Vegan Substitute
The ultimate guide to vegan cheese substitutes. From nutritional yeast to artisan cashew cheese, find the best option for every dish.
Cheese has the third-highest carbon footprint of all foods. It takes about 10 litres of milk to make 1 kg of cheese, concentrating the environmental impact of dairy.
Mac and cheese, popcorn, cheesy sauces, pesto
Rich in B vitamins including B12 (if fortified). Gives an umami, cheesy flavor without any cheese.
Cheese boards, crackers, stuffed pasta, cheesecakes
Brands like Miyoko's or homemade cultured cashew cheese are closest to artisan dairy cheese.
Pizza, nachos, quesadillas, grilled cheese
Melts best at high heat under a broiler. Add a tiny amount of oil to help melting on pizza.
Yes, many modern vegan cheeses melt well. Brands like Violife and Follow Your Heart are designed for melting. For best results, use medium-high heat and cover with a lid to trap steam.
Nutritional yeast is the healthiest cheese flavor option, packed with B vitamins and protein. For sliceable cheese, nut-based varieties (cashew, almond) offer healthy fats and fewer additives than coconut oil-based options.
Vegan cheese is still a growing market without the subsidies dairy receives. Nut-based artisan varieties cost more due to premium ingredients. Store brands and nutritional yeast are very affordable alternatives.
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