The Science Behind Vegan Cheese: How It's Made and Why It Works

What makes vegan cheese…vegan? 

First of all, we’ve got to know what vegan cheese is made of. You see, it’s all in the ingredients. As you may already know, it’s the dairy that we want to omit from our cheeses. The plant-based alternative would be to use ingredients like nuts, soy, and oils. And that’s not even all of it! So many ingredients can be uniquely blended to make the cheesiest of things - without the dairy.

Why Vegan Cheese Works?

Not everyone can enjoy regular cheese. There are folks like us who prefer not to consume any animals or animal byproducts. This lifestyle choice is because we want to go that extra mile to save the planet and its inhabitants! We’re sure you know all about this, seeing as you’re here. So we can go on and discuss other reasons why plant-based cheese just works.

It’s also worth mentioning that there are also people who can’t actually have any dairy. Those lactose intolerant, much as they love regular cheese, just can’t enjoy it regularly. With vegan cheese, they can have cheesy dishes safely and just as easily. 

What about those with soy and nut allergies? We understand that some vegan brands make their cheese with soy and nuts - like cashews! If you can’t have any of the two, you’re still in luck. You can find plant-based cheeses made with olive oil and even coconuts. See? There’s always a way!

Check Out - Is Cheese Vegan? Everything You Need to Know

Vegan Cheese Ingredients

Ingredients… Ingredients… We’ve been talking about them so much. So let’s go through the ingredients the best way we know how - through some of our fave products! We’ll even spice it up by recommending different kinds of vegan cheese. From cheddar to brie!

Teese’s Vegan Cheddar Cheese 

For a plant-based cheddar made with coconut oil, try out Teese’s Vegan Cheddar Cheese. This plump, sausage-looking package contains shreddable and sliceable cheese that has that delicious cheddar taste everyone knows and loves.

Good Planet’s Olive Oil Mozzarella Cheese Shreds

We prefer our mozzarella shredded for convenience. This makes homemade pizzas so easy to make. Good Planet’s Mozzarella Cheese Shreds are made with olive oil. Why stop at pizza? Sprinkle this on top of that lasagna or mac and cheese.

Catalyst Creamery’s Muenster Hemp Milk Cheese Wedge

Instead of cow’s milk, Catalyst Creamery uses hemp milk to make their signature cheese wedges. These artisanal wedges would be welcome additions to wine pairings (or cheese boards). For those with terrible food allergies, take note that these cheese wedges are free from soy, nuts, gluten, and dairy!

The Uncreamery’s Classic Brie Wheel

Cashews and coconut oil make up the base of The Uncreamery’s Classic Brie Wheel. It’s rich and creamy, just how it should be. Enjoy this with a salad or have some on toast. We do like balancing this out with some salty crackers.

RIND’s Aged French-Style Soft Cheese Spread

This one’s a little different but in a good way. RIND’s Aged French-Style Soft Cheese Spread comes in two flavors, the classic and herbed. To create its spreadable texture, RIND makes use of a few ingredients, namely cashew nuts, tofu, and coconut oil!

How To Make Vegan Cheese?

We’re sure you’ve noticed a pattern. Coconut oil, plant-based milk, nuts? Seems like you can make some at home! You can and it’s pretty easy if you get the hang of it. However, we prefer the big brands to take care of this bit. But you do you! 

Most of the time, plant-based cheeses involve some kind of plant-based milk. When brands say their cheeses are made with cashews, for example, this just means they blend the ingredients with some water to make that “milk”. While the blended mixture is somewhat thick, it still doesn’t have the right texture yet. That’s why some sort of oil would be added and, most commonly, these would be coconut or olive oil.

It’s the addition of oil that really helps vegan cheese get its texture. Think about it. The state of oil changes depending on the temperature. It solidifies when cold, yet will “melt” when hot. This attribute is what gives vegan cheese its similarities with regular cheese. Some brands will add a few more ingredients to get the texture just right - especially if they want something that slices, grates, and shreds like dairy-based cheese.

As for flavor, it’s all in the seasonings. Do you want your cheese peppery? Well, add pepper. Garlicky? Add garlic powder or actual minced garlic. If you want it herb-y, sprinkle in some rosemary or thyme. 

Check Out - Best Vegan Cheese to Satisfy Your Craving

Say… Cheese?

Now that you know what is in vegan cheese, how about getting some to eat? Complete your cheesy journey by perusing our vegan cheese section. We’re sure it won’t disappoint.