Is vegan cheese any good now?
FOOD
Short answer
The 2020s cultured-nut and fermented cheeses (Miyoko's, Nurishh, Julienne Bruno, La Fauxmagerie) are widely considered close to dairy in flavour and texture.
FOOD
The detail
Melty pizza cheeses (Violife, Bute Island Sheese) have improved dramatically. Aged wheels (Miyoko's cashew brie, Nutcrafter Camembert) are on par with mid-range dairy in blind tastings.
Cream cheeses (Kite Hill, Tofutti, Violife) are hard to distinguish. Give it 3-4 weeks off dairy for taste receptors to recalibrate.
To get the best results, look for cheeses made with a coconut oil or cashew base, which offer the most realistic melt for grilled sandwiches. A 2022 market report indicated that the vegan cheese sector is growing at a rate of 12% annually as formulations continue to improve in both taste and texture. You can also make a quick and delicious 'cheese' sauce at home by blending boiled potatoes, carrots, and nutritional yeast.
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More questions like this
- What do vegans actually eat?
Everything humans have eaten for millennia, minus animal products — grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and plant-based versions of common dishes.
- How long does it take to adjust to a vegan diet?
Most people adapt within 3-4 weeks as taste, cravings and habits recalibrate. Digestion may take longer if you're adding a lot of fibre.
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