Vegan cheese has come a long way since its bland, non-melty (or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, oily) beginnings. In fact, the vegan cheese brands of today hardly resemble these rubbery, dry, lackluster predecessors. Thankfully, today’s non-dairy cheese varieties are bursting with flavor. They also melt down to the perfect, ooey-gooey consistency. And they taste dang good, too—no cows (or goats, or sheep) necessary.
What’s vegan cheese made from?
If you’re wondering exactly what makes up the glorious concoction that is vegan cheese, the answer is… just about anything! So long as it doesn’t stem from animals.
In lieu of dairy, vegan cheese is made from plant proteins. These include soy and nut milks and vegetable oils like coconut oil. Starchy flours like tapioca and arrowroot, as well as root vegetables like potatoes and carrots (and even cauliflower) can also be turned into vegan cheese.
And, similarly to dairy-based cheese, plant-based cheese can come in many different varieties: in blocks, shreds, slices, grated, and as a dip. But, what are the best brands to shop for?
10 of the best vegan cheese brands
Take your dairy-free cheese game to the next level with these vegan cheese brands. Trust us—they deserve a spot on your charcuterie board.
Miyoko’s Creamery
Sweet dreams are made of Miyoko’s cheese. The vegan company has been churning out artisanal cheeses since 2014, including mozzarella, cream cheese, pepper jack, and kid-friendly cheddar sticks. The brand uses traditional cheesemaking techniques to craft its non-dairy cheese from plant milk. Did we mention they carry cheese wheels?
Daiya Foods
Not only does this brand carry delectable cheddar shreds, it also sells a variety of products containing its vegan cheese like macaroni and cheese and pizza. But, back to the cheese. In addition to cheddar, Daiya carries slices in flavors like smoked gouda, mozzarella, and Swiss. Shred varieties include parmesan, Mexican four cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and spicy Monterey jack. They even sell vegan string cheese—cue the nostalgia.
Field Roast
Well-known for its vegan meats (sausages, burgers, roasts, deli slices… the list goes on), Field Roast makes a wide selection of dairy-free cheese. The company seasons its creamy coconut-based Chao cheese slices, blocks, and shreds with fermented tofu. Flavors include garden herb, tomato chayenne, and creamy original. Who’s making grilled cheese?
Violife
In addition to dairy, the Greece-based vegan cheese brand is free from common allergens like nuts, soy, and gluten. The company’s blocks, shreds, slices, and wedges are coconut oil-based. Mozzarella for pizza? Check. Feta for salad? Check. Parmesan for pasta? Check. Cheddar shreds for eating straight out of the bag? …Check.
Follow Your Heart
This plant-based brand started out as a country-style market in the San Fernando valley of California. Now, the company has expanded to carry a plethora of vegan products: spreads, dressings, cream cheese, yogurts, and yes, lots of cheese. In the mood for homemade pizza? Tacos on a Tuesday? The brand has a vegan cheese for that.
Treeline
You’ll want to add Treeline’s range of cashew-based cheese to your shopping list, STAT. And with flavors like dairy-free chipotle-serrano pepper and herb garlic, you won’t want to put this cheese down. We tried.
So Delicious
The name isn’t a lie—this brand *is* so delicious. The dairy-free brand has it all: coffee creamers, yogurt, and copious amounts of frozen desserts. (Dipped salted caramel bars?! Pints of peanut butter brownie ice cream?!?! Swoon.) The brand carries mozzarella, cheddar, and Mexican-style shreds. Slices include American and cheddar style slices (sandwiches, anyone?). And it even carries cream cheese spreads in flavors like creamy original and chive and onion.
Koko Dairy Free
Founded in 2010, this company is well-known for its dairy-free milk. In fact, it was the first UK-based brand to produce coconut-based milk. Koko Dairy Free has since expanded its range of dairy-free products to include yogurt, spreads, and—you guessed it—cheese. Snag some at Waitrose, Ocado, Dunnes Stores, Planet Organic, and more.
Vitalite
For a slice of cheddar cheese to melt atop a veggie burger or to stack between salty crackers, Vitalite is the brand to shop. Available in UK retailers like Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco, the company’s coconut oil-based vegan cheeses feature added calcium and vitamin B12.
Sheese
This award-winning dairy-free brand, which is based in Scotland, was founded in 1988. And it offers cheese flavor for just about any vegan fancy. Greek, cheddar, smoked German, mature cheddar, mild cheddar, the list goes on. In addition to cheese blocks, the company carries dairy-free cheese spreads, grated cheese, and cheese slices. You can find Sheesh stocked in major retailers like Sainsbury’s. Just trust us—this vegan cheese brand is gouda.
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