12 Best Store-Bought Dairy-Free Cheese Substitutes
Whether it's aged, soft, sharp, or a bit sweet, there's no understating the versatility and taste of this favorite dairy product. However, cheese is not a part of everyone's diet. Vegans exclude all animal products, and those who are lactose intolerant stay away from most milk products. Dairy has even been known to cause inflammation and other health problems, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Still, there's often a craving for that perfect ingredient. Thankfully more and more dairy-free substitutes are finding their way onto the shelves, and even those who don't partake in dairy can enjoy the gooey goodness that most know and love.
The main ingredient in most cheeses is milk or dairy in one form, which is why some experimenting had to take place before manufacturers came up with a few stellar replacements. According to Mckenzie Pediatrics, it's actually the casein that's found in dairy products that usually causes a reaction or discomfort. This prominent protein has been known to cause allergic reactions, inflammation, respiratory, and digestive issues. This means implementing casein-free, or in other words, dairy-free substitutes into your diet might solve more than one health problem. On the bright side, as more people are turning to dairy-free diets, there are a variety of tasty, savory, and downright delectable alternatives to choose from.
1. Shredded mozzarella substitute: Parmela Creamery Plant-Based Mozzarella Shreds
If you're a pizza and pasta lover, the idea of going dairy-free might sound impossible. After all, creamy, subtle mozzarella is the secret to most Italian dishes. Fortunately, Parmela Creamery offers Plant-Based Mozzarella Shreds that can compete with even the freshest homemade cheese, and you don't have to give up your favorite meals.
This plant-based substitute is made from cashews, a common ingredient found in dairy-free products. The nuttiness shines through and has a nearly identical comparison to the traditional version. Reviewers on Amazon have rated it 4.5 stars for its superior taste, soft texture, and, most importantly, its ability to melt. The shreds make it easy to sprinkle over pizza, mix it onto salads, or melt it over pasta to complete some unforgettable meals without dairy. Parmela Creamery stands out for its dedication to the process, which means it's freshly cultured, just like the real thing. Cultured cheese must be fermented, which is simple with cow's milk, but special yeast or bacteria must be added to plant-based milk to help produce the curds. This extra step not only adds helpful probiotics to the dairy-free version but also gives it a better texture and overall taste.
2. Provolone slice substitute: Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Provolone Slices
Following a dairy-free diet might bring to mind skipping a slice of hot melted provolone on a burger, a chicken sandwich, or simply a deli-sliced ham and cheese on a sub roll. With Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Provolone Slices, you never have to miss out on the highlight of your sandwich.
This alternative product shines among the competition for its dedication to quality and superior flavor. Follow Your Heart uses coconut oil, modified potato and corn starches, sea salt, and olive extract in a perfect combination to achieve a nutty yet mild taste that mimics typical provolone. On top of tasting fantastic, the brand is non-Gmo, and it's stamped with the Certified Plant Based label. This label means that the brand has been found to make its products with absolutely no animal-derived ingredients. To earn the label, the brand must undergo a process that verifies its ingredients.
3. Feta cheese substitute: Violife Just Like Feta Block
The Violife Just Like Feta Block is an absolute must if you're kicking dairy to the curb but love the tart, rich flavor of feta cheese. Also using coconut oil, potato starch, and olive extract, Violife offers an extremely silky, salty product that's a crisp white color, similar to feta. The block is smooth and creamy enough that it can be smeared onto a cracker or crumbled into a salad. The texture is similar to a very firm goat cheese and can be used in a wide variety of dishes that call for various types that have a bit of tartness to them. The very best part of Violife is that this product melts even better than traditional feta, which means it's an amazing alternative for cheesy pasta dishes. It melts on pizza and bread; you can even get it to a queso-like texture for a salty, delicious dip.
If you're still doubting the taste or texture of this product, check out the 3,000 plus reviewers on Amazon who have rated Violife with 4.6 stars. Violifes stands out even more among other substitutes because it accommodates a wide range of diets. For example, many brands use cashews and other nuts to make dairy-free cheese, but this brand contains no nuts. In addition, it's gluten, lactose, and soy-free. Finally, this product doesn't contain harmful preservatives, so you can feel satisfied and secure about the super cheesy dishes you make with Violife.
4. Fresh mozzarella substitute: Miyoko's Creamery Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella
Another traditionally cultured option, Miyoko's Creamery Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella, is an effective replacement for fresh mozzarella. Made from a brilliant blend of organic cashew milk, coconut oil, and chickpea miso, this cheesy substitute is not only made without dairy but also utilizes organic, non-GMO ingredients that ensure this product is not only good for those abstaining from dairy but all foodies.
