In western cultures, one of the hardest foods to transition away from is cheese. Those who are vegan by choice love cheese and it usually takes them a while before they can remove it from their diets.
It is even harder than meat.
Cheese is great on everything: a toasty, a pizza or a selection platter of the finest with a glass of wine.
But cheese is not all that and the more you learn about it and get used to not consuming it, the better it is for your diet and the planet.
However, if you still desire the ooey gooeyness of cheese on your dishes, consider adopting one of the many vegan cheese alternatives in our list of vegan cheeses below.
Key Takeaways
What Cheese Can Give
Cheese is a great source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B-12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
High-fat cheeses like blue cheese, Brie, and cheddar contain small amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
It has been suggested that CLA may help prevent obesity, heart disease, and reduce inflammation.
Not only does dairy fat include CLA, according to research that looked at dairy consumption and heart health, but full-fat dairy products also appear to provide greater nutrition and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Unfortunately, when dairy is pasteurized with high heat, some beneficial compounds — such as good bacteria and enzymes — are significantly reduced.
Cheese Can Be Bad Too
Some people are sensitive to cheese. Cheese contains lactose, a sugar that can’t be digested by lactose-intolerant people because their bodies lack the enzyme that breaks it down.
In these cases, too much lactose can lead to digestive problems including gas and bloating.
Fortunately, some cheeses are very low in lactose, such as Parmesan. People with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate these.
Up to 60 percent of the world's population cannot digest dairy products - you'd think people would have figured it out by now: cow's milk is for baby cows, just like humans' milk is for human babies.
In addition, cheese is a high-calorie product loaded with fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Typical cheeses are 70 percent fat.
And the type of fat they contain is mainly saturated ('bad') fat, which increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Break the Addiction
Health expert Veronika Powell says that what makes cheese so addictive is the extremely high concentration of the milk protein casein that, when digested, results in casomorphins.
And casomorphins are opioids, belonging to the same chemical family as morphine and opium, inducing euphoric feelings and lowering pain.
But just as morphine and opium, casomorphins are addictive and if you suddenly stop eating cheese, you might experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings.
Try It for 3 Weeks
They say it takes 3 weeks to break a habit. And it is true. The more used you get to not eating cheese, the easier it gets.
Order pizzas without the cheese and see how different you feel after eating while at the same time getting that pizza taste you are craving for.
Eating pasta? Grab yourself some cashew parmesan. It may not be the same, but it is just as tasty and adds that missing element that you are used to.
And finally, replace your cheese in a toast with hummus and avocado. In the end, you will feel less bloated as well as satisfied that you resisted the temptation!
Replace it With Vegan Cheese
If you are vegan, you can't eat cheese made from milk. So, if you are craving cheesy goodness, consider replacing your cheese cravings with vegan alternatives.
Cashew Cheese
One of the most popular and versatile cheeses, cashew cheese is made by soaking cashews, blending them with water and seasonings, and then straining to create a creamy cheese. It's great as a spread, dip, or melted into pasta dishes.
Flavor Profile: Nutty and rich, with a slightly tangy taste.
Best Uses: Cheese dips, spreading on crackers or on sandwiches, saucy dishes like mac and cheese.
Almond Cheese
Almond cheese is often firmer in texture than cashew and can be similar to feta or mozzarella in consistency.
Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly sweet with a nutty flavor.
Best Uses: Sprinkling on salads, slicing for sandwiches, lasagna, etc.
Coconut Cheese
Some vegan cheeses are made with coconut oil or coconut cream, which gives them a rich, creamy texture. Coconut cheese often melts well and is great for melting in between sandwiches or on pizza.
Flavor Profile: Rich and creamy with a hint of coconut flavor.
Best Uses: Melting on pizzas, burgers, in casseroles.
Soy Cheese
Soy Cheese is made from soy protein and is often fortified with vitamins and minerals. It can be melted and has many flavors from cheddar to pepper jack.
Flavor Profile: Depends on the brand and type, some are very bland, others quite spicy.
Best Uses: Sandwiches, grilled cheese, nachos, etc.
Nutritional Yeast Cheese Sauce
Not really a cheese, per se, but a sauce that can be used to make a cheesy, nutty sauce. It's made by blending nutritional yeast with plant-based milk and seasonings.
Flavor Profile: Savory, nutty and very umami.
Best Uses: Pouring over pasta, steamed veggies, as a dip for chips.
Chickpea Cheese
Made from chickpea flour, this type of vegan cheese is great for block cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone.
Flavor Profile: Mild, earthy and firm in texture.
Best Uses: Sandwiches, cubed for snacks.
Macadamia Nut Cheese
One of the most expensive and gourmet of vegan cheeses, macadamia nut cheese is rich and creamy and often fermented for a tangy flavor.
Flavor Profile: Buttery and rich with a slightly tangy taste.
Best Uses: Spreading on artisanal breads, a cheese board, saucy dishes.
Oat Cheese
A relatively new type of vegan cheese, oat-based cheeses are being made with leftover oats and are a more sustainable option. They are great for mild and creamy cheeses.
Flavor Profile: Mild, creamy with a slightly sweet flavor.
Best Uses: Melting on veggies, pasta, saucy dishes.
Why Choose a Vegan Cheese?
Choosing a vegan alternative to cheese brings you closer to achieving the 3 core principals of cultivating a leafy soul.
Leafy Heart: Dairy cheese contributes to the exploitation of cows. Vegan cheese is a kinder, more compassionate choice.
Leafy Mind: Dairy farming is a leading cause of greenhouse gases and deforestation. Plant-based cheese is a much more sustainable option.
Leafy Body: Many vegan cheeses are cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fat than dairy cheese, making them a healthier choice for your heart.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While not every vegan cheese is great for every situation, vegan cheeses can be a fun and tasty experience.
With so many options available, it is easy to get your cheese fix while staying true to your values. Whether you are a spreader or a melter, there is a vegan cheese for everyone!
