Veganism is on the rise all over the world, and there has been a surge in demand for vegan-friendly foods, especially vegan cheese. Cheesemakers in the UK are becoming increasingly aware of the trend and creating dairy-free cheese alternatives that cater to vegan cheese lovers.
Finding the best vegan cheese UK can be tricky, but it all comes down to a few characteristics that the cheese must possess. Let’s take a look at what sets the best vegan cheese apart from the rest.
1. Melting Qualities
Melting is one of the key characteristics of cheese, and this is especially true for vegan cheese. The best vegan cheese UK should have melting qualities that allow it to be used in various ways. It should be able to melt onto a pizza or grilled cheese sandwich seamlessly and effortlessly. Vegan cheese that doesn’t melt properly can ruin an otherwise delicious dish. Some vegan cheese brands use potato or tapioca starch to help with melting, while others use coconut oil or other oils that mimic the texture of cheese when melted.
2. Flavour
The flavour of vegan cheese can make or break any dish. The best vegan cheese should deliver the same savoury, umami, and tangy taste similar to traditional dairy cheese. Some vegan cheese brands create their unique flavour by using nuts like almonds, cashews and macadamias, while others use fermented tofu or jackfruit to achieve an authentic cheesy taste.
3. Texture
Texture is another critical aspect of cheese, and vegan cheese brands must get this right. The texture of vegan cheese has to be firm enough to slice but not too hard that it crumbles. It should also have a creaminess that delights the palate. Some vegan cheese brands achieve this by adding plant-based milks, while others use agar-agar instead of gelatine to create the perfect texture.
4. Nutritional Value
The best vegan cheese UK should have excellent nutritional value. It should be high in protein or have other nutrients to make it a healthy substitute for dairy cheese. Some vegan cheese brands add nutritional yeast, which is good for digestion, while others use plant-based proteins like pea, soy, or rice protein to increase the protein content in their cheese alternatives.
In Conclusion
Finding the best vegan cheese UK requires some experimentation because different brands may exhibit these characteristics in varying levels. Melting qualities, flavour, texture, and nutritional value are the key characteristics of the best vegan cheese brands in the UK.
The popularity of vegan cheese is not only reflective of the growing vegan movement but also a testament to the creativity of cheese makers in the UK who recognize the need for delicious plant-based cheese alternatives. Incorporating these characteristics into their cheese alternatives will undoubtedly make them some of the best vegan cheese UK.
