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How To Choose The Best Store-Bought Vegan Cheese, According To An Expert
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A Brief History of Vegan Cheese
A few years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find store-bought vegan options beyond some Vegenaise and maybe some frozen black bean burger patties if your local grocery store was fancy. Nowadays, there’s an overwhelming amount of options when it comes to vegan food. From dairy-free yogurt to plant-based burgers, the vegan revolution has truly taken over. One area that’s particularly blossomed is vegan cheese. Gone are the days when your only option was some tasteless, rubbery substitute. Today, the variety is enormous, and the quality has improved drastically.
Introduction to Nisha Vora
To help us navigate this booming market, we turned to an expert: Nisha Vora, New York Times Best-Selling Cookbook Author of “Big Vegan Flavor.” According to Vora, she doesn’t buy store-bought vegan cheeses that often. So, when she does make her way to the grocery store, she does her best to prioritize products with a short ingredient list that melt well if that’s the use she’s after. She also looks for a “rich, somewhat tangy flavor.” As she explains, “If a product is fermented or cultured, that’s usually a good sign of its quality.”
The Rising Demand for Quality
In recent years, there’s been an increasing demand for high-quality, delicious vegan cheese. More consumers are becoming aware of the health benefits and environmental impact of their food choices, opting for plant-based alternatives. Vegan cheese is no exception, with its popularity skyrocketing in recent years.
Taste, Texture, and Spreadability
When shopping for your go-to vegan cheese brand, there are several key factors you should evaluate: taste, texture, and spreadability. Of course, taste plays a major factor, and as Nisha Vora mentioned, capturing the tang of real cheeses is important. However, things like texture and spreadability are crucial to your cheese-eating experience as well. You’ll want the texture to replicate the creamy or gooey version of the cheese you’re looking for. Spreadability is important for cheeses you’re using on toast or dipping crackers into.
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Ingredient Matters: What to Look For
There are a few base ingredients used to make vegan cheeses, well, cheesy. Things like soy, seeds, grains, and oils can all be used in these cheeses. Two ingredients to look out for are starches and nuts.
| Ingredient Type | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Soy | Protein-rich, versatile, can mimic dairy cheese | Tofu, tempeh |
| Seeds | Nutrient-dense, adds creaminess | Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds |
| Grains | Adds texture and volume | Rice, quinoa |
| Oils | Helps with mouthfeel and consistency | Coconut oil, olive oil |
| Starches | Can replicate the stretch of non-vegan cheese but may be heavier | Tapioca starch, potato starch |
| Nuts | Rich and tangy, less overbearing | Cashews, almonds |
Avoiding Heavy Starch-Based Options
Vegan cheeses that use starch to replicate the stretch of non-vegan cheese can be a bit heavier on your system. So, if you want a cheese that is still rich and tangy but not as overbearing as starch-based cheeses, go for ones that use nuts as a primary ingredient. Nut-based cheeses, especially those made from cashews or almonds, often manage to hit that perfect balance of flavor and texture without relying on heavily processed starches.
Do-It-Yourself: Making Vegan Cheese at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making your own vegan cheese? It’s simpler than you might think and can be incredibly rewarding. Here’s a basic recipe for cashew ricotta that’s versatile and satisfying:
Cashew Ricotta Recipe
-
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
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Instructions:
- Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours, then drain.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Add water a little at a time until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
- Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Vegan ricotta is not as good for those melty, gooey dishes, but it’d make a great toast topper or ravioli filling.
Where to Start: A Quick Ranking of Vegan Cheese Brands
Not sure where to begin on your vegan cheese hunt? We recently released a ranking of 16 vegan cheese brands from worst to best. While we won’t list them all here, let’s take a brief look at a couple of popular options to get you started.
| Rank | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miyoko’s Creamery | Known for its artisanal quality and rich, tangy flavors. Great for both melting and spreading. |
| 2 | Violife | Offers a wide range of options from slices to blocks, excellent for versatile use. |
| 3 | Daiya | Widely available with a decent melt, though some find the flavor a bit artificial. |
The Future of Vegan Cheese
The evolution of vegan cheese is far from over. With ongoing advancements in food technology and a growing interest in plant-based diets, the future looks incredibly bright. Companies are continually innovating, bringing us closer to vegan cheeses that are indistinguishable from their dairy counterparts.
Final Tips from Nisha Vora
Here are some last pieces of advice from Nisha Vora to consider on your next grocery trip:
- Read Labels Carefully: Look for products with short, recognizable ingredient lists.
- Check for Fermentation: Fermented or cultured cheeses usually signify better quality.
- Experiment and Explore: Don’t be afraid to try different brands and types to find your favorite.
- Storage Tips: Some vegan cheeses keep better in the fridge than others, so follow storage instructions closely.
- Pairing: Think about what you’ll be using the cheese for—some are better for melting, others for spreading.
Embracing the Variety
With so many choices available, it’s an exciting time to be a vegan cheese enthusiast. Armed with these expert tips and a bit of willingness to experiment, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect vegan cheese to suit your needs. Happy shopping, and may your next cheese board be the envy of all!
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