Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 9 Best Vegan Cheese Brands to Buy in 2022

Living a plant-based lifestyle has never been easier than it is today. From beet burgers that bleed to tofu shrimp you swore could swim, there’s a vegan replacement for everything from milk to meat. Science has shown that taking the leap from beef to the leaf can have major health benefits for both your body and the world. From reducing cholesterol to cleaning up your carbon footprint, there are plenty of reasons to pivot to plants.

Related Guides

For those who may not be ready to go all the way from omnivore but are still a little veg-curious, plant-based cheeses are a sharp start to dip your toes into a dairy-free diet. While companies have been churning out lactose-free alternatives like never before, not all these “cheeses” make the cut. Finding a vegan option that you can spread, stretch, dip, or shred may sound hard to believe but the proof is in the plant-based Parmesan.

So whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply ditching dairy, we’re here to offer a bit of gouda advice with the nine greatest of the grate vegan cheeses for your plate.

Siete Dairy-Free Cashew Queso

Image used with permission by copyright holder

From texture to taste, this vegan queso will have you questioning everything about real cheese. Made entirely from cashews and available in both Nacho and Blanco fundido flavors, this jaw-dropping dip is a thing of dairy-free dreams.

Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Add a special layer to your lasagna with this vegan ricotta even Garfield would approve of. Kite Hill’s almond milk recipe is just as fluffy and silky as the original and even has that signature salty ricotta taste.

Miyoko’s Creamery Aged English Smoked Farmhouse Artisan Vegan Cheese

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Your charcuterie board just got more interesting with this artisanal vegan wheel. Known for its classy cashew cheeses, Miyoko’s version of Aged English Cheddar has a smooth spread and intense smoky taste that is bound to be a conversation starter.

Buy Now

Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Italy and dairy-free don’t often go hand in hand but Violife is as close to Parma it comes. With the traditional nutty flavor and signature flaky shred, this plant-based Parmesan will even have your Nonna scratching her head.

Daiya Cheddar & Alfredo Cheeze Sauce

Image used with permission by copyright holder

A long-time favorite in the dairy-free cheese game, Daiya has done it again, creating the creamiest, cheesiest lactose-free Alfredo and Cheddar sauces the vegan community has seen. The uses are endless, from pouring on pasta or covering veggies to almost drinking with a straw.

Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese

Image used with permission by copyright holder

This plant-based spread lives up to its name; all the reviews proclaim real cream cheese pales in comparison to this vegan version. Available in four delicious flavors, Tofutti’s is cheese lover-tested and bagel-approved.

Field Roast Chao Creamy Slices

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Field Roast is the perfect topping for beet burgers, grilled sandwiches, or wherever you need a slice. The unique blend of coconut oil and fermented tofu makes it one of the most delicious vegan cheeses on the shelves.

Good Planet Mozzarella Cheese Shreds

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Good Planet’s cheeses give you that stretchy, stringy, mozzarella feel with all the benefits of a milk-free lifestyle. Whether you’re sprinkling on pizza or stuffing a quesadilla this cheese is top for its minimal ingredients but maximum meltability.

365 Everyday Value, Plant-Based Smoked Gouda

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whole Foods has entered the cheese chat with its affordable and almost too gouda to be true plant-based slices. While it may not make the top of the texture list, the flavor is a hit and the price point makes it even more appetizing.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Lauren Paige Richeson
Lauren Paige Richeson is an author and artist specializing in written, visual, and edible content. She wrote about Food…
The 8 best top-shelf vodka brands worth savoring – Death’s Door, Barr Hill, and more
Save up your pennies for these vodka bottles
Belvedere Vodka

Vodka can be a hard nut to crack. So much of the stuff is linear and in need of other ingredients to make it truly enjoyable. But there's also the really good stuff -- the luxury brands that deserve the top-most shelf in the liquor store or online outlet.

To be fair, you can find some good cheap vodkas and there are some quality mid-tier vodkas, from the clean and rounded build of Broken Shed to the smooth and subtly rich weight of Ketel One. But the real nuance and detail show up as you climb up the ladder. Distillers are more selective with ingredients, more meticulous and methodical in their production, and turn out something truly worthy of being poured neat in your favorite bulbous glass.

Read more
The 12 best almond milk brands to check out – Califia Farms, Silk, and more
Whether you're watching calories, sugar intake, or have an allergy, there's a great almond milk for you
Man choosing a product at a store

If you follow a plant-based diet, particularly a vegan diet, or if you have lactose intolerance, almond milk can be a healthy diet- and gut-friendly alternative. In fact, although almond milk may have started as just a niche vegan alternative option] to dairy milk, it is now a popular, go-to plant-based milk choice for even those who have no issues with dairy. Many people love the taste and texture of almond milk and prefer the flavor over regular cow's milk. In short, it pays to have some good milk alternatives.

Unsweetened almond milk is also low in sugar and calories, and it contains healthy fats and antioxidants like vitamin E. There is also enriched almond milk, which contains added nutrients to supplement your dietary intake of nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Whether you choose almond milk for its environmental impact and animal-free nature or its taste and versatility, keep reading for our picks of the best almond milk brands that not only taste great but are good for you too.

Read more
The 9 best canned tuna for healthy and convenient meals – Wild Planet, Safe Catch, and more
Get your protein and omega-3 fatty acids from a snack or tuna meal
High angle view o canned tune halfway open

You want snacks that are healthy, lunches that are convenient, and dinners that delight. You want them quickly and you want them to be effortless. Sound like too much to ask? Not when you make canned tuna the star of your dishes! From stellar sandwiches to pasta recipes, this versatile ingredient is the hearty time-saver that makes cooking (or not cooking) easier and healthier than ever. But not all cans of tuna were created equally.

When canned tuna is a staple in your pantry, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the best product to fit your lifestyle and help you meet your health and fitness goals. Whether you’re looking for light flakes or the richness of olive oil, tuna is an easy solution to increase your protein intake and experiment with new recipes.

Read more