What is the best vegan cheese? Here are some of the tastiest options in the UK
For those in the process of going dairy-free, cheese is usually the biggest barrier. However, dairy-free cheese has come a long way in the last couple of years.
Gone are the days when you tried to melt it on toast and its rubbery form disappointingly refused to budge.
Now, we can enjoy and serve up a proper, good-looking cheese board with cheddar, Wensleydale, soft cheese and even Camembert (yes, really)!
If you’re trying to curb cheese cravings, here are some of the best vegan cheeses available in the UK to keep them at bay.
Vegan Cream Cheese
These spreadable cheeses work with snacks like sandwiches and crackers and you can use them in baking too.
Violife Original Soft Cheese
Violife’s smooth, creamy soft cheese is the ideal spread for your snacks. It looks and tastes exactly like the ‘real thing’.
Available at most UK supermarkets
Philadelphia Plant-Based
Vegan Philadelphia is finally here! This plant-based spreadable cheese is made with oats and almonds and it’s just as creamy and delicious as the original.
Available at Tesco
Boursin
The Plant-Based Garlic and Herb spread from Boursin is a complete game-changer!
Available at Sainsbury’s
Sheese Original Spread
Bute Island Foods have been creating their own 100% dairy-free Sheese for over 20 years, so it’s fair to say they know their stuff!
Available at The Vegan Kind Supermarket and independent retailers
Sainsbury’s Garlic & Herb Soft Cheese
Like many supermarkets, Sainsbury’s now have a range of own-brand vegan cheeses.
Their Garlic and Herb Soft Cheese is the perfect cracker partner with a lovely garlicky flavour and creamy texture. It also works really well in a creamy pasta dish. Just don’t expect a snog afterwards.
Waitrose Vegan Soft Spreadable
This coconut-based cheese alternative has a mild flavour, making it perfect for spreading on crackers or adding to a sandwich.
Nush Natural Almond Cheese Spread
Looking for a soft cheese that offers a nutty kick? This creamy cheese from Nush will be right up your street.
Available at Sainsbury’s, Ocado and independent retailers
Bonsan Organic Almond Crème Original
This is a smooth, creamy cheese spread that will help ditching dairy so much easier.
Available at Amazon, Ocado and independent stockists
Vegan Cheddar Cheese
If you’re transitioning from vegetarian to vegan, you may wonder if you’ll ever find a food you love as much as cheddar cheese.
Trust us – persevere and you’ll find a dairy-free cheddar alternative that works for you.
Cathedral City Plant-Based
Your vegan cheese prayers have been answered! Cathedral City’s plant-based cheddar cheese has received rave reviews from the vegan community and you can choose from a block, slices or grated. Hurrah!
Available at Tesco.
Sheese Mild Cheddar
This offers a tangy kick and so melts wonderfully you’d never know it was vegan!
Available at The Vegan Kind Supermarket and independent stockists
Violife Epic Mature Block
A worthy vegan cheddar cheese alternative that’s delicious eaten hot or cold. It melts well on toast and pizzas, and is great for slicing up for sandwiches.
Available at most UK supermarkets
Asda Free From Mature Cheddar Alternative
Asda’s own cheddar alternative has received rave reviews for its impressive crumbly texture, melting properties and taste.
Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
On the hunt for the perfect dairy-free cheese to top your toast, jacket potato or homemade pizza? Give these a try.
Applewood Grated Smoky Vegan Cheese
Applewood’s Grated Smoky Vegan Cheese is a favourite among vegans. It’s smooth, creamy, melts well and packs a fiery punch at the same time, making this an unforgettable cheese.
Available at most UK supermarkets
Violife Mozzarella Grated Non-Dairy Cheese
This dairy-free mozzarella melts well and has a mild taste, which means it works well on pizzas.
Available at most UK supermarkets
Grated Sheese Vegan Mozzarella
The Sheese vegan mozzarella has been hailed as the closest thing to dairy cheese. As well as its great taste, it melts on pizza and grills well too.
Available at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and independent stockists
Vegan Cheese Slices
These dairy-free cheese slices are ideal for sandwiches, burgers and salads.
Nurishh Vegan Cheddar Style Slices
You really can’t go wrong with the slices from Nurishh. Beware: they are dangerously moreish!
Available at Sainsbury’s and independent stockists
Vitalite Dairy-Free Cheese Slices
These dairy-free slices taste delicious hot or cold!
Available at most supermarkets
Violife Non-Dairy Cheese Alternative Slices
Enjoy these in sandwiches, toasties or straight out of the pack.
Available at most UK supermarkets
great for cheeseboards & Snacking
Plant-Based Babybel
Your dairy-free cheese dreams just came true! Plant-based Babybel is a tasty snack for lunchboxes.
Available at Sainsbury’s
Violife ‘Halloumi’ Mediterranean Style Block
The internet exploded when Violife announced the arrival of their Mediterranean Style Block. This has established itself as one of the best vegan cheese options here in the UK.
A vegan alternative to halloumi has got to be one of the most sought-after cheeses in history and their version has a taste and texture that’s very close to the real thing!
Hint: Whack a block under your grill for a crisp outside and super gooey middle.
Available at most UK supermarkets
Bute Island Wensleydale Style with Cranberries
Bute Island Foods have an impressive cheese range, including a Wensleydale Style with Cranberries which ticks all of the boxes for a great cheese – creamy, crumbly, flavourful and utterly moreish.
Perfect for those who love a sweet and savoury combo.
Available at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Spar, Ocado and The Vegan Kind supermarket
Violife Prosociano (Parmesan)
No spag bol or carbonara would be the same without a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan.
And thanks again to Violife, we vegans don’t have to miss out as their Prosociano Vegan Cheese wedge is an amazing coconut-based alternative with added Vitamin B12. So, it’s basically a health food when you think about it.
Available at most UK supermarkets
Tyne Chease’s Pink Peppercorn Cashew Chease
If you’re looking for a real cheesy treat and are willing to spend a few more pennies, then look no further than north-east based Tyne Chease.
Their artisanal cultured and aged cashew cheeses are incredible in both taste and texture, especially their Pink Peppercorn flavour.
It’s a firm cheese but spreads nicely on crackers or bread and the added crunch and hit of pepper is amazing.
Available from their website
Nurishh Camembert
We know a Camembert isn’t an easy cheese to mimic, but Nurishh have done a pretty good job!
Available at Sainsbury’s and independent stockists
Honestly Tasty Shamembert
It’s a best-seller for a reason! Honestly Tasty’s rich, creamy and indulgent alternative to Camembert is perfect for special occasions.
Now you have all the best vegan cheese options at your disposal. Tuck in!
