🧀 How Is Vegan Cheese Made? A Journey Through Its Rich History, Varieties, And Challenges

We explore the fascinating world of vegan cheese.

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As more and more people adopt plant-based diets for ethical, environmental, or health reasons, the demand for high-quality vegan cheese continues to grow. In this article, we'll take a closer look at vegan cheese, exploring

• The history of vegan cheese.

• How is vegan cheese made?

• What do consumers look for?

• The different types of vegan cheese.

• The challenges faced by vegan cheese.

“I could never give up cheese.”

📖 A Brief History of Vegan Cheese

The history of vegan cheese stretches back to the 1980s, when pioneers in the plant-based movement began exploring alternatives to traditional dairy cheese. One of the first commercially available vegan cheeses was Tofutti's Better Than Cream Cheese, introduced by David Mintz in 1986. This soy-based product was a game-changer, offering a dairy-free option for those with dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Over time, the vegan cheese market evolved, and new players such as Daiya, founded by Andre Kroecher and Greg Blake in 2008, joined the scene, creating innovative products that captured the attention of health-conscious consumers and foodies alike.

Fast forward to today, and vegan cheese has come a long way in terms of taste, texture, and variety. Thanks to trailblazing companies like Miyoko's Creamery, founded by Miyoko Schinner in 2014, and Blue Heron, established by chef Karen McAthy in 2016, vegan cheese has become more sophisticated and artisanal. The introduction of fermentation techniques and the use of diverse ingredients have broadened the possibilities of plant-based cheese-making. Perfect Day, a company launched in 2014 by CEO Ryan Pandya, is even producing animal-free whey protein through innovative biotechnology, further pushing the boundaries of vegan cheese. The journey of vegan cheese has been an exciting one, and it will undoubtedly continue to evolve as new developments and technologies emerge in the plant-based world.

👩‍🍳 How is Vegan Cheese Typically Made?

Vegan cheese is a delightful creation crafted from plant-based ingredients like nuts, seeds, legumes, and even vegetables. The journey begins with selecting the perfect base, which could be cashews, almonds, soy, coconut, or even potatoes or cauliflower. Once the base is prepared by soaking, blending, or cooking, it's time to add a thickener such as agar-agar (a seaweed extract), tapioca starch (made from the cassava root), or carrageenan (another seaweed extract) to achieve that desirable firm texture we all love in cheese.

What's cheese without its irresistible flavours? That's where nutritional yeast, miso, lemon juice, and various herbs and spices come in to enhance the taste of vegan cheese. For an even more authentic cheese-like experience, introducing bacterial cultures can help develop complex flavours. Finally, the cheese is shaped and aged, depending on the type and desired characteristics.

If you are curious about how this compares with the dairy cheese process, we have attached a quick summary of the dairy cheese at the bottom of this article too.

😋 What Consumers Want in Vegan Cheese

As the popularity of plant-based diets continues to rise, consumers are on the lookout for vegan cheese that satisfies their cravings while staying true to their dietary choices. First and foremost, great taste is paramount. People are eager to find options that closely resemble the flavours of their favourite dairy cheeses. They want vegan cheese that not only tastes delicious on its own but also complements a variety of dishes.

Besides taste, there are other essential aspects that contribute to a satisfying vegan cheese experience. For instance, it's crucial for vegan cheese to be able to melt and stretch to achieve the ideal pizza or grilled sandwich experience. Additionally, texture plays a significant role, and consumers seek a pleasing mouthfeel that is reminiscent of dairy cheese. Variety is also highly valued, with consumers desiring a broad range of options, including soft and spreadable to firm and aged vegan cheese. Last but not least, nutritional benefits are an important consideration, and many individuals are keen on finding vegan cheese that provides protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients to support a healthy lifestyle. We will talk more about this below.

🧀 The Different Types of Vegan Cheese

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