Is Vegan Cheese Good For You?
Is vegan cheese healthy? There's no right or wrong answer here. It depends on what kind of vegan cheese you choose. Generally, commercial vegan cheese is not healthy. Most popular brands make it using fat and starch, which offers almost no nutrition. We do think it's a great option for those starting out on their vegan journey, or as a treat. It's also better than dairy in many ways — it's cholesterol-free, cruelty-free, and better for the planet.
That said, homemade vegan cheese can be very healthy. That's because you can make natural, plant-based cheese out of many different foods! This includes cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, cashews, almonds, and more.
Nutritional yeast is also a common ingredient used in many vegan cheese recipes. If you use fortified 'nooch,' it adds tons of B vitamins, iron, and other essential nutrients! Another way to boost nutrition is with turmeric, which also gives it a vibrant yellow color. Plus, if you make fermented cashew cheese, you're doing your gut a huge favor with those probiotics!
That's not to say that homemade vegan cheese is always healthy. Add too much butter, oil, or salt, and you can turn a healthy recipe into junk food. Keep these things in mind when choosing a substitute, so you can enjoy a healthy and delicious treat!
Check out some of our favorite vegan cheese recipes here: