Cheese has primarily been considered a dairy product for centuries now, but with the increasing popularity of a more sustainable lifestyle, vegan cheese alternatives seem to be the way forward. There is no reason anymore for vegans and people with lactose intolerance to suffer from a lack of creamy cheesy indulgences. This article will focus on vegan cheese substitutes, including their history, types, health benefits, and how to use them.
History of Vegan Cheese Substitutes
Cheese that does not contain any dairy products has its origins in the 1990s when people began to work with cheese alternatives such as soy cheese. But, initially, those cheeses were a poor imitation, and they were gritty and rubbery and did not taste like cheese at all. Today, vegan cheese is present in the market and such companies as Giordano Pizza have arisen in response to the burgeoning demand for vegan products where they have tofu cheesecakes.
Categories of Cheese Alternatives on a Vegan Basis
The number of vegan cheese substitutes available in the market has increased significantly over the years. Below are some of the favorites:
Soy cheese: These are cheese substitutes that are made from soy milk or soya and try to capture the unique taste and presentation of real cheese.
Cheese made from nutritional yeast: Very common, this ingredients provides a delicious “cheesy” flavor that is often used in vegan cheese.
Cheese made with cashew nuts: Cashew nut cheese has a thick and creamy consistency and can be used in dip or sauce applications.
Cheese made from seeds: Cheese substitutes are developed using seeds such as sesame seed, sunflower seed, pumpkinseed and many seeds.
Cheese made of tofu: Creamy cheese from extra firm tofu blended with plant milk and flavorings.
Microbial fermentation cheese: This method enables the production of cheese flavor and texture from plant materials through fermentation by microorganisms.
Plant-based cheese consistencies: It is possible to incorporate different plant materials into a mixture of these cheese blends whereby different properties can be produced.
Benefits of Vegan Cheese Substitutes
Vegan cheese alternatives have benefits beyond what is related to the restrictions imposed on diet:
Environmental Impact: The raising of animals for agricultural purposes such as meat or milk is responsible for greenhouse gases as well as for foresting plants. Thus, plant based cheese mitigates this damage.
For instance, One study suggested that fewer amounts of trans fat have been in vegan cheese alternatives than in dairy cheese. Herich et All 2013.
Food scarcity: It is no secret that the countries of the world should prepare for food for around 9 billion people by 2050. Hence, including plants based cheese alternatives helps address this concern.
By choosing plant based cheese, consumers buy into animal friendly agriculture.
Tips for Incorporating Vegan Cheese Substitutes into Your Diet
Try several brands: It is noteworthy that every brand has its distinct taste, and you need to sample several before you settle for a favorite vegan cheese substitute.
e.g. use in traditional foods: Use any of the vegan cheese in the ethnic recipes that would normally call for cheese or try completely new veggie recipes and replace the cheese with the vegan replacements you have found.
Use with plant based milks: They can also be used with other plant based milks to make a cheese creamy sauce or other dips.
Baking and melting: There are vegan cheese alternatives that can be used in pizza, baked pasta or lasagna, and even sandwiches where the melted texture and taste are desired.
Popular Vgan Cheese Substitute Brands
Daiya foods
Follow your heart
Kite Hill
Miyoko's kitchen
Tofutti
Conclusion
The emergence of vegan cheese substitutes changed the game for those who follow a plant-based diet, as the products are tasty and healthy for the environment. With so many varieties and benefits of such products, being a vegan became the easiest thing in the world. A staunch vegan or a novice wanting to try options away from meat need to worry not for they will be thrilled with vegan cheese and its substitutes that fit their conscience.
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