Vegan Cheese Substitutes You Didn't Know Existed

When you're thinking about going vegan or transitioning to a dairy-free lifestyle, you probably can't help but wonder, "But what about pizza and pasta and tacos?" Thankfully you can still have your cake, or in this case, wine and cheese, and eat it too, thanks to the invention of vegan cheese. 

Vegan cheese is typically created from nuts and seeds such as cashews and walnuts and a blend of spices, herbs, and nutritional yeast. Aquafaba (the liquid inside canned chickpeas) and tofu are also used to make vegan cheeses. Because they are manufactured from nuts and seeds, they all have comparable nutritional profiles and advantages. Nuts and seeds are high in minerals, fibre, healthy fats, and protein.

Even if you aren't dairy-free, vegan cheese is a terrific way to reduce saturated fat intake and calories. However, it is critical to read the label. Keep it simple and avoid additional sweeteners or oils. It's advisable to go with one that includes only a few of those elements or none at all.

If you’re worried about variety or are simply looking for a change of pace, have no fear because we have compiled a list of vegan cheese substitutes you will love. 

Aquafaba

First on the list as an ingredient you might think is just a jumble of letters, but aquafaba is the name given to the liquid inside canned chickpeas. As many might know, chickpeas are a plant-based protein alternative, a lot of vegans and vegetarians use in place of meat. Recently aquafaba has become famous for being the best new vegan egg alternative. 

It turns out that aquafaba has applications in the realm of cheese too. Aquafaba is a significant ingredient in semi-firm, melting vegan cheeses, which are notoriously evasive for vegans to find. Thanks to the same proteins and starches, it's also a capable emulsifier in vegan mayonnaise. 

Almond cheese

Ricotta, cream cheese, and goat cheese are all creamy cheeses that you can substitute with almonds. Almonds have a mild nutty flavour that complements many spices and herbs. Almond ricotta cheese can be used in lasagna, on pasta, or as a spread for sandwiches. 

Soak one cup of almonds in water for at least an hour to produce almond ricotta cheese. Then combine a quarter cup of water, lemon juice, and ground black pepper and salt in a high-powered blender. You can use other ingredients such as Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, and minced garlic to enhance the flavour.

Hemp seed

In anything from pasta to soups, a modest sprinkling of grated Parmesan can go a long way. Parmesan is a firm cheese with a coarse texture and intensely fruity and nutty flavours. Hemp seed crumble cheese with walnuts, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, and sea salt is a terrific alternative to receive the same effect. Sprinkle the garlicky, seedy mixture over baked pasta for a wonderful crunch, or use it to coat tofu or tempeh. It's also healthy: walnuts and hemp seeds are high in protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart.

Tapioca 

The stringiness and mouth-watering texture of mozzarella can be hard to replicate at home. That’s why we recommend seeking out a vegan cheese made with tapioca like these Plantasy Foods Cheez Sprinkles. Tapioca, which comes from the root vegetable cassava, is a thickening agent in many foods, including vegan cheese. It lends vegan cheese that same hearty texture, but it’s easier to digest. Did we mention it actually melts and stretches?

Cashews

Finally, this one might not be the biggest surprise, but it’s still worth noting, for it truly is the mother of all vegan cheese substitute ingredients.

Cashew cheese can be created in a variety of ways, but it's commonly made with blended cashews and various spices and flavourings. To give the combination a cheesy flavour without using dairy, nutritional yeast is added. Cashews are a great source of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Vegan cheese for every occasion

Vegan cheese is a dairy-free substitute to normal cheese for those allergic or intolerant to dairy. It's a dairy-free, plant-based cheese alternative. Our vegan cheeses are particularly appealing because they are made from a range of plant-based ingredients, making them both nutritious and healthy. 

We offer a terrific range of vegan cheeses at Doorstep Organics. To stock up on all your vegan cheese must haves take a look through our amazing selection.

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