Yes, Daiya cheese is dairy-free. It’s a popular brand among vegans and those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Daiya products are made from a blend of various plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and potato protein, and they do not contain any dairy, gluten, or soy. Always check the label for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Daiya Cheese – The Ultimate Allergen-Free Food
All Daiya products are free from the top 8 allergens mentioned below.
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Soy
- Egg
- Peanut
- Tree Nut (except coconuts)
- Fish
- Shellfish
Hence, all its products are safe for vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free diet.
Daiya Dairy-Free Cheese Products
Shreds
- Italian 4 Cheeze Flavour Blend
- Cutting Board Mexican 4 Cheeze Flavored Blend
- Cutting Board Cheddar Flavor
- Cutting Board Parmesan Flavor
- Cutting Board Mozza Flavor
- Cutting Board Spicy Monterey Jack Flavor
Slices
- American Style
- Smoked Gouda Style
- Cheddar Style
- Swiss Style
- Provolone Style
Gluten-Free Pizza
- Bbq Plant-based Chicken
- Supreme
- Classic
- Cheeze Lover’s
- Fire-roasted Vegetable
Vegetable Crust Pizza
- Meatless Pepperoni Flavoured With Jalapeño
- Italian Herbs & Plant-based Cheeze Style
- Mediterranean
Flatbreads
- Plant-Based Chick’n, Smoked Bac’n & Ranch Style
- Mushroom, Caramelized Onion & Fig
- Tomato, Sunflower Seed Pesto & Arugula
- Meatless Italian Sausage Style Crumbles, Roasted Pepper & Kale
Mac & Cheeze
- Cheddar Style Mac & Cheeze
- Alfredo Style Deluxe Mac & Cheeze
- White Cheddar Style Mac & Cheeze
- Meatless Bac’n & Cheddar Style Deluxe Mac & Cheeze
- Four Cheeze Style With Herbs Deluxe Mac & Cheeze
- Cheddar Jalapeño Style Mac & Cheeze
Cheezecake
- New York Cheezecake
- Key Lime Cheezecake
- Chocolate Cheezecake
- Pumpkin Spice Cheezecake
- Strawberry Cheezecake
Sauces
- Cheddar Flavour Deluxe Sauce
- Alfredo Flavour Deluxe Sauce
- Zesty Cheddar Flavour Deluxe Sauce
Cheese Blocks
- Feta Style Block
- Grilling Cheeze Block
- Medium Cheddar Style Block
- Jalapeño Havarti Style Block
- Smoked Gouda Style Block
- Classic Mozza Style
Cheese Sticks
- Cheddar Style
- Mozzarella Style
Spreads
- Plain
- Strawberry
- Chive And Onion
- Roasted Garlic And Herbs
Dip Sauces
- Home-style Ranch
- Creamy Caesar
10 Dairy-Free Foods to Make Daiya Cheese
Vegan Pizza
Top basic pizza dough with your favorite marinara sauce, then add Daiya mozzarella style shreds and your favorite veggies. Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden. This gives you a dairy-free version of the classic pizza.
Dairy-Free Lasagna
To create layers, use lasagna noodles, a plant-based meat substitute, tomato sauce, and Daiya mozzarella and cheddar style shreds. Once baked, you’ll have a comforting, dairy-free lasagna.
Vegan Grilled Cheese
Make this simple classic by placing Daiya cheddar style slices between two pieces of your favorite bread, grilling until golden, and the cheese melts. A great, dairy-free lunch option.
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Boil your choice of pasta, then stir in Daiya cheddar style shreds until melted. Add a little plant-based milk to get your desired consistency. It’s a dairy-free twist on a comfort food favorite.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and fill with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and Daiya cheddar style shreds. Bake until the peppers are tender, and the cheese is melted.
Dairy-Free Quesadillas
Fill a tortilla with Daiya cheddar or pepper jack-style shreds and any other fillings you like, such as beans, veggies, or a meat substitute. Cook on a griddle until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Vegan Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with Daiya cheddar style shreds, black beans, jalapenos, and other toppings you like. Bake until the cheese is melted for a dairy-free game-day snack.
