Best Vegan Cheese Alternatives
Curated, taste-tested, and reviewed. Find the best plant-based swaps for your favorite cheese products.
Just Like Parmesan Wedge
Violife
A 100% vegan parmesan wedge that grates and melts perfectly. Nut-free and soy-free.
Why we like it
- ✓ Melts well
- ✓ Nut-free
- ✓ Authentic aroma
Considerations
- • Slightly coconutty aftertaste
Fresh Vegan Mozzarella
Miyoko's Creamery
Artisan cashew-based mozzarella perfect for pizzas and caprese salads. Cultured for authentic flavor.
Why we like it
- ✓ Clean ingredients
- ✓ Probiotic
- ✓ Browns and bubbles
Considerations
- • Soft texture
- • Requires refrigeration
Cheddar Style Shreds
Daiya
Classic dairy-free cheddar shreds that melt smoothly. Perfect for tacos, quesadillas, and mac and cheese. Made from tapioca and pea protein.
Why we like it
- ✓ Melts very well
- ✓ Allergen-friendly (no soy/nuts)
- ✓ Widely available
- ✓ Good for baking
Considerations
- • Can be stringy
- • Mild flavor
Mozzarella Style Shreds
Daiya
Stretchy dairy-free mozzarella shreds ideal for pizza and lasagna. Gets golden and bubbly in the oven just like dairy mozzarella.
Why we like it
- ✓ Great stretch
- ✓ Allergen-friendly
- ✓ Melts beautifully
- ✓ Pizza-perfect
Considerations
- • Can separate if overheated
- • Tapioca base texture
Epic Mature Cheddar Block
Violife
Award-winning mature cheddar block with sharp, tangy flavor. Perfect for slicing, grating, or grilled cheese sandwiches. Coconut oil based.
Why we like it
- ✓ Authentic sharp flavor
- ✓ Slices cleanly
- ✓ Melts well
- ✓ Great for grilled cheese
Considerations
- • Slight coconut undertone
- • Firmer than dairy
Dairy-Free Parmesan Shreds
Follow Your Heart
Vegan parmesan that delivers authentic nutty, salty flavor. Perfect for pasta, salads, and Italian dishes. Soy-free formula.
Why we like it
- ✓ Authentic parmesan taste
- ✓ Pre-shredded convenience
- ✓ Soy-free
- ✓ Great umami flavor
Considerations
- • Doesn't melt like traditional parm
- • Can be dry
Classic Plain Cream Cheese
Miyoko's Creamery
Cultured cashew cream cheese with tangy, rich flavor. Spreads smoothly on bagels and perfect for cheesecake. Organic and non-GMO.
Why we like it
- ✓ Very creamy texture
- ✓ Tangy cultured flavor
- ✓ Organic ingredients
- ✓ Perfect for baking
Considerations
- • Contains cashews
- • Premium price
- • Requires refrigeration
Plain Cream Cheeze Style Spread
Daiya
Smooth and spreadable dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Nut-free and soy-free, perfect for bagels, dips, and frosting.
Why we like it
- ✓ Allergen-friendly
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Good for baking
- ✓ Widely available
Considerations
- • Less tangy than dairy
- • Can be soft
Cream Cheese Style Spread
Kite Hill
Artisan almond milk cream cheese with smooth, luxurious texture. Cultured for authentic tangy flavor. Great for cheesecakes and frosting.
Why we like it
- ✓ Cultured tanginess
- ✓ Smooth texture
- ✓ Clean ingredients
- ✓ Excellent for baking
Considerations
- • Contains almonds
- • Higher price point
Just Like Feta Block
Violife
Crumbly vegan feta with Mediterranean herbs and tangy flavor. Perfect for Greek salads, pasta, and roasted vegetables. Coconut oil base.
Why we like it
- ✓ Authentic crumbly texture
- ✓ Tangy flavor
- ✓ Herb-infused
- ✓ Great in salads
Considerations
- • Coconut base detectable
- • Less salty than dairy feta
American Style Slices
Follow Your Heart
Classic American-style cheese slices that melt perfectly on burgers and grilled cheese. Soy-free and ready to stack.
