It's the time of year for detoxing. Whether you're attempting Dry January [1], aiming to stick to your New Year's Resolutions [2], or embracing Veganuary [3], the lifestyle overhaul is real (even if it's just for 31 days). It's not starting that's the issue, it's sticking to these pledges that is the key.
If you are trying a vegan diet [4], there are so many amazing recipes to try, but one sticking point for many new plant-based friends is the abandonment of cheese. In my opinion, it's the worst part about following a vegan diet. It's just something I honestly don't think I could ever give up. Gorgonzola, baked camembert, even good old cheddar — how could I ever say no? Turns out, I could just say yes to vegan cheese instead. So naturally I did, albeit after a little trial and error and a lot of taste tests.
Vegan mozzarella, vegan ricotta, and vegan brie are all things I had no idea existed until I popped into Planet Organic to pick up my favourite overpriced kombucha. The vegan gouda caught my eye, and the rest is history. In other words, I've had more than my fair share of dairy-free cheese, and I consider myself a bit of an expert on the topic. Read through to discover 10 of the best vegan cheeses in the UK — from someone who really, really loves the actual stuff. You never know, Veganuary could become a more permanent fixture in your life!
Best Vegan Cheese: Raw Food Rosie's Baby-Bleu
No list of cheese is complete without a blue cheese. Raw Food Rosie's Baby-Bleu [5] (£7) is made with activated cashews and cultured for a creamy blue-style brie. Make it your cheeseboard centrepiece.
Best Vegan Cheese: Violife Epic Mature Cheddar
Violife Extra Mature Cheddar [6] (£2) proves you don't need dairy to make good cheese. But don't be fooled — this isn't a regular cheddar, it's better. Think the plastic-y cheese from your childhood (in the best possible way).
Best Vegan Cheese: Pimp My Salad Cashew Parmesan
You don't realise you need parmesan in your life until you can't have it. Luckily for the vegans, Pimp My Salad makes a Pimp My Salad Cashew Parmesan [7] (£4) alternative. Sprinkle it on pasta and salads, or if you're really keen, put a spoonful straight into your mouth.
Best Vegan Cheese: New Roots Free-the-Goat Plain Ricotta
New Roots Free-the-Goat Plain Ricotta [8] (£8) doesn't come cheap, but it's well worth the price tag. The perfect accompaniment for all things salty and sweet, it's made from organic cashew milk and light and fluffy (just the way it should be).
Best Vegan Cheese: Casa Del Fermentino Camelia
Casa Del Fermentino Camelia [9] (£9) doesn't taste anything like brie, but it sure does look like it. Made with cashews and macadamias, it's slightly nutty in flavour and texture and is best inhaled with a glass of vino.
Best Vegan Cheese: Mozzarisella Classic
Best fresh, Mozzarisella Classic [10] (£4) means you can finally make yourself a fresh caprese salad complete with the best part (read: the cheese). It's not quite as good as the dairy-filled original, but it comes close enough.
Best Vegan Cheese: Sheese Vegan Red Leicester
Red Leicester might not be mandatory on every cheeseboard, but Sheese Vegan Red Leicester [11] (£2) definitely deserves to be. It's so perfect with a caramelised onion chutney, you'll completely forget it's dairy- and lactose-free.
Best Vegan Cheese: Follow YH Smoked Gouda Slices
Anything smoked is going to be good, and Follow YH Smoked Gouda Slices [12] (£3) are no different. They're ideal for sandwiches, but try not to eat them straight from the packet or you won't be able to stop yourself.
Best Vegan Cheese: Violife Greek White Block
I used Violife Greek White Block [13] (£3) to make a whipped dip with a drizzle of honey and ate the entire thing in one sitting. This creamy, soft, dairy-free cheese is said to be like feta, but it's really more like a goat cheese.
Best Vegan Cheese: Nush Almond M*Lk Ch*Ese Spread
Get your bagels ready! Nush Almond M*Lk Ch*Ese Spread [14] (£3) is almost a match for your classic cream cheese. Made with almond milk, each pot contains an average of 60 almonds, yet it somehow avoids tasting too nutty.