14 Vegan Cheese Brands You’ll Love

Who doesn’t love cheese? From cheesy pizzas to creamy mac n’ cheese, it’s one of those comfort foods we all crave. But if you’re vegan, or just trying to cut back on dairy, you might find yourself wondering how to satisfy those cheese cravings without compromising your values or health.

Good news! The plant-based cheese market has improved dramatically, and there are now so many delicious and healthier alternatives to traditional dairy cheese. If you’re curious about vegan cheeses, I’ve got the scoop on some of the best brands to try. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or just looking to explore more options, these vegan cheeses will have you considering a permanent switch from dairy.

Is Vegan Cheese Healthy?

The short answer is yes! Vegan cheese can be a great addition to a balanced diet, especially when compared to dairy cheese. Dairy often contains hard-to-digest proteins and added hormones and antibiotics, which can cause discomfort for many people. On the other hand, plant-based cheeses are typically made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

Choosing vegan cheese not only benefits your body but also the planet. Plant-based diets have been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint, and they help minimize animal suffering in the process. Even swapping out some of your regular cheese for plant-based alternatives makes a difference.

What is Vegan Cheese Made Of?

Vegan cheeses are often made from ingredients like nuts, seeds, and even vegetables. Some of the most popular bases for vegan cheese include cashews, almonds, soy, and even coconut. While some processed vegan cheeses are available, many brands focus on whole-food ingredients, making their options healthier and more nutrient-dense.

Why Make the Switch?

Including vegan cheese in your diet makes plant-based eating more sustainable. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy classic cheesy dishes while keeping things cruelty-free and healthy. Plus, choosing vegan cheese is a wonderful way to support a more compassionate and eco-friendly food system.

Top 14 Vegan Cheese Brands to Try

Here are my favorite vegan cheese brands that will make you want to ditch dairy for good. Each of these brands has something special to offer, whether you’re looking for creamy spreads, perfect grilled cheese melts, or even cheese boards. Check them out and discover how delicious plant-based cheese can be.

Kite Hill: Best Vegan Cream Cheese (Often)

Kite Hill has made a name for itself with its almond-based cheeses. Their vegan cream cheese is a standout, offering a smooth and tangy flavor perfect for bagels or dips. Their products are also gluten- and soy-free, and free from artificial additives.

Why I love it: Kite Hill’s cream cheese is the best I’ve had—light, creamy, and delicious! My favorite is the chive flavor, but they also offer plain, everything, and jalapeño varieties.

Violife: Best for Vegan Grilled Cheese (Sometimes)

Violife’s vegan cheese slices and shreds are known for their meltability, making them perfect for a vegan grilled cheese sandwich. Available in many flavors, including mature cheddar and smoked provolone, Violife’s products are also non-GMO and soy-free.

Why I love it: Violife’s Mature Cheddar and Smoked Provolone are ideal for creating a melty, gooey vegan grilled cheese. Just be sure to cook it low and slow for the best results!

Miyoko’s: Best Artisan Vegan Cheese for Cheese Boards (Often)

Miyoko’s is a pioneer in the vegan cheese world. Made from organic, non-GMO ingredients, their cheeses are perfect for creating a fancy cheese board. My favorite flavors are the Classic Double Cream Chive and Smoked Farmhouse.

Why I love it: Miyoko’s vegan cheeses are tangy and flavorful—perfect for spreading on crackers with a bit of fig jam and olives. They’re a true treat for cheese lovers.

Daiya: Best Vegan Cheese for Pizza (Sometimes)

Daiya is a classic in the plant-based cheese world, and their vegan cheeses are widely available. Their mozzarella-style shreds are particularly popular for pizza, as they melt beautifully.

Why I love it: Daiya’s Mozzarella Style Shreds are the best for making vegan pizza. They melt faster and more evenly than most other vegan cheeses.

Treeline: Best Spreadable Vegan Cheese (Often)

Treeline offers some of the best spreadable vegan cheeses on the market. Their French-style nut cheeses and aged varieties are perfect for serving on crackers or using in sauces. They’re also soy-free and don’t contain any artificial preservatives.

Why I love it: Treeline’s soft cheeses are incredibly versatile and can even be turned into creamy sauces. The Cracked Pepper flavor is a personal favorite.

Whole Foods 365: Best Budget-Friendly Vegan Cheese (Sometimes)

Whole Foods 365 line offers affordable vegan cheese options without compromising on taste. Their vegan cheeses, including the smoked gouda, are great for anyone on a budget but still wanting quality.

Why I love it: The 365 Plant-Based Smoked Gouda is incredibly flavorful and a fraction of the price of other premium brands.

Other Great Vegan Cheese Brands

While I’ve covered some of the top contenders, there are plenty of other great options to explore. For example:

• Field Roast’s Chao: Delicious on sandwiches, though it’s made with fermented tofu, so it’s not suitable for those with soy sensitivities.
• Follow Your Heart: Known for their variety of cheese slices, including Pepper Jack and Garden Herb.
• So Delicious: Famous for their dairy-free yogurts but also offers tasty vegan cheese shreds, though they do contain palm oil.

Making Your Own Vegan Cheese

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own vegan cheese at home. It’s a fun way to experiment with flavors and control the ingredients. There are plenty of easy recipes online for creating vegan cheese from nuts, seeds, or even root vegetables. Some cookbooks that can help you get started include Artisan Vegan Cheese by Miyoko Schinner and This Cheese is Nuts! by Julie Piatt.

Final Thoughts

The world of vegan cheese has come a long way, and with so many delicious options, there’s no reason to miss out on your favorite cheesy dishes. Whether you’re looking for a perfect grilled cheese, a fancy cheese board, or just a good melt for your pizza, there’s a plant-based cheese for you.

By trying some of these top vegan cheese brands, you’ll not only enjoy amazing flavors but also make a positive impact on your health, the planet, and animal welfare.