From plantbasednews.org
From Violife to Trader Joe's, here are the best plant-based cream cheese brands to buy
In recent years, the demand for dairy-free alternatives has surged, driven by dietary changes, ethical concerns, and the desire for healthier options. Among these alternatives, vegan cream cheese has become a staple in many households.
Vegan and dairy-free enthusiasts are spoiled for choice regarding vegan cheese, plant-based cream cheese, and non-dairy cream cheese alternatives. If you’re vegan, finding the right dairy-free cream cheese can be a game-changer for your cooking.
With so many new vegan cream cheese options available, this list helps you choose the best brands to buy in the UK and the USA. There are plenty of creamy alternatives to traditional cream cheese that can be easily found in shops in both countries.
From coconut-based to almond and oat blends, these options ensure you can enjoy your favourite spreads and recipes without compromising flavour or texture. Explore the top brands and discover how they can fit into your recipe roster.
See below for the best vegan cream cheese, its ingredients, where to buy it, the best brands available in the UK and USA, and how to make your own dairy-free cream cheese.
What is vegan cream cheese?
Vegan alternatives to cream cheese are now more widely available in the USA and UK Adobe Stock
So, what is dairy-free cream cheese? Vegan cream cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional cream cheese, designed to mimic its creamy texture and tangy flavour without using any animal products.
Made from various plant-based ingredients that create a creamy texture and mild flavour, vegan cream cheese offers a similar experience to its dairy counterpart, making it an excellent substitute in both savoury and sweet dishes.
Vegan cream cheese ingredients
The ingredients in non-dairy cream cheese can vary significantly depending on the brand and the desired flavour profile. Crafted from various plant-based ingredients, each brand offers a unique texture and flavour.
Nuts and seeds, such as cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds, are popular bases due to their rich, creamy consistency when blended. These nuts provide a smooth texture, making them a great substitute for traditional dairy cream cheese.
Additionally, coconut milk or cream is often used for its rich and slightly sweet profile, adding a creaminess to the mix. Tofu, particularly silken tofu, is another common ingredient known for its light texture and ability to absorb flavours well.
Beyond these primary bases, a variety of additional ingredients enhance the flavour and texture of vegan cream cheese. Nutritional yeast is frequently used to impart a cheesy, umami flavour, while lemon juice or apple cider vinegar adds tanginess.
Herbs and spices like garlic, onion powder, chives, and dill infuse flavour into some savoury dairy-free cream cheese. Keeping plain vegan cream cheese on hand is also useful for sweet dishes, from baked goods to fridge cheesecakes.
Plant-based oils, such as coconut or olive oil, improve the creaminess, and thickeners like tapioca starch or agar-agar help achieve the desired consistency. These ingredients combine to create vegan cream cheeses that more than rival their dairy counterparts.
Where can you buy vegan cream cheese?
Vegan cream cheese is widely available in many countries, making it generally easy to find whether you’re shopping in-person or online. You’ll likely find vegan cream cheese at most major supermarkets, many of which have expanded their plant-based offerings in recent years.
Chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart in the USA, as well as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Marks & Spencer in the UK, stock various plant-based cream cheese brands.
These stores typically place their vegan products in a dedicated section within the dairy aisle, making locating your favourite plant-based alternatives straight forward. Additionally, many of these supermarkets offer their own store brands, providing affordable options for those seeking dairy-free cream cheese.
Online shopping is another option for purchasing vegan cream cheese, especially if you’re looking for a specific brand or flavour that isn’t available locally. Websites like Amazon, Thrive Market, and Ocado deliver a wide range of vegan products right to your doorstep.
Other places to buy plant based cream cheese
Aside from big supermarkets and online retailers you can find dairy free cream cheese in plenty of other establishments. Specialty vegan stores, such as The Vegan Kind Supermarket in the UK or Vegan Essentials in the USA, are one set of examples that offer an even broader selection of vegan cream cheese. These online retailers often carry artisanal and niche brands that you might not find in traditional supermarkets, ensuring that you have access to the best vegan cream cheese options available.
Farmers’ markets and health food stores are also great places to find high quality vegan cream cheese. Many local artisans create their own unique versions of dairy-free cream cheese, often using organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Shopping at these venues not only supports small businesses but also allows you to discover new and innovative vegan products. Whether you’re looking for a classic plain cream cheese or something more adventurous like a cashew-based jalapeño spread, these markets provide a personalized shopping experience with plenty of options to choose from.
Vegan cream cheese recipes
Making your own vegan cream cheese at home can be both fun and rewarding. Here are a few recipes to try:
Cashew cream cheese recipe
If you want to learn how to make vegan cream cheese that’s quick and easy to put together, try this cashew cream cheese recipe from Connoisseurus Veg. Cashews are a great staple in vegan cooking and are widely used in homemade vegan cream cheese recipes.
Simplicity is key for those dipping their toes into plant-based cooking. All you need for this recipe is raw and soaked cashews, lemon juice, salt, and water. After draining your soaked cashews, blend with your other ingredients until creamy.
If you want to make flavoured vegan cream cheese, simply add chives, strawberries, or whatever you fancy to your homemade cashew cream cheese.
Find the full recipe here.
Tofu cream cheese recipe
This tofu cream cheese recipe from Nora Cooks only requires five ingredients. It can be made in 10 minutes and is a more protein-rich option. It uses firm tofu, lemon juice, refined coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and salt.
Again, all that’s necessary to put this together is to blend your ingredients until smooth. You’re also welcome to add extras like garlic, maple syrup, or even red pepper. Once done, put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Find the full recipe here.
Almond cream cheese recipe
This easy four-ingredient almond cream cheese by Elephantastic Vegan is another great example of keeping it simple. This base is highly versatile, meaning you can flavour it, eat it on bagels and toast, or use it for baking.
The recipe requires blanched almonds, lemon juice, water, and salt. Soak the almonds overnight, drain them, and then put them into a food processor with the other ingredients and blend. Once creamy, transfer the mixture to a container and chill it in the fridge.
Find the full recipe here.
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