Is Cream Cheese Vegan? Vegan Cream Cheese Brands

Cream cheese is typically not considered vegan because it is made from milk and cream, which are animal products. However, vegan cream cheese alternatives are now available that are made from plant-based ingredients such as soy or nuts, and these can be a great option for people who follow a vegan diet.

Types of cream cheese

• Regular cream cheese has a dense and smooth texture with a tangy flavor.
• Whipped cream cheese is lighter and fluffier than regular cream cheese.
• Light cream cheese has fewer calories and less fat than regular cream cheese.
• Flavored cream cheese comes in various flavors and can be sweet or savory.

Properties of vegan cream cheese

• Vegan cream cheese is made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts or soybeans instead of dairy products.
• Generally, vegan cream cheese is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than traditional cream cheese.
• Vegan cream cheese can have a tangy and nutty flavor.
• It is typically free from lactose, casein, and other dairy allergens.
• Vegan cream cheese can come in various flavors and can be used as a spread, dip, or ingredient in recipes.
• Some vegan cream cheese products may contain added sugars or oils, so checking the label and ingredients list is important.

Vegan cream cheese recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup water (or more as needed)

Instructions

• Blend the soaked and drained cashews in a high-speed blender or food processor until they turn into a smooth paste.
• Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt. Blend again until well combined.
• Slowly add in water as needed until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a few times to ensure everything is well-mixed.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor.
• Transfer the cream cheese to a container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• This vegan cream cheese is perfect for spreading on bagels, toast, or crackers. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables or chips. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Top brands that offer vegan cream cheese

• Tofutti – Tofutti has been making vegan cream cheese for over 30 years and is a staple in many grocery stores. They offer a variety of flavors, including plain, garlic and herb, and strawberry.
• Daiya – Daiya is a well-known brand for its vegan cheeses, and its cream cheese is just as delicious. They offer plain and chive & onion flavors, and their cream cheese is also gluten-free and soy-free.
• Kite Hill – Kite Hill’s vegan cream cheese is made from almond milk and has a creamy texture similar to traditional cream cheese. They offer a variety of flavors, including plain, chive, and jalapeño.
• Follow Your Heart – Follow Your Heart’s vegan cream cheese is made from a blend of soy and coconut oil and comes in plain, garlic & herb flavors. They also offer dairy-free sour cream and vegan feta cheese.
• Miyoko’s Creamery – Miyoko’s Creamery makes a variety of vegan cheeses, including vegan cream cheese made from cashews. Their cream cheese is available in plain and scallion flavors and is free from gluten, soy, and palm oil.
• Go Veggie – Go Veggie’s vegan cream cheese is made from soy milk and is available in plain, chive & garlic, and strawberry flavors. Their cream cheese is also lactose-free and gluten-free.
• Violife – Violife is a brand specializing in vegan cheeses and other dairy alternatives. Their cream cheese is made from plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, starches, and natural flavors.

Difference between vegan cream cheese and vegan cream cheese frosting

The main difference is that vegan cream cheese is a savory spread used for bagels and dips, while vegan cream cheese frosting is a sweet topping for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.

Tips to buy vegan cream cheese

• Check the ingredients list – Make sure the cream cheese is made from plant-based ingredients and contains no animal products.
• Look for organic and non-GMO options – Choose cream cheese made from organic and non-genetically modified ingredients to ensure quality and sustainability.
• Consider the texture – Depending on your needs, you may want cream cheese that is thick and spreadable or light and fluffy.
• Read reviews – Check online reviews and ratings to see what other people say about the cream cheese’s flavor and texture.

Difference between simple cream cheese and vegan cream cheese

• Simple cream cheese is made from milk and cream, which are animal-based products, while vegan cream cheese is made from plant-based ingredients such as nuts or soybeans.
• Vegan cream cheese is suitable for people who follow a vegan diet or are lactose intolerant and is generally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to traditional cream cheese.
• Vegan cream cheese may also have a different texture and flavor profile than traditional cream cheese, depending on the ingredients used.

Is vegan cream cheese healthier than simple cream cheese?

Vegan cream cheese can be a healthier option than traditional cream cheese due to its lower saturated fat and cholesterol content. Still, it’s important to read labels and check for added sugars and oils.

What products can be a good alternative to vegan cream cheese?

Some good alternatives to vegan cream cheese include hummus, nut butter, avocado spread, tofu-based spreads, and mashed or blended white beans. These options are all plant-based and can be used as spreads or dips.

Can vegetarians eat cream cheese?

Technically, vegetarians can eat cream cheese as it contains no meat. However, cream cheese is made from animal-based ingredients such as milk and cream, which is unsuitable for a strict vegetarian diet that excludes animal-derived products. Vegetarians who consume dairy products may choose to eat cream cheese. Still, those following a vegan diet do not consume animal products, including dairy, and would need to choose a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Is lactose-free cream cheese vegan?

Lactose-free cream cheese is not necessarily vegan, as it may still contain milk protein and other animal-derived ingredients. Lactose-free cream cheese is primarily marketed to individuals with lactose intolerance who have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar in milk.

Is Philadelphia cream cheese vegan?

Yes. Philadelphia cream cheese is made from almonds and oats. Philadelphia Plant Based is just as creamy as the Original but completely plant-based, making it a delicious alternative for the whole family to enjoy.

Is Tofutti cream cheese vegan?

Yes. Tofutti cream cheese is vegan, made from soy-based ingredients, and contains no dairy or animal products.

Is Daiya cream cheese vegan?

Yes, Daiya cream cheese is vegan. It is made from coconut cream, filtered water, and other plant-based ingredients and contains no dairy or animal products.

Is Arla cream cheese vegan?

No. Arla cream cheese is not vegan as it is made from milk and cream, which are animal products.

Is Wawa Veggie cream cheese vegan?

Yes. Wawa Veggie cream cheese is vegan, made from plant-based ingredients such as soybean oil and pea protein, and contains no dairy or animal products.

Is Garden Veggie cream cheese vegan?

It depends on the brand and ingredients, so it’s important to check the label to determine whether a specific Garden Veggie cream cheese is vegan.

Is Betty Crocker cream cheese frosting vegan?

No. Betty Crocker cream cheese frosting is not vegan, as it contains dairy-based cream cheese and butter.

Is Pillsbury cream cheese frosting vegan?

Some Pillsbury cream cheese frostings are vegan. They are made with sugar, corn syrup, water, palm oil, and artificial flavors.

Is Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting vegan?

Most of the Duncan Hines Frostings are Vegan. The non-vegan flavors include Duncan Hines Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting (but the Creamy Homestyle Cream Cheese is vegan).

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