Cutting out animal products often comes with the perception that you have to say goodbye to your favourite foods, like dairy products. Luckily, with the invention of food technology and a bit of creativity, vegans can now enjoy dairy-free alternatives, in particular… vegan cheese.
Between pizzas, pasta dishes, fondue and pies, many of the most popular dishes have cheese, so why should vegans miss out? Vegan cheese is now available in a variety of different favorable options in supermarkets across the globe. Non-dairy cheese is the answer vegans have been waiting for!
What is vegan cheese made of?
So, we know that non-dairy cheese doesn’t contain dairy, so you may find yourself wondering what does it contain? Well, vegan cheese is made from a variety of different plant sources, such as nuts, oils, soy, vegetables and flour.
In fact, soy is the most popular ingredient for most vegan, plant-based products. Some soy products may include casein, which is a protein that comes from milk. It is important to highlight this as if the soy cheese you have bought contains casein, it is not vegan. Always remember to double-check the labels just to be sure!
If you would consider yourself a cheese connoisseur, then, chances are you like cheese to have a creamy texture. This is where coconut comes in. Often, coconut oil or milk is used in vegan cheese. The high-fat content in the coconut is what provides the cheesy, creamy texture.
Vegan cheese at home
If you are someone who enjoys getting hands-on in the kitchen, instead of buying certain products, you will be glad to hear that vegan cheese can be made at home! It doesn’t take too much skill or effort and can be done by using nuts and seeds.
The most common nuts and seeds used for this are cashew nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts and pumpkin seeds.
The nuts and seeds need to be soaked in water before they are blended together. Other ingredients are then added to the nut and seed paste to add flavours, such as salt, garlic powder and onion powder.
Is vegan cheese good for you?
People often think that being on a vegan diet is a healthier option, and although if one is vegan and is eating all natural plant-based foods, it is healthy. If someone is consuming nothing but processed vegan foods, there might be room to create a healthier vegan diet.
The same is true when it comes to vegan cheese. If someone is eating vegan cheese in large amounts every day, then this may not be healthy. If the dairy alternative is consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, then it is okay.
It is not recommended to consume too much vegan cheese or any processed food for that matter. The reason for this is because highly processed foods, including vegan cheese, contain a lot of preservatives and other additives which should only be consumed in small amounts.
Vegan cheese also contains ingredients like vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which of course are good for you. So, the bottom line is, if you consume vegan cheese now and then, you don’t have to worry about health implementations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vegan cheese is a great option for anyone who feels as though they are missing out on their favourite dairy snacks. Remember to check the label to ensure the cheese is 100%, and although you might be tempted, try not and consume too much. Include vegan cheese as part of a healthy, balanced diet and you will feel as though you aren’t missing out on any of that dairy, creamy goodness.