Vegan cheese has become more popular than ever in 2025, appealing not just to vegans but also to those with lactose intolerance, health-conscious eaters, and anyone looking for sustainable food choices. With better flavors, textures, and meltability, today’s dairy-free cheeses offer a satisfying alternative to traditional cheese.
Many people switch to vegan cheese for health reasons, as it’s often lower in saturated fats and easier to digest. Others choose it for ethical and environmental reasons, avoiding the impact of dairy farming on animals and the planet. The key to a great vegan cheese is its ability to replicate the creamy, tangy, and melty qualities of dairy cheese—something that top brands have now mastered.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best vegan cheese brands in 2025, helping you find options that taste amazing and work perfectly for any dish. For more plant-based inspiration, visit our Vegan Meals Recipes for recipes that pair perfectly with dairy-free cheese!
Best Vegan Cheese Brands for Every Taste & Preference
With so many plant-based cheese options available today, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you need a gooey, melty cheese for pizza, a creamy spread for crackers, or an affordable everyday option, there’s a vegan cheese out there for you. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best dairy-free cheeses, categorized by their ideal use.
Best Vegan Cheese for Melting (Pizza, Grilled Cheese, Mac & Cheese)
One of the biggest tests for any vegan cheese is how well it melts. Whether you’re making a classic vegan grilled cheese, a cheesy vegan mac and cheese, or a perfect pizza, the cheeses below offer great stretch, creaminess, and that satisfying gooey texture.
- Violife Mozzarella & Cheddar Shreds – A top choice for melty goodness, Violife’s shreds work beautifully on pizza, pasta, and casseroles. They have a mild but authentic cheesy flavor and melt evenly, making them perfect for gooey, stringy dishes. Their coconut oil-based formula gives them a rich, creamy texture without a strong aftertaste.
- Daiya Cutting Board Cheddar – Daiya has come a long way from its original formula, and the Cutting Board series has been praised for its improved meltability and better taste. It’s ideal for vegan mac and cheese or nachos, creating a creamy, slightly tangy sauce that coats pasta and chips beautifully.
- Chao Original Slices – If you’re craving a classic grilled cheese or a melty burger topping, Chao’s original slices are a must-try. Made with fermented tofu and coconut-based ingredients, these slices have a rich, buttery flavor and melt just right on a hot skillet. They also make a great addition to vegan quesadillas or paninis.
| Brand | Best Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Violife Mozzarella & Cheddar Shreds | Perfect for pizza, pasta, and casseroles | Mild, creamy, melts evenly |
| Daiya Cutting Board Cheddar | Great for mac and cheese, nachos, and sauces | Improved meltability, slightly tangy taste |
| Chao Original Slices | Ideal for grilled cheese and burgers | Rich, buttery texture, good stretch |
For more comfort food ideas using these cheeses, check out our Vegan Cheese Recipe Collection for easy, cheesy plant-based meals.
Best Vegan Cheese for Snacking & Spreading
If you love cheese boards, dips, or simple snack pairings, there are plenty of rich and creamy vegan cheeses that rival traditional dairy varieties. These options are great for spreading on crackers, dipping veggies, or creating an impressive vegan charcuterie board.
- Miyoko’s Creamery Artisan Cheese Wheels – Miyoko’s cheeses are well-known for their authentic taste and gourmet quality. Made from cashew milk and traditional fermentation methods, these wheels come in bold flavors like smoked farmhouse, herbes de Provence, and double cream chive. Perfect for pairing with grapes, nuts, and crusty bread.
- Treeline Soft French-Style Cheese – This tangy, spreadable cheese is ideal for those who love the creamy texture of goat cheese. It’s made from cashew nuts and probiotic cultures, giving it a slightly sharp and tangy taste. Spread it over crackers or use it as a topping for vegan bruschetta.
- Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta – A fantastic dairy-free alternative to traditional ricotta, Kite Hill’s version is smooth, mild, and versatile. It’s great in vegan lasagna, as a filling for stuffed shells, or as a creamy base for dips and spreads.
| Brand | Best Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Miyoko’s Creamery Artisan Cheese Wheels | Rich, gourmet flavors perfect for cheese boards | Cashew-based, aged-style, tangy flavor |
| Treeline Soft French-Style Cheese | Great for crackers and charcuterie boards | Soft, creamy, slightly tangy, probiotic-rich |
| Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta | Ideal for dips, spreads, and stuffed pasta | Smooth texture, mild taste, perfect for recipes |
Looking for vegan appetizer ideas featuring these cheeses? Check out our Best Vegan Party Snacks for inspiration.
Best Budget-Friendly & Easily Accessible Vegan Cheese
Vegan cheese doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for affordable options that taste great and are easy to find in most grocery stores, these brands are worth checking out.
- Follow Your Heart Slices & Blocks – One of the most widely available vegan cheese brands, Follow Your Heart offers slices and blocks in classic flavors like cheddar, provolone, and smoked gouda. It’s an affordable, mild-flavored cheese that works well in sandwiches and melts decently for vegan grilled cheese.
- So Delicious Dairy-Free Cheddar & Mozzarella – This brand is known for its coconut milk-based products, and their shredded cheese blends are a solid budget-friendly option. While they don’t melt as smoothly as premium brands, they still add a nice cheesy flavor to dishes like vegan tacos and enchiladas.
- Good Planet Foods Cheese – If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and affordable vegan cheese, Good Planet is a great choice. Their products are free from nuts and soy, making them an accessible option for those with allergies. Their cheddar and mozzarella shreds melt decently and have a light, creamy flavor.
| Brand | Best Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Follow Your Heart Slices & Blocks | Affordable and widely available for sandwiches and melting | Mild flavor, decent meltability, good for grilled cheese |
| So Delicious Dairy-Free Cheddar & Mozzarella | Budget-friendly option for cooking and snacking | Coconut milk-based, good taste, decent texture |
| Good Planet Foods Cheese | Eco-friendly and allergen-friendly choice | Nut-free, soy-free, creamy texture |
For more ways to use budget-friendly vegan cheese in meals, check out our Easy & Affordable Vegan Recipes for meal ideas that won’t break the bank.
With so many delicious vegan cheese options available, there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a gourmet cheese experience, a melt-worthy option, or an affordable everyday choice. Try out different brands to find your favorites, and don’t forget to experiment with new recipes that make the most of these dairy-free alternatives.
How to Choose the Right Vegan Cheese for Your Needs
With so many vegan cheese brands on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The key is to find a cheese that matches your taste preferences, dietary needs, and how you plan to use it. Whether you’re looking for a spreadable option, a gooey melt for pizza, or an allergy-friendly choice, knowing what to look for in ingredients and texture can make all the difference.
Key Ingredients to Look For in Vegan Cheese
The ingredients in vegan cheese determine its flavor, texture, and meltability. Understanding the different bases used in dairy-free cheese can help you pick one that suits your needs.
- Cashew-Based, Coconut Oil-Based, and Tofu-Based Cheeses
Cashew-based cheeses, like Miyoko’s Creamery and Treeline, are rich, creamy, and perfect for spreads or aged-style cheeses. Their fermentation process gives them a tangy, authentic cheese-like flavor. Coconut oil-based cheeses, like Violife and Daiya, tend to melt well, making them ideal for pizza and mac & cheese. Tofu-based cheeses, such as Chao, have a smooth, buttery consistency that works great in sandwiches and grilled cheese. - Nut-Free & Soy-Free Vegan Cheese Options
For those with nut or soy allergies, there are still great options available. Brands like Good Planet and Daiya use coconut oil or pea protein to create delicious dairy-free alternatives. These options are safe for many allergy sufferers and work well for melting, snacking, and cooking. - Natural vs. Processed Ingredients – Health-Conscious Choices
If you prefer a more natural vegan cheese, look for brands that use minimal processing and whole-food ingredients. Cashew-based cheeses, for example, tend to have fewer additives and preservatives. However, if you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly cheese, coconut oil-based varieties often have added starches and flavor enhancers to improve texture and taste. Reading ingredient labels is key—opt for fewer artificial additives and a short, recognizable ingredient list when possible.
| Ingredient Base | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cashew-Based Cheese | Gourmet cheese boards, spreads, and aged cheeses | Rich, creamy, naturally tangy, often fermented for a real-cheese taste |
| Coconut Oil-Based Cheese | Melting on pizza, mac & cheese, grilled cheese | Smooth texture, good meltability, mild taste, often fortified with B12 |
| Tofu-Based Cheese | Sandwiches, slices, and mild-flavored cheeses | Buttery, firm yet creamy, great for slicing and layering |
| Nut-Free & Soy-Free Cheese | Allergy-friendly options | Made with pea protein or potato starch, decent meltability |
| Natural vs. Processed Ingredients | Health-conscious choices | Whole-food based cheeses tend to have fewer additives, while processed cheeses may contain stabilizers for texture |
For more homemade dairy-free cheese alternatives, check out our guide on How to Make Vegan Cheese at Home for simple and healthy recipes.
Vegan Cheese Brands Ranked by Taste & Texture
One of the most important factors when choosing a vegan cheese is how well it mimics real dairy cheese. Some brands focus on bold, aged flavors, while others prioritize stretchiness and meltability. Here’s a breakdown of top brands ranked by taste, texture, and popularity.
- Best Overall for Flavor & Texture
- Miyoko’s Creamery: This brand is a favorite among vegan cheese enthusiasts because of its aged-style cheeses that closely resemble dairy-based options. It has a tangy, fermented flavor and a creamy, spreadable texture.
- Violife: With a mild, creamy taste and excellent meltability, Violife is a versatile option for sandwiches, pasta, and pizzas.
- Best for Melting & Stretch
- Daiya Cutting Board Series: Daiya improved its formula to offer better meltability, making it one of the top choices for vegan pizza and grilled cheese.
- Chao Slices: While not as stretchy as others, Chao’s buttery texture makes it ideal for hot sandwiches and burgers.
- Best for Gourmet Cheese Boards
- Treeline Soft French-Style Cheese: If you’re looking for a soft, tangy cheese that pairs well with crackers and fruit, Treeline is an excellent pick.
- Kite Hill Ricotta: For creamy dishes like vegan lasagna or stuffed pasta, Kite Hill’s almond milk ricotta is a delicious dairy-free substitute.
Many vegan cheese taste tests confirm that these brands consistently rank among the best for texture and flavor. For a deeper dive into real customer feedback, check out this review from The Vegan Society to see what other plant-based food lovers are saying.
| Brand | Best Use | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Miyoko’s Creamery | Best for gourmet cheese boards and spreads | Aged-style, cashew-based, tangy and rich in flavor |
| Violife | Great for melting on pizza, sandwiches, and pasta | Mild and creamy taste, excellent meltability |
| Daiya Cutting Board Series | Best for mac & cheese, nachos, and baked dishes | Improved texture, melts well, slightly tangy |
| Chao Slices | Perfect for grilled cheese and burgers | Buttery, smooth texture, melts decently |
| Treeline Soft French-Style Cheese | Great for crackers and charcuterie boards | Soft, tangy, probiotic-rich, spreadable |
| Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta | Ideal for dips, stuffed pasta, and baking | Smooth, mild flavor, creamy consistency |
For more vegan cheese inspiration, check out our Best Vegan Cheese Recipes to discover tasty ways to use these dairy-free options in your meals!
Where to Buy the Best Vegan Cheese Brands in 2025
Finding high-quality vegan cheese is easier than ever, thanks to an increasing number of grocery stores, online retailers, and specialty food services catering to plant-based diets. Whether you prefer the convenience of shopping online or love browsing store shelves for new finds, there are plenty of options available.
Best Online & In-Store Retailers
Many major grocery chains and online platforms now carry a wide variety of vegan cheese brands, making it simple to find your favorite dairy-free options. Here are some of the best places to shop:
- Whole Foods Market – Known for its expansive selection of plant-based products, Whole Foods carries premium vegan cheese brands like Miyoko’s, Violife, and Kite Hill. If you’re looking for organic and gourmet options, this is one of the best stores to check out.
- Trader Joe’s – Trader Joe’s has developed its own line of affordable and tasty plant-based cheeses, including slices, shreds, and even dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Their cashew-based artisan cheeses are a must-try!
- Walmart & Target – Both stores have expanded their vegan product offerings, now carrying brands like Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Good Planet Foods. These budget-friendly stores make plant-based eating more accessible.
- Sprouts Farmers Market – If you love organic and health-conscious grocery shopping, Sprouts is a great option. Their selection includes both popular and lesser-known vegan cheese brands, including nut-free and soy-free options.
- Amazon – If you prefer convenience and variety, Amazon is a fantastic place to order vegan cheese online. You can find hard-to-get specialty brands, bulk deals, and even subscription options for regular deliveries.
For those who love discovering new and artisanal vegan cheeses, specialty vegan food stores and subscription services like PlantX and Vegan Essentials offer a curated selection of the best plant-based cheeses available. Some local vegan grocers and farmer’s markets also carry handcrafted dairy-free cheeses, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.
If you’re interested in more vegan grocery shopping tips, check out our Vegan Shopping Guide to discover the best plant-based products for your kitchen!
DIY Vegan Cheese – Make Your Own at Home
If you love getting creative in the kitchen, making your own vegan cheese at home is a fun and cost-effective alternative to store-bought options. While pre-made plant-based cheeses are delicious, many contain added starches, preservatives, or oils to improve texture and shelf life. By making it yourself, you control the ingredients and can tailor the flavor to your liking.
Quick Cashew-Based Vegan Cheese Recipe
One of the easiest and tastiest homemade vegan cheeses is cashew-based cheese, which has a creamy, spreadable texture and a delicious tangy flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This cheese works beautifully as a spread for crackers, a dip for veggies, or even as a creamy sauce for pasta dishes. If you want a firmer cheese, you can add agar powder or tapioca starch and let it set in the fridge.
Homemade vegan cheese isn’t just healthier—it’s also more affordable than many store-bought versions. Plus, you can experiment with flavors by adding herbs, smoked paprika, or even probiotics to create a fermented, tangy cheese.
For more homemade plant-based recipes, check out our Best DIY Vegan Cheese Recipes and start crafting your own dairy-free creations at home!
With so many options available, whether store-bought or homemade, finding the perfect vegan cheese has never been easier. Whether you prefer creamy spreads, melty shreds, or artisanal blocks, there’s a delicious dairy-free cheese waiting for you. Happy cheese hunting! 🧀💚
