Vegan Cream Cheese

by Addison LaBonte February 15, 2024

Let’s face it, cream cheese: creamy, tangy, and versatile, it’s a breakfast (and sometimes dessert) staple for many. But for those following a vegan lifestyle, regular cream cheese is off-limits. The world of vegan cream cheese is exploding with options, offering textures and flavors that rival their dairy counterparts.

From smooth spreads to decadent dips, there are so many great brands. So, grab your crackers and bagels, and let’s dive into the delicious world of vegan cream cheese!

Ways to Use

The world of deliciousness awaits with your vegan cream cheese! Here are some creative ways to use it beyond the classic bagel spread:

Spreads and Dips:

Savory delights: Whip up a herb and garlic cream cheese for crudités, crackers, or veggies. Get spicy with a jalapeño or chipotle twist. Try a smoked tempeh or sun-dried tomato version for a unique umami punch.

Sweet sensations: Blend in fruit purees like mango, strawberry, or blueberry for a vibrant and refreshing dip. Mix in some maple syrup and cinnamon for a decadent fall-inspired dip. Swirl in chocolate chips or cookie butter for a sweet treat.

Party platters: Layer vegan cream cheese with roasted vegetables, smoked salmon, or vegan deli slices for a colorful and flavorful appetizer.

Main Dishes and Sauces:

Creamy pasta perfection: Add a dollop of cream cheese to Alfredo sauce for extra richness. Mix it into pasta salad for a creamy and tangy dressing.

Soup thickener: Stir in some vegan cream cheese to thicken and add a luxurious texture to creamy soups like potato or butternut squash.

Savory sauces: Blend vegan cream cheese with herbs and spices like dill and lemon for a zesty sauce for fish or veggie cakes. Create a vegan “mac and cheese” sauce with nutritional yeast and spices.

Baking and Desserts:

Frosting bliss: Make a smooth and dreamy vegan cream cheese frosting for cupcakes, cakes, or cookies. Add cocoa powder for chocolate frosting, vanilla extract for classic flavor, or fruit purees for a vibrant twist.

Cheesecake dreams: Create a vegan cheesecake filling using your cream cheese base, blended with silken tofu or cashews for additional creaminess. In addition, experiment with different flavorings like lemon, chocolate, or pumpkin.

Dessert dips: Whip up a decadent dip for fruit slices, cookies, or pretzels using your cream cheese blended with Nutella, peanut butter, or caramel sauce. Moreover, top with chopped nuts or sprinkles for extra flair.

Vegan Cream Cheese Brands

There are several vegan cream cheese brands available on the market, each offering unique flavors and ingredients to cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s a list of some popular vegan cream cheese brands you might find in stores or online:

Kite Hill

This brand offers a variety of vegan cream cheese flavors, including plain, chive, everything bagel, and strawberry. It is made from almond milk. In addition, it is free of dairy, soy, gluten, and carrageenan.

Tofutti

Tofutti is a well-known vegan brand that offers a variety of plant-based products, including cream cheese. Their Better Than Cream Cheese is made from tofu and is available in several flavors, including plain, garlic & herb, and smoked salmon.

Daiya

Daiya is another popular vegan brand that offers a variety of dairy-free cheeses, including cream cheese. Their Cream Cheeze Style Spread is made from tapioca starch and is available in several flavors, including plain, chive & onion, and strawberry.

Follow Your Heart

Follow Your Heart offers a variety of vegan dairy-free cheese products, including cream cheese. Their Dairy-Free Cream Cheese is made from coconut milk. It is available in several flavors, including plain, chive & onion, and garden vegetable.

Violife

Violife is a European brand that offers a variety of vegan dairy-free cheese products, including cream cheese. Their Creamy Original Flavour is made from coconut oil. It is available in a plain flavor.

Go Veggie

Go Veggie offers a variety of vegan dairy-free cheese products, including cream cheese. Their Plant-Based Cream Cheese is made from tapioca starch and is available in several flavors, including plain, chive & garlic, and everything bagel.

Treeline

Treeline offers a variety of vegan dairy-free cheese products, including cream cheese. Their Dairy-Free Cream Cheese is made from cashews and is available in several flavors, including plain, chive & onion, everything bagel, and strawberry.

