Today we want to share the ultimate guide to the best vegan cheeses to try in 2024. As we look to the future of food and nutrition, one thing is clear: the popularity of vegan cheese is on a steady rise. Gone are the days when dairy-free meant flavor-free, thanks to innovative plant-based cheeses that melt in your mouth and tantalize your taste buds just like their dairy counterparts.
With years of culinary experimentation and research under my belt, I’ve witnessed first-hand this delicious evolution towards compassionate cuisine.
Whether you’re new to the world of vegan cheese or a seasoned aficionado seeking the latest gourmet finds, 2024’s lineup promises an array of options to delight even the most discerning palates.
The VegNews Ultimate Guide has taken care to curate only the finest selections for you—presenting everything from creamy spreads to perfectly aged blocks that rival traditional cheeses in texture and taste.
Prepare your appetites; a cheesy adventure awaits!
Top 15 Vegan Cheese Brands to Try in 2024
Discover the top 15 vegan cheese brands for 2024, ranked from best to worst with brief reviews for each. Whether you’re looking for meltable options or artisan varieties, this guide has got you covered.
Ranking from best to worst
Our ultimate guide ranks the latest vegan cheese options, ensuring you get nothing but the best for your dairy-free needs. Topping our list is an artisan vegan mozzarella that melts flawlessly on pizzas, closely followed by a rich and creamy plantbased cheddar perfect for your sandwiches.
As you explore further down the rankings, you’ll find a tangy nondairy feta and a robust parmesan alternative that will elevate any pasta dish.
Every brand in our lineup has been meticulously evaluated for taste, texture, meltability, and how well they blend into vegan recipes. While Violife snags a top spot with its sensational slices that mimic traditional cheese to perfection, Applewood’s smoked wheels offer an impressive alternative with their savory flair.
Each product earns its place in our rankings—meatfree cheese options no longer settle for second best; even at the lower end of our list are quality choices like Aldi’s plantbased finds or delectable dips and spreads waiting to be discovered by eager palates searching for dairy substitute delights.
Brief reviews for each brand
Violife is a versatile vegan cheese brand offering a wide range of options, from cheddar and mozzarella shreds to creamy spreadable cheeses. Their products are known for their meltability and authentic flavors, making them perfect for pizzas, grilled sandwiches, and macaroni dishes.
Following close behind is Miyoko’s Creamery, praised for its artisanal cashew-based cheeses that deliver rich textures and robust tastes. This brand offers a variety of flavors such as sharp farmhouse cheddar and tangy garlic herb.
Daiya’s dairy-free products include deliciously meltable shreds suitable for pizza and quesadillas while also offering an array of wedge-style cheeses like smoked gouda and jalapeno havarti that are perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Meanwhile, Follow Your Heart presents a selection of classic sliced varieties such as provolone and American-style slices ideal for sandwiches or burgers. Additionally, Kite Hill focuses on almond-based soft cheeses featuring creamy textures with distinct earthy notes in flavors like truffle dill & chive or smoky jalapeño.
Homemade vs. Store-bought Vegan Cheese
When it comes to choosing between homemade and store-bought vegan cheese, there are pros and cons to consider. While store-bought options offer convenience, homemade vegan cheese gives you the opportunity to customize flavors and textures to your liking.
Pros and cons
When considering homemade versus store-bought vegan cheese, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. Making your own dairy-free cheese allows for customization and control over ingredients, ensuring a healthier option with no preservatives or additives.
On the other hand, store-bought options offer convenience and a wide variety of flavors and styles, saving time in the kitchen. Additionally, some recommended store-bought vegan cheeses include Violife for meltable options, Miyoko’s Creamery for artisanal choices, and Daiya for versatile shredded varieties.
Recommended store-bought vegan cheese brands
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For those seeking the convenience of store-bought vegan cheese, popular and trusted brands to consider include Violife, Daiya, and Follow Your Heart. Violife offers a wide range of dairy-free cheese alternatives, including shreds, slices, blocks, and cream cheeses in various flavors suitable for different recipes.
The Daiya brand is known for its meltable vegan cheese options that are ideal for cooking and baking. Follow Your Heart provides an array of plant-based cheese products such as shreds, slices, and blocks made from non-GMO ingredients.
Aldi is also worth considering for its affordable yet high-quality plant-based cheese selections with consistent positive reviews among consumers. This includes their shredded mozzarella-style vegan cheese that has gained popularity among those looking to create delicious dairy-free pizzas at home.
How to Make Vegan Cheese from Scratch
Explore easy and delicious recipes for making your own vegan cheese at home, including options like cashew-based cream cheese and tofu-based ricotta. Find recommendations for specific dishes to use your homemade vegan cheese in.
Recipes for different types of vegan cheese
Create your own vegan cheese at home with these simple and delicious recipes. Whether you’re craving a creamy cashew-based spread, tangy almond feta, or gooey coconut milk mozzarella, there’s a recipe for every taste and occasion.
Experiment with different flavor profiles by adding herbs, spices, or even sun-dried tomatoes to personalize your homemade vegan cheese creations.
Indulge in the satisfying process of crafting your own dairy-free cheeses while using wholesome ingredients that provide health benefits and cater to various dietary preferences. Explore the versatility of plant-based cheeses and discover how easy it is to make delicious alternatives that are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or incorporating into your favorite recipes.
Recommendations for specific dishes
For an indulgent plant-based lasagna, try using vegan mozzarella and parmesan alternatives for that gooey and savory flavor. If you’re craving a creamy mac and cheese, opt for dairy-free cheddar shreds or slices.
Elevate your homemade pizzas with the best vegan mozzarella cheese brands available in 2024, such as Violife and Applewood, to achieve that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture. For a delightful caprese salad, use vegan feta to add a tangy kick to your dish.
Looking for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich? Utilize dairy-free cheddar slices paired with artisan bread for a comforting meal. Explore the versatile uses of vegan cheeses by incorporating them into dishes like cheesy dips, flavorful spreads for crackers or bagels, or even as part of charcuterie boards – all while catering to those who want to savor delectable flavors without compromising their dietary choices.
Conclusion
In 2024, the world of vegan cheese is thriving, offering diverse options from halloumi to mozzarella. Discovering new vegan cheese brands and recipes provides practical ways to enjoy dairy-free alternatives efficiently.
Have you considered trying store-bought options or experimenting with homemade varieties? Embracing plant-based cheese not only benefits personal health but also has a significant impact on the environment and animal welfare.
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