Skip to content Skip to navigation

The Rise of Plant-Based Cheeses: A Guide to Dairy Alternatives

Vegan cheese has come a long way. Whether you’re cutting down on lactose, experimenting with plant-based eating or simply curious about new foods, there is a delicious plant-based cheese for every kitchen.

From nut-based spreads to meltable mozzarella alternatives, this new generation of dairy alternatives makes dairy-free dining easy.

Why Plant-Based Cheese Is Growing in Popularity

Health and Dietary Trends

Many people seek out vegan cheese as part of a balanced, plant-focused diet. These alternatives tend to be lower in saturated fat and naturally lactose-free, making them perfect for those with intolerances or health concerns.

Environmental and Sustainability Benefits

Choosing plant-based cheese can support a sustainable food system, as many vegan alternatives have a smaller environmental footprint than meat or dairy.

Increasing Availability in Supermarkets

Plant-based alternatives are easier than ever to find on supermarket shelves and at delivery services such as Milk & More. Experiment with a few different vegan cheeses to find your favourite!

 

Types of Plant-Based Cheeses

Nut-Based Cheeses

Traditionally, vegan cheeses are made from nutrient-rich nuts like cashews, almonds and macadamias. The nuts give a creamy consistency and tangy taste. They’re ideal for spreads and cheeseboards as they have a rich and full flavour profile.

Soy and Tofu-Based Cheeses

Soy-based options like tofu-blends are milder but high in protein. They work well in sauces or as a lighter alternative to ricotta or feta.

Vegan Processed Cheese Alternatives

Going dairy-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on comfort! Ready-to-melt vegan cheese alternatives mimic the stretch and gooeyness of traditional cheese, perfect for when pizzas, cheese toasties or mac and cheese are on the menu.

vegan cheese board

 

Incorporating Plant-Based Cheese into Everyday Meals

Family-Friendly Recipes

Crowd-pleasing family favourites like mac and cheese, lasagne, or beans on toast can all be made with vegan cheese alternatives. The creamy texture and familiar flavour make it easy to win over even the fussiest of eaters.

Quick Weeknight Meals

Toss pasta with plant-based cheese and leftover veggies for a quick, vegan weeknight meal. Or, try melting vegan cheese on a burger for indulgent mid-week munch.

Baking and Melting with Vegan Cheese

Lots of plant-based cheeses melt beautifully. From cheese toasties and layers of lasagne to savoury muffins and bubbling pasta bakes, plant-based cheeses now offer the same satisfying, gooey texture as regular cheese. For best results, look out for the vegan cheeses specially developed for baking or melting.

dairy-free milk alternatives

 

Pairing Plant-Based Cheese with Other Dairy Alternatives

Vegan Milk for Cooking

There are tonnes of other plant-based swaps you can make in your kitchen. At Milk & More, we offer a variety of vegan milks for different preferences and flavour profiles.

Vegan Condensed Milk for Desserts

Vegan condensed milk can be harder to find, but it’s a great swap for all your favourite puddings. Use to bake dairy-free versions of banoffee pie and tiramisu.

Complementary Ingredients for Flavour and Texture

Pairing vegan cheese with herbs, nuts, nutritional yeast, or sundried tomatoes can help replicate the umami found in traditional dairy cheese.

When it comes to milks, oat milk alternative tastes great in baking, tea and coffee, while almond milk alternative is our favourite for smoothies. For savoury recipes, stick to soy!

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Plant-Based Cheese

Taste Profiles and Uses

Your favourite vegan cheese will depend entirely on personal preference. Cashew-based options are rich and creamy, while coconut has a distinct flavour that some people can’t get enough of! Many vegan cheeses are created with a specific purpose in mind, so check the label to see if it works best for slicing, melting or spreading.

Storage and Shelf Life

Vegan cheeses should be kept in the fridge and consumed within a few days. Store in an airtight container to maintain flavour and freshness.

Sustainable Shopping Considerations

Milk & More is the one-stop shop for sustainable shopping. No matter how many flexitarians, vegans or dairy-lovers you have in your household, we have everything you need to keep your household happy. Plus, by shopping with us, you can guarantee your groceries will arrive fresh, sustainably packaged and locally sourced.

 

Ready to experiment with vegan cheese or suddenly have a hankering for a slice of cheddar? Check out our full selection of dairy and dairy-free alternatives on the Milk & More website now.


Find more kitchen tips and recipes on the Beside the Pint blog.