Why we like it
- ✓ Melts smoothly
- ✓ Individually wrapped
- ✓ Soy-free
- ✓ Great for burgers
Considerations
- • Mild flavor
- • Can be rubbery cold
Just Like Provolone Slices
Violife
Smoky provolone-style slices perfect for sandwiches and paninis. Melts beautifully with authentic Italian flavor.
Why we like it
- ✓ Smoky flavor
- ✓ Melts well
- ✓ Great for paninis
- ✓ Pre-sliced convenience
Considerations
- • Coconut oil base
- • Can be oily when melted
Creamy Original Slices
Chao Creamery
Fermented tofu-based cheese slices with exceptional melt and stretch. Rich, creamy flavor perfect for grilled cheese and burgers.
Why we like it
- ✓ Best melt in class
- ✓ Rich fermented flavor
- ✓ Great stretch
- ✓ High protein
Considerations
- • Contains soy (tofu)
- • Pricier option
Classic French-Style Soft Cheese
Treeline
Aged cashew cheese with complex, tangy flavor. Spreadable soft cheese perfect for crackers, crostini, and charcuterie boards.
Why we like it
- ✓ Artisan quality
- ✓ Cultured and aged
- ✓ Complex flavors
- ✓ Gourmet presentation
Considerations
- • Contains cashews
- • Expensive
- • Strong flavor
Dairy-Free Garlic & Herbs
Boursin
The famous Boursin flavor now in a dairy-free version. Creamy, herb-infused spread perfect for crackers, pasta, and entertaining.
Why we like it
- ✓ Authentic Boursin flavor
- ✓ Herb-forward
- ✓ Great for entertaining
- ✓ Spreads easily
Considerations
- • Limited availability
- • Can be rich
Ricotta
Kite Hill
Almond milk ricotta with authentic Italian texture and mild flavor. Perfect for lasagna, stuffed shells, and cannoli filling.
Why we like it
- ✓ Great texture
- ✓ Mild flavor
- ✓ Bakes beautifully
- ✓ Clean ingredients
Considerations
- • Contains almonds
- • More liquid than dairy
- • Premium price
Mozzarella Style Shreds
So Delicious
Coconut milk-based mozzarella shreds that melt and stretch beautifully. Great for pizza, nachos, and casseroles. Gluten-free.
Why we like it
- ✓ Excellent melt
- ✓ Coconut milk base
- ✓ Allergen-friendly
- ✓ Good stretch
Considerations
- • Mild coconut flavor
- • Can separate if overheated
Smoked Gouda Slices
Good Planet
Rich, smoky gouda-style slices with authentic Dutch flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and cheese boards. Plant-based and delicious.
Why we like it
- ✓ Authentic smoky flavor
- ✓ Melts well
- ✓ Great for grilling
- ✓ Unique flavor profile
Considerations
- • Can be hard to find
- • Strong smoke flavor
Plant-Based Cheese Rounds
Babybel
Convenient individually-wrapped plant-based cheese rounds. Perfect for lunchboxes, snacking, and on-the-go. Made with coconut oil.
Why we like it
- ✓ Portion controlled
- ✓ Iconic wax coating
- ✓ Kid-friendly
- ✓ Portable snack
Considerations
- • Mild flavor
- • Doesn't melt well
- • Processed texture
Cultured Vegan Butter
Miyoko's Creamery
European-style cultured vegan butter with rich, creamy flavor. Made from organic coconut and sunflower oils. Perfect for baking and spreading.
Why we like it
- ✓ Authentic butter flavor
- ✓ Cultured for tanginess
- ✓ Excellent for baking
- ✓ Organic ingredients
Considerations
- • Premium price
- • Softer than dairy butter
Pepper Jack Style Slices
Follow Your Heart
Spicy pepper jack cheese slices with jalapeño and bell pepper pieces. Adds heat and flavor to sandwiches, burgers, and quesadillas.
Why we like it
- ✓ Real pepper pieces
- ✓ Nice spice level
- ✓ Melts well
- ✓ Soy-free
Considerations
- • Can be too mild for some
- • Processed texture
Why choose vegan cheese?
Switching to plant-based cheese alternatives is one of the most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Modern food technology has allowed us to replicate the textures and flavors you love, without the ethical or environmental cost. Browse our selection above to find the perfect swap for your next meal or outfit.