Introduction
Dairy free cheese is a type of cheese made without animal milk or other dairy products. It can be used as a substitute for regular cheese in many recipes, providing a delicious alternative that’s better for your health. There are many reasons why people choose to use dairy free cheese, such as allergies, lactose intolerance, vegan diets, or simply preference. No matter the reason, there are now more options than ever when it comes to finding the perfect dairy free cheese.
In this article, we will explore the various types of dairy free cheese, their health benefits, and how to select the best cheese for different recipes. We will also review the top 5 dairy free cheeses, compare vegan vs. dairy free cheese, and provide tips for making your own at home. Finally, we will talk to a vegan cheese expert to get their take on dairy free cheese.
Taste Test of the Top 5 Dairy Free Cheeses
When it comes to choosing the right dairy free cheese, taste is an important factor. To help you find the perfect cheese for your needs, we put together a taste test of the top 5 dairy free cheeses. Here is a breakdown of each cheese, along with the pros and cons.
1. Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds: Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds are a vegan-friendly, gluten-free cheese alternative made from tapioca and arrowroot flours and coconut oil. The shreds have a mild cheddar flavor and melt well, making them ideal for pizza, macaroni and cheese, and other dishes. Pros: vegan-friendly, gluten-free, melts well. Cons: lacks strong cheddar flavor.
2. Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Style Shreds: Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Style Shreds are made from a blend of coconut oil, potato starch, and pea protein. These shreds have a mild mozzarella flavor and a creamy texture, making them great for lasagna, grilled cheese sandwiches, and other recipes. Pros: vegan-friendly, mild flavor, creamy texture. Cons: not very stretchy.
3. Kite Hill Ricotta Style Spreadable Cheese: Kite Hill Ricotta Style Spreadable Cheese is a dairy-free ricotta alternative made from almonds. This spreadable cheese has a slightly tangy flavor and a creamy texture, making it great for adding to pasta dishes, lasagna, and more. Pros: vegan-friendly, creamy texture, mild flavor. Cons: not very cheesy.
4. Violife Parmesan Wedge: Violife Parmesan Wedge is a vegan-friendly parmesan alternative made from coconut oil and other plant-based ingredients. This wedge has a sharp, salty flavor and a hard texture, making it ideal for sprinkling over salads, pastas, and more. Pros: vegan-friendly, sharp flavor, hard texture. Cons: not very cheesy.
5. Miyoko’s Creamery Double Cream Chive: Miyoko’s Creamery Double Cream Chive is a vegan-friendly cream cheese alternative made from cultured cashews. This cheese has a rich, tangy flavor and a creamy texture, making it great for spreading on crackers, bagels, and more. Pros: vegan-friendly, creamy texture, rich flavor. Cons: may be too tangy for some.
Review of the Most Popular Dairy Free Cheese Brands
There are many brands that offer dairy free cheese products, so it can be difficult to know which one to choose. To help you make an informed decision, we have put together a review of the most popular brands.
1. Daiya: Daiya is a popular vegan brand that offers a wide range of dairy free cheese products, including shreds, slices, blocks, and spreads. Their products are certified vegan, non-GMO, and free from artificial colors and flavors. Pros: vegan-friendly, non-GMO, wide variety of products. Cons: some products lack flavor.
2. Follow Your Heart: Follow Your Heart is another vegan brand that offers a variety of dairy free cheese products, including shreds, blocks, slices, and spreads. Their products are all vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and free from artificial colors and flavors. Pros: vegan-friendly, non-GMO, wide variety of products. Cons: some products lack flavor.
3. Kite Hill: Kite Hill is a vegan brand that specializes in almond-based cheese products, including shreds, blocks, slices, spreads, and more. Their products are certified vegan, non-GMO, and free from artificial colors and flavors. Pros: vegan-friendly, non-GMO, wide variety of products. Cons: some products lack flavor.
4. Violife: Violife is a vegan brand that offers a wide range of dairy free cheese products, including shreds, blocks, slices, and spreads. Their products are certified vegan, non-GMO, and free from artificial colors and flavors. Pros: vegan-friendly, non-GMO, wide variety of products. Cons: some products lack flavor.
5. Miyoko’s Creamery: Miyoko’s Creamery is a vegan brand that specializes in cheese alternatives made from cultured cashews. They offer a variety of products, including shreds, blocks, slices, and spreads. Their products are certified vegan, non-GMO, and free from artificial colors and flavors. Pros: vegan-friendly, non-GMO, wide variety of products. Cons: some products lack flavor.