What sets Miyoko's Creamery Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella apart from other plant-based cheese substitutes is its texture and versatility. The creamy, gooey consistency is comparable to traditional fresh mozzarella, making it an easy replacement on tops of pizzas, in fresh salads, and more, whereas other brands have a tough, chewy texture. It's no wonder that this product has earned a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from over 2,500 satisfied shoppers. Many reviewers praise it for its overall essence and texture that's good enough to have as a snack all on its own, although it doesn't melt as well as its competition. The ultimate sign of success for mozzarella is the beloved caprese salad, and this product shines among fresh tomatoes, basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
5. Ricotta cheese substitute: Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta
For all your lasagna and pasta needs, check out this ricotta substitute by Kite Hill. This product is made from almond milk, which means you get a nutty but mild flavor that is reminiscent of the real thing. Almond milk ricotta pairs perfectly with savory dishes such as lemon and garlic pasta, but the silky feel also makes it an effective substitute for mascarpone cheese in desserts. Sweet or savory, Kite Hill has mastered the almond and offers dairy-free eaters to enjoy a velvety cheese that will make you forget all about its traditional competition.
Kite Hill's dairyless products are made with care and quality, from exactly the right variety of nuts to the honey bees that help pollinate. The brand grows its almonds in California's San Joaquin Valley and offers an alternative that not only won't trigger allergies or inflammation, but it's non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, and made without harmful preservatives. Although this product is a bit on the pricey side, at almost $10.00 for 8 ounces, over 2,000 happy customers have rated it on Amazon with over 4 stars. Ricotta isn't reserved for lasagna; it actually tastes delicious spread on a toasted baguette and drizzled with honey or spooned over a white pizza with veggies. Kite Hill also offers a dairy-free whipped ricotta alternative that will also shine in these recipes.
6. Parmesan cheese substitutes: Bragg Nutritional Yeast
Bragg Nutritional Yeast is a beneficial and versatile condiment that's ideal to have around even if you do enjoy dairy products. Yet, it particularly serves well as a parmesan substitute that won't upset anyone sticking to a dairy-free or vegan diet. The main ingredient is flaky yeast. It's naturally yellow in color and tastes spectacular when sprinkled over everything from pasta and pizza to salad, eggs, popcorn, and more. The buttery, savory flavor has a nuttiness that can easily replace butter, cheese, salt, and more in most recipes. It will even dissolve in heat and can therefore be stirred into sauces and creamy dips for a melted cheese-like texture.
A trusted brand such as Bragg is bound to offer a great-tasting product that also has a plethora of health benefits. Not only does nutritional yeast eliminate the need for parmesan, but it is also loaded with vitamin B and can be an excellent source of protein. Just one serving size of two tablespoons has 5 grams of protein, making it a no-brainer for high-protein diets. This product is affordable at around $6.00, and a single jar can last you a least a few weeks, even if cheesy popcorn becomes your new obsession. If you're still not convinced, this product boasts over 24,000 reviews on Amazon and is rated with 4.7 stars. The brand is also offering more spiced-up options, such as roasted garlic, for even more flavor.
7. Cream cheese substitute: Violife Just like Cream Cheese
Violife has mastered the delicate art of dairy-free products. Earning a well-deserved spot on the list is a cream cheese substitute that has a perfect velvety texture and well-balanced sweet, yet tart, flavor that could easily be mistaken for the real deal. In addition to being made without cow's milk, this product is also made without preservatives, and there's no added sugar. This means you can dive right into a raspberry cream pie or red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and the many other recipes that you can effortlessly make with Violife.
The smooth texture that resembles the traditional version makes it an absolute must-try if you love a toasted bagel in the morning or a cracker with some jam. An ideal and functional texture like this means you can swap Violife out one-to-one for regular cream cheese when baking and cooking. Over 3,000 buyers on Amazon have testified to the superior look, feel, and taste of this alternative. And it's reasonably priced for just under $3.00, meaning you can always have this item on hand.
8. Snack time substitute: Daiya Jalapeño Havarti Style Block
Charcuterie should be off-limits for no one, even those who don't partake in animal or dairy products. Rest assured, the trusted dairy-free brand, Daiya, is offering a Jalapeño Havarti Style Block that will serve all of your snacking needs and impress your guests. The brand was even named Most Trusted by American Shoppers in 2021 by Newsweek.
