First, let’s look at leading UK vegan cheese brands and their popular products:
Violife
– Their most popular products include Greek White (feta-style), Epic Mature Cheddar, and cream cheese alternative
– Made primarily from coconut oil and potato starch
– Widely available in major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and ASDA
– Epic Mature Cheddar: Strong, sharp flavour that develops over time. Firm texture that slices and grates well. Good meltability for toasties and pizzas. Some find the coconut oil base slightly noticeable.
– Greek White (Feta): Crumbly texture similar to dairy feta. Good saltiness, though milder than traditional feta. Works well in salads and Mediterranean dishes. Tends to soften quickly at room temperature.
– Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy consistency. Mild flavour that works well as a base for dips. Slightly sweet undertone. Can be grainy if spread too cold.
Applewood Vegan
– Their smoked vegan cheddar has won multiple awards
– Made from coconut oil and fortified with B12 and calcium
– Available in most major UK supermarkets
– Smoked Cheddar: Standout smoky flavour that’s very close to their dairy version. Excellent meltability. Good firm texture for slicing. The smoke helps mask any coconut oil taste.
– Mature Block: Rich, tangy flavor. Firmer texture than many vegan cheeses. Good for grating but can be slightly crumbly when cutting.
Sheese
– Scottish company offering a wide range of styles including Blue, Gouda, and Mozzarella
– Made from coconut oil and soya protein
– Strong presence in health food shops and some supermarkets
– Blue Style: Strong, distinctive flavour that’s quite close to dairy blue cheese. Crumbly texture. Works well in salads and sauces. Can be overwhelming for some.
– Mozzarella Style: Good stretch when melted. Mild flavour that’s less creamy than dairy mozzarella. Works well on pizza but can become slightly rubbery if overcooked.
– Gouda Style: Sweet, nutty flavour. Firm texture good for slicing. Doesn’t melt as well as some other varieties.
Follow Your Heart
– Known for their grated parmesan alternative and sliced provolone
– Available in specialty stores and some larger supermarkets
– Parmesan Style: Good strong, salty flavour. Grates well. Slightly grainy texture compared to dairy parmesan but works well as a topping.
– Provolone Slices: Mild flavor that’s good for sandwiches. Melts reasonably well. Texture can be slightly waxy when cold.
Supermarket Own Brands
– Tesco’s Plant Chef range includes affordable vegan cheese options
– Tesco Plant Chef: Basic but acceptable flavour. Tends to be firmer and less melty than premium brands. Good budget option for everyday use.
– Sainsbury’s Free From range offers various cheese alternatives
– ASDA and Morrisons both have their own vegan cheese lines
– Sainsbury’s Free From: Better than average store brand. Their Greek-style particularly good value. Mature cheddar can be quite sharp.