Comparison of Vegan vs Dairy Free Cheese
Vegan and dairy free cheese are both plant-based alternatives to traditional cheese, but there are some important differences between the two. Let’s take a look at the nutritional differences between vegan and dairy free cheese.
Nutrition: Vegan cheese typically contains fewer calories and fat than dairy free cheese, but it also contains less protein. Dairy free cheese usually has more calcium and vitamin D than vegan cheese.
Texture: Vegan cheese tends to be creamier and softer than dairy free cheese. Dairy free cheese is usually harder and more crumbly, making it better for grating and melting.
Taste: Vegan cheese tends to have a milder flavor than dairy free cheese. Dairy free cheese is usually saltier and sharper, making it better for savory dishes.
Pros: Vegan cheese is lower in calories and fat, while dairy free cheese is higher in calcium and vitamin D. Both types of cheese are dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Cons: Vegan cheese is not as flavorful as dairy free cheese, and it does not melt as well. Dairy free cheese can be too salty for some people, and it does not have the same creamy texture as vegan cheese.
Guide to Selecting the Best Dairy Free Cheese for Specific Recipes
When it comes to selecting the right dairy free cheese for a recipe, there are a few things to consider. Here are some tips to help you select the best cheese for different recipes.
Pizza: For pizza, you want a cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor. Look for a vegan cheese with a creamy texture, such as Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds or Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Style Shreds.
Lasagna: For lasagna, you want a cheese that has a creamy texture and a mild flavor. Look for a vegan cheese with a ricotta-like texture, such as Kite Hill Ricotta Style Spreadable Cheese or Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Style Shreds.
Cheese Sauce: For cheese sauce, you want a cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor. Look for a vegan cheese with a creamy texture, such as Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds or Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Style Shreds.
Grilled Cheese: For grilled cheese, you want a cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor. Look for a vegan cheese with a creamy texture, such as Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds or Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Style Shreds.
Salads: For salads, you want a cheese that has a sharp flavor and a hard texture. Look for a vegan cheese with a parmesan-like texture, such as Violife Parmesan Wedge or Miyoko’s Creamery Double Cream Chive.
Interview with a Vegan Cheese Expert
We spoke to vegan cheese expert Carla Lee about her thoughts on dairy free cheese. Here are some of the questions we asked and her answers.
Q: What do you think of dairy free cheese?
A: I think dairy free cheese is a great alternative to traditional cheese. It’s healthier and more sustainable, and it can be just as delicious as regular cheese. Plus, there are so many different types and brands to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to dairy free cheese?
A: My advice would be to try a few different types and brands to find out what you like best. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and textures. You may be surprised at how delicious dairy free cheese can be!
How to Make Your Own Dairy Free Cheese at Home
Making your own dairy free cheese at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own cheese at home.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients: You will need a non-dairy milk (such as almond or coconut), agar powder, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the non-dairy milk until it is steaming. Do not boil the milk.
Step 3: Add the Agar Powder: Add the agar powder to the milk and whisk until fully combined. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, white vinegar, and salt. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 5: Pour into Molds: Grease a cheese mold with oil and pour the mixture into the mold. Tap the mold lightly to release any air bubbles. Allow to cool completely before unmolding.
Step 6: Serve: Your cheese is now ready to eat! Serve with crackers, bread, vegetables, or on top of salads.
Exploring the History and Health Benefits of Dairy Free Cheese
Dairy free cheese has been around for centuries, with records dating back to Ancient Rome. However, it wasn’t until recently that dairy free cheese gained popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional cheese. Let’s take a look at the history and health benefits of dairy free cheese.
History: Dairy free cheese has been around for centuries, with records dating back to Ancient Rome. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that dairy free cheese began to gain popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional cheese. In recent years, dairy free cheese has become even more popular due to the rise of veganism and lactose intolerance.
Health Benefits: Dairy free cheese is a healthier alternative to traditional cheese, as it is typically lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and iron. Furthermore, dairy free cheese is vegan-friendly and often free from artificial colors and flavors.
Conclusion
Dairy free cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cheese. It is vegan-friendly, lower in calories and fat, and often free from artificial colors and flavors. There are many different types and brands of dairy free cheese to choose from, so you can find the perfect cheese for any recipe. Furthermore, you can even make your own dairy free cheese at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cheese or simply want to try something new, dairy free cheese is sure to please.