This particular substitute is made from oats and chickpeas, which is why a firm texture and mild flavor are possible. This combination, along with real pieces of jalapeños and seasonings, makes it a true replacement for a block of cheese. The solid texture allows you to slice for crackers, or you can cut it into cubes for salads. However, add a little heat, and this block melts down into gooey goodness over pasta or stirred into sauces and dips. This product, unlike some other dairy-free blocks, is also certified non-GMO, plant-based, and guaranteed nut-free. Shoppers can feel good about serving Daiya on game night, family gatherings, or even sending it to school for snack time.
9. Queso substitute: Primal Kitchen, No Dairy Queso Style Plant Based Dip
Primal Kitchen has done it again, providing a top-rated dairy-free queso substitute that is sure to satisfy your cravings without guilt. There's nothing quite as satisfying as chips and cheesy dip, especially when it tastes delectable, and you don't have to worry about unwanted dairy or animal products. This plant-based dip is a terrific addition to any snack time, as it boasts bold flavor and a silky texture that is sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
Unlike other queso substitutes on the market, Primal Kitchen's No Dairy Queso Style Plant-Based Dip is made without the use of canola oil, making it an even healthier option for those who are conscious about their food choices, as discussed by Healthline. Additionally, it is keto-friendly, vegan, and free of any added sugars, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. The brand has clearly put a lot of effort into creating a dip that is not only delicious but is also made of high-quality ingredients. As a result, this queso substitute has become one of the most popular options available. With a 4-star rating on Amazon and over 4 stars on Primal Kitchen, this item lands high on our list of dairy-free cheese substitutes, not to mention there's an option for those who appreciate a little more heat.
10. Brie substitute: The Uncreamery Classic Brie Wheel
One look at The Uncreamery Classic Brie Wheel can convince you of the brand's quality and care for dairy-free products. The Uncreamery has put dedication into a recipe that can respectably replace a wheel of brie to ensure that even dairy-free eaters can enjoy the creamy, nutty essence of this foodie favorite.
Rated with 4.5 stars on Walmart by over 100 buyers, it's clear that shoppers enjoy the overall essence of this cheese. Like similar products, The Uncreamery uses ingredients such as coconut oil, cashews, and tapioca starch to achieve the correct texture. For a flavor that can compete with brie, it uses more unexpected and innovative products, such as chickpea miso paste for a rich, layered taste, mushroom seasonings, and vegan white wine. This thoughtfully made product means you can enjoy artisan products without the hassle of dairy. You never have to skip the baked brie, or you can even make a savory pizza with arugula and caramelized onions. For around $11.00, this special treat will not disappoint cheese lovers and more.
11. Cheddar cheese substitute: Daiya Cheddar Flavour Deluxe Sauce
Think bigger and better than mac and cheese with Daiya's Cheddar Flavour Deluxe Sauce. This gooey substitute could be mistaken for the real thing, thanks to the buttery, rich flavor, the bright color, and the smooth consistency. Just a quick glance at the ingredient list reveals that this product is made without harmful dyes and additives, all the while achieving a delectable alternative. A combination of tapioca flour, safflower oil, coconut oil, salt, natural flavors, pea protein, and more make this sauce ideal for stirring into hot pasta for a classic comfort meal such as mac and cheese. But there are plenty of ways to get creative with this substitute as well.
Warm this sauce in a pan before stirring in some cilantro and fresh sliced jalapeños and you've got a dip that will compete with any dairy queso. If your freezer is hiding some frozen fries or there's leftover roasted potatoes in your fridge, drizzle this sauce over them for a version of cheese fries and then add toppings, such as chili, bacon bits, and more. Add this over rice and broccoli for a version of broccoli casserole, and even toss some chicken into the mix to have a satisfying yet easy dinner.
12. French-style cheese substitute: Treeline Dairy-Free Herb Garlic Soft French-Style
Treeline Dairy-Free Herb Garlic Soft French-Style is the answer to anyone missing out on thick, spreadable cheese that makes parties, gatherings, and simple nights at home that much better. The tangy but earthy ingredients are a beautiful bite of bliss when spread over a cracker, and it just might be your new favorite way to treat yourself. The added garlic and Italian herbs, in addition to the cashew base, make this product feel carefully cultivated and can compete with even the most well-known French-style cheeses.
Reviewers on Treeline rave about the great taste and the velvety texture that is easy to spread. In addition, over 1,000 shoppers on Amazon have rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Even those who eat dairy regularly have raved about Treeline's product, even noting that this product can be served cold on a cracker or even warmed up so that it melts in your mouth just like real cheese.