Dairyfree cheese has seriously improved in recent years.
If you tried plantbased cheese a decade ago, you might remember rubbery slices or shreds that wouldn’t melt, no matter how long they sat under the broiler.
Nowadays, you’ll stumble upon plenty of dairyfree cheeses with flavors and textures that come surprisingly close to the real thing.
Whether you avoid dairy due to allergies, dietary choices, or you’re just curious, the dairyfree cheese selection on shelves now is worth checking out.
Here, I’ll break down the recent changes, the main types to track down, and my picks for the best dairyfree cheeses you can buy today.
Why Choose Dairy-Free Cheese?
Dairyfree cheese isn’t just for vegans anymore.
Many people grab it for health reasons, lactose intolerance, or just to try switching things up.
Plenty of folks react badly to dairy, making plantbased options a ticket to enjoying grilled cheese or pizza with fewer worries.
On top of that, some dairyfree cheeses are lower in cholesterol, making them great for anyone watching their intake.
Dairyfree cheese also has environmental perks.
Typical cheese production can be resourceintensive, while alternatives made with nuts, soy, or coconut create a smaller environmental footprint.
Many newer brands are also cutting back on artificial colors and preservatives, especially those selling under a “clean label.”
Main Types of Dairy-Free Cheeses
Dairyfree cheeses aren’t all created equal.
The kind you choose depends a lot on what flavor and texture you love most.
Here are the main types you’ll find at most grocery stores:
- Shredded Cheese: Fantastic for pizzas, tacos, and dishes where meltiness is key. Flavors often include mozzarella and cheddar.
- Sliced Cheese: Perfect for sandwiches or burgers. Usually made using coconut oil, potato starch, or soy as a base.
- Blocks and Wheels: Ideal for cheese boards or snacking. Brands like Miyoko’s and Violife stand out here with their variety of options.
- Spreadable and Soft Cheese: Great for bagels, crackers, and dips, similar to cream cheese, or soft herbed cheese.
The base ingredients vary.
Some use cashews or almonds, others lean on soy, root veggies, or oats for their creamy base.
Each kind has unique perks and some surprises, so experimenting pays off—try a few classics to find your new go-to.
Best Dairy-Free Cheese Brands to Try
I’ve spent years sampling dairyfree cheeses (and I’m a serious cheese lover), so I’ve got a shortlist of standout brands that absolutely nail taste, texture, and meltiness:
1. Miyoko’s Creamery
Miyoko’s draws a loyal following for good reason.
Their cheese wheels, like Double Cream Chive and Smoked English Farmhouse, are especially creamy and spread wonderfully.
Made with organic cashews, they capture the tanginess you might miss from regular cheese.
I’m also a fan of their mozzarella, which melts really well on pizza—or even in stuffed pasta.
2. Violife
Violife’s approach skips dairy, soy, gluten, and nuts, making their cheeses super accessible for people juggling multiple allergies.
Top picks include “Just Like Cheddar” and “Just Like Smoked Provolone” slices, which offer a smooth texture and mellow flavor fresh from the fridge.
These melt well, too—which isn’t standard with all plantbased cheeses.
3. Follow Your Heart
Follow Your Heart stands out for sandwichready slices in American and Provolone styles.
Their parmesanstyle shreds work great on pasta, and their blocks can be grated for pizza toppings.
Using soy as their base, their products are reliable and approachable for anyone new to dairyfree cheese.
4. Kite Hill
Kite Hill offers almondbased cream cheeses and ricotta with a light, clean flavor.
The chive cream cheese is delicious on bagels, and the plain version is a solid base for homemade dips or spreads.
Their almond ricotta shines in plantbased lasagna, stuffed shells, or even as a dessert cheese.
Nutty flavors are there but subtle.
5. Chao by Field Roast
Chao is best known for coconutbased cheese slices with an extra umami boost from fermented tofu.
Their Creamy Original slices bring grilled cheese sandwiches to life; they brown and get gooey in the pan. For a flavor upgrade, try the Tomato Cayenne slices on a snack platter.
What to Look for in a Dairy-Free Cheese
I always scan the ingredient list first.
If you care about nutrition, that step helps you spot which brands minimize fillers or starches.
