Everything You Need to Know About Vegan Cheese

Vegan cheesemakers are busy these days providing us with delicious concoctions—and new brands are popping up all over the place. The availability of new products, along with our favorite vegan cheese staples, makes it an exciting time for anyone looking to eat compassionately. Eating cheese made from cow’s milk contributes to a system in which mother cows are repeatedly sexually abused and their calves are taken away from them so that their milk can be stolen. Mother cows experience intense physical and emotional pain for the duration of their lives, only to be tossed aside when they become less productive for the people who profit from their milk.

When you choose vegan cheese, you use your power as a consumer to show that you won’t support this cycle of pain. Vegan cheeses can be made from a variety of nuts, most commonly cashews, almonds, and macadamias. These plant-based sources contain healthy fats but no cholesterol, rennet, or any other gross ingredients found in cheese made from cow’s milk.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of vegan cheeses for your pleasure:

Shreds

Melty shredded vegan cheese makes an excellent topping for foods such as mini pizza bites, lasagna, and tacos. Cheddar and mozzarella are the most common flavors of shreds, but pizza and Mexican blends are also available from several brands. We love sprinkling some shredded mozzarella on top of homemade pizza, as in this awesome recipe: Vegan Pizza in Five Steps.

Try it homemade: Shreddable Vegan Mozzarella

Blocks and Wedges

Blocks and wedges of vegan cheese can be shredded, sliced, cubed, or cut for any kind of use. They’re perfect for building a charcuterie board or making vegan lunchables. Classic flavors like cheddar, Monterey jack, and mozzarella are common with this style, but brands also offer special flavors that are aged, smoked, or packed full of flavorful ingredients like reishi mushrooms, caramelized onions, and hot peppers. Here’s one way to use your block of “cheese”: Caprese-Style Party Appetizer.

Try it homemade: How to Make Vegan Cheese—Vegan Provolone

Slices

Stack these slices on a veggie sandwich or melt them on top of a burger or in a vegan grilled cheese. Even Kraft’s iconic American cheese slices are getting a vegan makeover—NotCo has teamed up with The Kraft Heinz Company to make three flavors of delicious, melty cheese slices.

Opt for the mild, creamy flavors of mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone, or kick it up with smoked Gouda or pepper jack. So many flavor varieties are available in these vegan products. Grab your favorite, and try it out in this recipe: Faux-Turkey and “Cheese” Roll-Up.

Try it homemade: Sliceable Cashew Cheese

Cream Cheese

Vegan cream cheese is great for more than just bagels (although it’s perfect for those, too). We love using it to make stuffed jalapeño poppers, creamy baked spinach artichoke dip, and sweet cheesecakes. Impress your friends at your next party with this recipe: “Bacon” and “Cream Cheese” Stuffed Mushrooms.

Try it homemade: Simple Cultured Cashew Cream Cheese

Soft Cheeses

The creamy texture of soft vegan cheese makes it deliciously spreadable on crackers and crusty bread, but it’s also great for melting into sauces and sprinkling on top of fresh salads.

Try it homemade: Easy Garlic & Herb Vegan Cheese

Parmesan

Grated or shredded, vegan Parmesan complements pasta dishes and makes a great addition to homemade popcorn. Shred some over your next salad for a salty, umami element: Amazing Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons.

Try it homemade: Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Ricotta

Vegan ricotta can easily be made at home using tofu, but these brands knock the tanginess and texture out of the park. Use vegan ricotta to make a lasagna like this one: Tofu-Spinach Lasagna.

Try it homemade: Vegan Ricotta Recipe

Cheese Sauce

Nachos, mac and cheese, pretzels, and fondue—a delicious vegan cheese sauce makes all these totally delicious. Add one of these nacho cheese sauces to this mac and cheese recipe to spice things up: Nacho-Style Vegan Mac ‘n’ Cheese.

Try it homemade: Easy Nut-Free Vegan Cheese Sauce

Feta

Creamy, tangy vegan feta cheese is the secret ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, from spanakopita to Greek salad. Try one of these brands on top of this salad: Greek Salad with Tofu and Olives.

Try it homemade: Best Vegan Feta Cheese

Blue Cheese

Even the unique flavor of this cheese can be achieved using vegan ingredients—eat it plain on a cracker or crusty bread, add some to a savory French tart, or crumble it on top of a classic wedge salad: “Bacon” Wedge Salad with Vegan Bleu Cheese Dressing.

Try it homemade: Vegan Blue Cheese (Artisan Roquefort)

Halloumi

This mild, firm cheese from Cyprus is known for having a high melting point, so it’s generally grilled or fried. We’ll pass on the stuff made from sheep’s and goat’s milk, though, since it’s speciesist to steal milk from the babies it’s meant for.

Make it at home: Vegan Halloumi Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese

As vegan cheese fanatics, we know cheese lovers won’t be fully satisfied until they get their hands on creamy, irresistible vegan mac and cheese. Take it to a barbecue or include it as a side dish to add ultra-gooey goodness to your favorite meals.

We hope you’ve learned a lot about the vegan cheese scene. Now, check out our guide to artisan vegan cheese that even your fanciest friends will enjoy, such as products by Treeline Treenut Cheese and Miyoko’s Creamery. You can also order a Dairy Free Kit from Urban Cheesecraft to make your own vegan brie, feta, chèvre, and fondue.

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Our free vegan starter kit is full of tips and information about going vegan. Going vegan is the best thing that you can do for animals, the environment, and your health, so order one today!