What is vegan cheese made of, anyway? It’s not milk from a cow, goat, or sheep. So, what is it?
You may be thinking about making the switch to a vegan lifestyle, but you’re not sure if you can give up cheese? Have no fear, because there are plenty of vegan cheese alternatives on the market made from all sorts of ingredients.
From nutritional yeast to coconut oil, find out what goes into vegan cheese!
Vegan Cheese Ingredients
Although vegan cheese may not be real cheese, there are certainly a variety of vegan alternatives on the market. Vegan foodies and restaurants have been coming up with yummy replacements for dairy-based cheeses. If you can’t imagine your life without cheese (who’s really to blame you?) then there are great alternatives for you.
Vegan cheese is prepared from a range of ingredients based on the desired outcome. Below are some of the common ingredients in vegan cheese.
- Soy, tofu, and soy protein.
- Nutritional yeast
- Coconut milk, cream, and oil.
- Flour
- Root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots.
- Nuts and seeds, such as macadamia, cashews, almonds, and pecans.
Is Vegan Cheese Inflammatory?
It depends on the ingredients that are used. Some vegan cheese brands are made with highly processed ingredients, inflammatory oils, or a lot of sodium, so it’s best to read food labels before making a purchase.
If you are following a vegan diet for health purposes, then it’s best to make your own vegan cheese at home with wholesome ingredients.
Is Vegan Cheese Fattening?
Vegan cheese is not necessarily fattening, but it can contribute to weight gain if you eat too much. If you use vegan cheese sparingly, you should be fine. Vegan cheese is most likely less fattening than dairy cheese.
Cheese is delicious, but be careful about how much cheese you eat, whether it’s vegan or not. Cheese is often high in fats and salt, which can contribute to weight gain and inflammation.
What Is Vegan Cheese Made Of FAQ
Is vegan cheese healthier than normal cheese?
Vegan cheese is better for you than dairy cheese because it is free of growth hormones, carcinogenic animal proteins, and cholesterol-boosting saturated animal fat.
Why does vegan cheese not melt?
Vegan cheese lacks casein, which is the milk protein that enables cheese to melt. This is why vegan cheese doesn’t melt well like dairy cheese.
Where can I buy vegan cheese?
There are many vegan cheese brands sold in grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers. You can even make your own vegan cheese at home.
Is vegan cheese high in saturated fat?
Vegan cheese is often high in saturated fat and salt, depending on the ingredients used to make it. If vegan cheese is prepared with unsaturated fat such as nuts or seeds, it may be low in saturated fat.
Does vegan cheese have fewer calories?
Vegan cheese’s nutritional profile may differ. Depending on the brand, vegan cheese slices contain 35-70 calories per serving; dairy cheese slices have about 50 calories per slice.
Why is vegan cheese so hard?
Replicating real cheese with plants is not simple. The problem arises in trying to duplicate casein, the protein that allows genuine cheese to spread and melt.
Closing on What Is Vegan Cheese Made Of
Vegan cheese is a great option for those who want to avoid dairy products but still enjoy the taste of cheese. These cheeses can be made out of soy, coconut, nutritional yeast, flour, nuts, and seeds.
However, it can be fattening if you eat an excessive amount of it, so practice moderation. If vegan cheese is made with wholesome ingredients such as nuts and seeds, it may be low in saturated fat and not contain many calories.