (Cashew based)
If you’re looking to bring back memories of eating nachos at the concession stand, this one’s for you.
There are no tricks here: it’s a mild nacho flavor as the name suggests.
Tasters noted that it didn’t feel “chemically engineered” like some dips do. Instead, they claimed it tastes fresh and cheesy.
The mild nacho flavor is a win for the spice intolerant among you. But if you’re someone that craves heat, pick up the Spicy Blanco flavor.
Keep it refrigerated. Use it on top of chips, warm it over veggies, or use it as a dip.
The main drawback here is that it’s expensive. Is it still worth it? We’ll let you decide.
P.S. We couldn’t find a worthy runner up here. If you know one, please let us know.
Best for Cheese Boards
Miyoko’s Double Cream Classic Chive Wheel (Cashew based)
Once you’ve opened the annoying film tab, you’re greeted with a semi-soft and creamy cheese that smells good.
This is one of the few cheeses you can serve to your family on Christmas day with a glass of wine.
Taste-wise, it tastes similar to Boursin – if you can remember what that tastes like.
Some may find it too tangy tasting. And it is expensive, but we still recommend it.
So go ahead and spread it on some crackers and baguettes.
Runner Up: Treeline Herb Garlic French-Style Soft Cheese
Best Cheddar
Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Block (Coconut based)
This coconut oil-based (all Violife’s cheeses are coconut) cheddar has the “bite” you want from a sharp cheese.
Our tasters reported that it cuts like dairy cheese and tastes the closest to cheddar. More so than any of the alternatives.
You’re hit with an initial creamy flavor, followed by a mature cheddar after taste.
And being a Violife cheese, it’s fortified with B12. Nice little bonus.
It’s good by itself or on a cracker.
Runner Up: (Another Violife!) Violife Just Like Mature Cheddar Slices
Best Cream Cheese/Spread
Spero The Original Cream Cheese (Sunflower seed based)
Spero’s cream cheese is made from sunflower seeds. It has 7 simple ingredients which we like.
The texture is fluffy, although a little gritty because of its main ingredient. But we still found it creamy and it spreads easily. Don’t be put off by the color which is beige rather than white.
Use it for baking a vegan quiche or amping up anything from sandwiches to bagels.
Bonus note: Our tasters also enjoyed the herb flavor. They claimed there’s less onion taste and more of that basil and herb goodness. Which can’t be said for similar products.
Runner Up: Kite Hill Chive Almond Milk Cream Cheese
Best Slices / Best for Grilled Cheese
Field Roast Chao Creamy Original Chao Slices (Coconut based, with a twist)
This is the only cheese that isn’t soy-free on our list. And you know what that means? IT CONTAINS TOFU! We love that. If you’re allergic to soy, we’re not sorry. We had to include it.
The texture is on point for how sliced cheese should be – not too watery.
And there’s no smell or weird odor when opening the pack (Looking at you, Daiya).
The flavor is fairly neutral. It has a very mild/mellow cheddar flavor. There’s no after-taste. So it’s best complemented as a sandwich layer rather than eaten alone.
Our tasters said that when melted, a wonderful cheesy nutty flavor comes out.
We have to note that although it does melt, there ARE better melting cheeses available. But melting is just one factor. With taste, texture, smell, and overall value considered, this is our top choice for slices by far.
Best Shredded
Violife Just Like Cheddar Shreds (Coconut based)
Our tasters reported that Violife’s cheddar shreds hide any traces of coconut taste perfectly. Which can’t be said for all of their cheeses. But that’s what vegan cheese is all about, finding the diamonds in the rough.
So what about the texture? Well, it’s good and the shreds do melt. Though not particularly quickly.
Still, we suggest melting these shreds on top of nachos or using them to make a mac & cheeze.
Runners Up (Yup, there were two here): Chao Creamy Original Shreds and Violife Just Like Mozzarella Shreds
Best Feta
Follow Your Heart Feta Crumbles (Coconut based)
The texture here is spot on – the consistency of the crumbles are actually true to dairy feta.
There’s even that tangy kinda bite to it and the same salty taste as traditional feta.
Needless to say, your Greek family will approve. Or maybe just the Greek inside you.
Our tasters particularly loved it when tossed into a salad.
Runner Up: Violife Just Like Feta, which is basically a vegan goat’s cheese. It tastes like feta but without the same texture. If you want a feta that’s A LOT (arguably too much) creamier and lacking in crumbles, you might actually prefer the Violife.
Best Ricotta
Kite Hill’s Almond Ricotta (Almond milk based)
Straight off the bat, bonus points for the simple ingredient list which is common in Kite Hill’s products.
There’s a real ricotta-like texture and taste here, besides being a little grainy.
Our tasters said it goes great in pasta dishes, on pizza, or even eating it like cottage cheese.
Though it can be a bit yogurt-ty at times.
Given that, we recommend using it for cooking. You can make a GREAT lasagna when mixing it with silken tofu.
Runner Up: No runners-up. Please don’t make the same mistake we did by buying Tofutti “Better Than” (ahem) Ricotta Cheese. It smells like paint and tastes like old sour tofu.
What’s next?
Now that you’ve got some cheesy knowledge, have a peek at our 7 Best Non-Dairy Yogurt Substitute Brands (#1 is the best for cooking).