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s offers a variety of vegan dairy-free cheese products, including cream cheese. Their Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative is made from tapioca starch. It is available in a plain flavor.

Oatly

Oatly offers a variety of vegan dairy-free products, including cream cheese. In addition, their Cream Cheese is made from oat milk and is available in plain and chive & onion flavors.

Nature’s Fynd

Nature’s Fynd offers a variety of vegan dairy-free cheese products, including cream cheese. Their Dairy-Free version is made from pea protein and is available in original and chive & onion flavors.

These are just a few of the many vegan cream cheese brands available. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you love!

Are These Brands Allergy Friendly?

When considering whether the listed vegan cream cheese brands are allergy-friendly, it’s important to look at common allergens such as dairy, nuts, soy, and gluten. Here’s a brief overview of each brand regarding common allergens.

However, keep in mind that formulations can change, and it’s crucial to check the latest product labels or contact the manufacturer directly for the most accurate and specific allergen information.

Brand:	Top Allergens:	Additional Notes:
Kite Hill	Tree nuts (almonds)	Check specific flavors, some are free of peanuts and soy.
Tofutti	Soy	Some flavors may contain additional allergens like coconut or sesame.
Daiya	None (common allergens)	May contain traces of soy due to shared manufacturing facilities.
Follow Your Heart	Soy	Some flavors may contain additional allergens like coconut or mustard.
Violife	Coconut	No other common allergens.
Go Veggie	None (common allergens)	May contain traces of milk and soy due to shared manufacturing facilities.
Treeline	Tree nuts (cashews)	No other common allergens.
Trader Joe’s	None (common allergens)	May contain traces of milk and soy due to shared manufacturing facilities.
Oatly	Gluten (oats)	No other common allergens.
Nature’s Fynd	None (common allergens)	May contain traces of soy due to shared manufacturing facilities.

How to Store Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese

Storing homemade vegan cream cheese properly is essential to maintain its freshness, flavor, and safety. Here are some tips on how to store it effectively:

Storage Container:

Choose an airtight container with a secure lid. Glass jars with lids are ideal as they prevent staining and odors. Additionally, avoid using metal containers as they can react with the cream cheese and affect its flavor.

Temperature:

Refrigeration: This is the primary storage method. Store your cream cheese in the refrigerator between 35°F and 40°F (2°C and 4°C) for up to 7 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, freezing is an option. Divide the cream cheese into portions and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture, making it a bit more crumbly after thawing.

Tips for Optimal Storage:

Cool before storing: Allow your homemade cream cheese to cool completely before transferring it to the storage container. This prevents condensation and potential bacterial growth.

Press a surface layer: Press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cream cheese to minimize air exposure and prevent drying.

Label and date: Write the date of preparation on the container to track freshness. Remember, homemade creations tend to have shorter shelf lives than commercially produced options.

Additional Notes:

The specific storage timeframe might vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. Refer to your recipe for any specific storage recommendations.

If you notice any off odors, discoloration, or mold growth, discard the cream cheese immediately for safety reasons.

In addition, when using frozen cream cheese, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious homemade plant-based cream cheese for a good amount of time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a vegan substitute for cream cheese?

Yes, there are several vegan substitutes for cream cheese available on the market, including brands like Kite Hill, Daiya, Violife, and Tofutti. These substitutes are made from plant-based ingredients and designed to mimic the texture and flavor of traditional cream cheese. Homemade vegan cream cheese can also be made using nuts, soy, or other plant-based ingredients.

Is Philadelphia plant-based cream cheese vegan?

No, Philadelphia plant-based cream cheese is not vegan. While it does not contain dairy milk, it still uses casein, a milk protein, in its ingredients.

What is vegan cheese made from?

A variety of plant-based ingredients, including nuts (cashews, almonds), soy, coconut oil, nutritional yeast, and root vegetables (such as potatoes or carrots), can make vegan cheese. Cheesemakers often combine these ingredients with thickeners (like agar-agar), acidic elements (to add tanginess), and seasonings to achieve flavors and textures similar to those of dairy-based cheeses. The specific ingredients and methods used can vary widely depending on the type of cheese being replicated (such as soft spreadable cheeses, hard cheeses, or cheese slices).