Here’s what else to consider:
- Meltability: Not every dairyfree cheese melts, but those that do—like Miyoko’s, Violife, or Chao—can make pizza or grilled cheese shine.
- Flavor Intensity: Favorites range from mild to sharp. Cashewbased cheeses tend to have a richer, tangy taste compared to ones made mainly with coconut oil or soy.
- Ingredients: Keep allergies top of mind. You’ll find options for nutfree, soyfree, and glutenfree diets if you search a bit.
- Texture: If you’re all about spreadability, try almond or cashewbased soft cheeses. For something to grate or shred, coconut or starchbased brands are more likely to work well.
How to Use Dairy-Free Cheese in Everyday Meals
There’s more to dairyfree cheese than switching mozzarella on pizza.
Here are some ideas for putting it to good use:
- Sandwiches: Sliced cheeses are ideal for grilled cheese, subs, and paninis.
- Pasta Bake: Shredded cheese is perfect for casserole or baked ziti toppings—expect golden, melty results.
- Cheese Boards: Blocks or wheels, along with crackers, fruit, and olives, make an eye-catching, allergyfriendly snack spread.
- Baked Goods: Dairyfree cream cheese style cheese works in frosting, spreads, or soft fillings (think carrot cake or danishes).
- Breakfast: Spread your favorite herbed or plain cream cheese alternative on toast, bagels, or add it to savory oatmeal bowls.
Taste and Texture Tips
Taste and texture will vary from one brand to another, and even from batch to batch sometimes.
If you’re new to dairyfree cheese, here are some tips that helped me enjoy it more:
- Let it sit at room temperature for a bit—the flavor and texture improve as it warms up.
- Try out different brands in cooked dishes before deciding you don’t like one. Melted dairyfree cheese often tastes better and improves the texture dramatically.
- Soft, spreadable cheeses (like almondbased ones) shine on crackers, while coconutbased or cashew mozzarella shreds do best melted in hot dishes.
Common Questions About Dairy-Free Cheese
There are so many dairyfree cheese options out there that questions are bound to come up.
Here are a few of the most common ones I hear:
Is dairy-free cheese healthy?
Some options are healthier, with less fat or cholesterol than regular cheese.
Others use coconut oil and starch, bumping up saturated fat or sodium.
If you want something closer to whole foods with fewer additives, cashew or almond cheeses with shorter ingredient lists are a good bet.
Does dairy-free cheese taste like real cheese?
Some come very close, especially among soft spreads or cream cheese varieties.
For block, slice, or shredded types, the flavors range from mild to cheesy and tangy.
Texture is subjective, but the best brands do an impressive job.
If you’re plantbased, you may find you prefer these flavors—or at least don’t miss dairy much.
If you’re only switching now and again, Miyoko’s and Violife are good first picks.
Does it actually melt?
The short answer: yes, many do!
Coconut or starchbased shreds from brands like Violife, Daiya, or Follow Your Heart can get bubbly and golden when cooked. Look for “melts great” on the package or check reviews online for your best bets.
Is it allergen-friendly?
You’ll find more nutfree and soyfree choices these days.
Always take a close look at packaging, as some nutbased cheeses might be processed with other allergens.
Violife is an especially good choice if you need something allergyfriendly.
Trying Dairy-Free Cheese: Real-Life Experience
The first time I swapped in dairyfree cheese for a recipe, my expectations were low.
My initial picks—a cashew block and coconut oil shreds—totally changed my mind.
Melted over pasta and as a topping for flatbread, they made the meal genuinely enjoyable.
I’ve even served Chao and Miyoko’s at house gatherings, and friends who usually choose dairy gave them a clear thumbs up.
Over time, I’ve found favorites for different uses:
Miyoko’s for special cheese boards, Violife and Follow Your Heart for basic sandwiches, and Kite Hill for making breakfast or baking tastier.
There’s no need to give up flavor or a good gooey texture—it’s all about finding those options that line up with what you love and being open to new tastes.
Final Thoughts
Bottom line: picking dairyfree cheese is easier than ever thanks to a wave of brands that get it right.
Try a few, glance over the ingredients, and sample them in recipes where they add true flavor and richness.
Whether you’re allin on a plantbased lifestyle or just switching things up now and again, there’s a dairyfree cheese out there that will make your meal pop—no sacrifice needed.