Dairy-based cream cheese brands are struggling to meet the demand of holiday shoppers. Luckily, there’s no shortage of brands that offer delectable vegan cream cheese options, which are easy to use for cheesecakes, cream cheese frosting, and holiday dips.
PETA and logic suggest avoiding dairy-based cream cheese anyway, because cows are forced to produce up to 25 gallons of milk (that’s 400 glasses) every day. To do so, each one drinks the equivalent of a bathtub full of water and consumes around 100 pounds of food daily. This is unsustainable—and exploiting and slaughtering gentle beings is unethical.
Cows love getting back massages and have best friends who lower their stress levels. 💕 Between consuming dairy and being vegan, the choice is obvious. The real challenge is deciding which vegan cream cheese option you like best!
Store-Bought Vegan Cream Cheese Options
Most of these brands are available at major grocery store chains and can also be ordered online, and a few are regional. After trying any of them, you’ll vow to cut out all dairy-based cream cheese brands like Philadelphia—which is made with the stolen milk of exploited mothers—and you’ll never look back.
Kite Hill (Everything, Garden Veggie, Plain)
Daiya Cream Cheeze Style Spread (Chive & Onion, Plain, Strawberry)
Miyoko’s Cultured Organic Vegan Cream Cheese (Cinnamon Raisin, Classic Plain, Everything, Fish-Free Lox, Savory Scallion)
Store-Brand Vegan Cream Cheese
Whether you prefer to do your holiday shopping at Kroger, Trader Joe’s, or Aldi, you can find a store-brand option for a reasonable price. Kroger stores carry Simple Truth Plant-Based Cream Cheese Alternative, Trader Joe’s has a Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative, and you can find Earth Grown Cream Cheese Style Spread at Aldi.
Violife Just Like Cream Cheese (Cheddar, Garlic & Herbs, Original)
Easy Vegan Cream Cheese Recipes
DIY is often cost-effective and even allows you to unleash your creative side. Make some bespoke cream cheese by adding cilantro, garlic, chipotle, chives, strawberries, mangoes, or any combination you like. It’s hard to beat a one-of-a-kind cream cheese tailored to your taste!
Cashew-Based Cream Cheese
Tofu-Based Cream Cheese
More Fun With Vegan Cream Cheese
Bagels are cool, but spreading cream cheese cheer doesn’t have to stop there. Check out these cream-cheesy ideas and recipes to make the most out of your little tub of love:
Vegan Cheesecake
Baked Jalepeño Poppers
Cheesecake Frosting
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Blueberry Breakfast Quesadilla
Seven-Layer Mexican Dip
Crunchy Vegetable Wraps
Chili-Cheese Fries
Orange French Toast
Vegan Sushi
Fruit Pizza
‘Bacon’ and ‘Cream Cheese’ Stuffed Mushrooms
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Want more breakfast ideas to go with your vegan bagel and shmear? Peep these mind-blowing egg-free recipes:
