Having grown up in Europe, lived in Paris for a while and with a French grandmother, blue cheese was probably the sole reason why I didn’t go vegan earlier – ok, that’s not entirely true but almost! In any case, the wonderful Lita Dwight, founder of Bryt Life Foods, is a true magician when it comes to vegan cheese. Her blue cheese is deep, flavorful and oh so creamy! It will be the star on your cheese board, no doubt! Eating vegan really doesn’t mean you have to give up anything–especially when it comes to dairy products! There are some amazing companies out there that make delicious plant-based cheeses, butters, yogurts, and milks. And the best part about it all: these vegan versions are SO much better for your health! The following are my current favorites. If you’re a reformed cheese lover, give them a shot!
1. Bryt Life Foods. Having grown up in Europe, lived in Paris for a while and with a French grandmother, blue cheese was probably the sole reason why I didn’t go vegan earlier–okay, that’s not entirely true but almost! In any case, the wonderful Lita Dwight, founder of Bryt Life Foods, is a true magician when it comes to vegan cheese. Her blue cheese is deep, flavorful, and oh so creamy! Created with a cashew base, these vegan blue cheese is soft and spreadable with an amazing tang. Let it age, however, and it becomes hard and crumbly like its dairy counterpart. It will be the star on your cheese board, no doubt!
Another great Bryt Life food product is their indulgent coconut cashew yogurt line. I don’t know how you feel, but I don’t like eating super processed foods, and a lot of the industrially produced vegan yogurt also has tons of additives that I’m trying to avoid. The Bryt Life yogurt reminds me a little of Greek yogurt because it’s so thick and creamy. And it’s pure, minimally processed, and handmade just outside of NYC. I just discovered their Matcha green tea and pumpkin spice latte flavors, and I’m obsessed!
2. Riverdel. Riverdel, a wonderful little vegan cheese and dairy oasis in Brooklyn, has one of the largest selections of vegan cheese. Not only do they make their own vegan products, they also stock vegan cheeses from some of the top vegan cheese brands, offering a range of cheesy goods as well as spreadable creams. In particular, the Fauxmage Sundried Tomato and Basil makes an amazing spread for crackers and can also serve as a base for a pasta sauce.
Riverdel also makes excellent nut milks–I love nut milks! Rather than adding them to my coffee, which I typically drink black, I like to use them to make my oatmeal and smoothies. Riverdel recently launched their homemade nut milk selection. My favorite is the hazelnut chocolate milk that you best enjoy with some cookies. Just sweetened with some agave, it’s not too sweet and is minimally processed, which is what you should be looking for. After all, most store-bought vegan nut milks contain ingredients we’re probably better off without.
3. Miyoko’s Creamery. This non-dairy company makes a wide variety of differently flavored cheeses, and my latest obsession is their Winter Truffle. It’s really amazing on some fresh baguette or a simple grilled cheese with some caramelized onions, sweet potato, and fresh greens. This wonderful, umami-rich cheese is crafted with cashews, truffle oil (mmm!), mushrooms, and nutritional yeast.
Have you tried any of these gourmet vegan cheeses?
Also by Isabelle: Finally, Some #Realtalk About Protein & Why You Shouldn’t Stress Over It
Related: Super Easy DIY Vegan Cheese
Drinking Responsibly: Finding Vegan Wines
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Photo: Pexels, Isabelle Steichen, Riverdel, Miyoko’s Creamery