Dairy-Free Cheesy Broccoli Soup
Make a base soup with vegetable broth, sautéed onions, garlic, and broccoli. Once the broccoli is tender, blend some of the soup to thicken it, then stir in Daiya cheddar style shreds until melted.
Vegan Cheesy Garlic Bread
Spread a baguette with plant-based butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Sprinkle with Daiya mozzarella style shreds and bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is crispy.
Dairy-Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Mix together thawed frozen spinach, canned artichoke hearts, vegan mayo, and Daiya mozzarella style shreds. Bake until the dip is hot and bubbly. It’s a great dairy-free appetizer for parties.
Standard Cheese vs. Daiya Dairy-Free Cheese
Source of Ingredients: Standard cheese is made from dairy milk, typically from cows, but also goats or sheep. Daiya cheese, on the other hand, is made from plant-based ingredients, such as coconut oil and potato protein.
Nutritional Content: Traditional dairy cheese is rich in protein and calcium but contains cholesterol and saturated fats. Daiya cheese tends to have less protein, but it’s also cholesterol-free and often lower in calories.
Dietary Restrictions: Daiya cheese is suitable for vegans, people with dairy allergies, and those who are lactose intolerant. Standard dairy cheese is not suitable for these groups.
Taste and Texture: While Daiya has made strides in mimicking the flavor and melting of dairy cheese, some people find that it still doesn’t quite match the taste and texture of traditional cheese.
Price: Generally, Daiya and other plant-based cheeses are often more expensive than standard dairy cheeses due to the cost of ingredients and the process used to make them.
Best Dairy-Free Cheese Brands Other than Daiya
Follow Your Heart
This brand offers a wide range of dairy-free cheeses known for their excellent meltability and flavor. Their “Gourmet” line of slices is particularly popular.
Violife
Violife’s dairy-free cheeses are made from coconut oil and are free from soy and gluten. They offer various styles, including parmesan, and their products are known for their authentic cheese taste and texture.
Miyoko’s Creamery
Known for artisanal vegan cheeses, Miyoko’s uses traditional cheese-making methods with plant-based ingredients, primarily cashews, and cultures. Their products are organic and are known for their rich, complex flavors.
Chao by Field Roast
Chao slices are coconut-based and have a unique, fermented tofu ingredient that gives them a slightly tangy, authentic cheese flavor. The texture and melting are also highly praised.
So Delicious
Best known for its dairy-free ice creams, So Delicious makes a range of cheese shreds and slices. Their products are praised for their mild flavor and good melting.
Tips to Buy Dairy-Free Cheese
Check the Ingredients: Ensure that the cheese is indeed dairy-free. Some products labeled as lactose-free or non-dairy may still contain casein, a milk protein.
Consider your Dietary Needs: Some dairy-free cheeses are made with nuts or soy, which can be problematic if you have additional allergies or dietary restrictions.
Think About the Use: Different brands and types of dairy-free cheese perform differently when melted or used in cooking, so consider how you plan to use the cheese when making your selection.
Try Different Brands: Flavors and textures vary greatly between brands, so don’t be afraid to try different ones until you find your favorite.
Read Reviews: Online reviews can be a great way to understand how a particular brand or type of dairy-free cheese tastes and behaves in various dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daiya cheese vegan?
Yes, Daiya cheese is vegan. It is made from plant-based ingredients and contains no animal products or by-products.
Is Daiya cheese vegetarian?
Yes, Daiya cheese is vegetarian. Since it doesn’t contain animal-derived ingredients, it’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Is Daiya cheese gluten-free?
Yes, Daiya cheese is gluten-free. Their products do not contain wheat, barley, or other gluten-containing ingredients, making them suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is Daiya cheese healthy?
As with any food, whether Daiya cheese is “healthy” depends on your individual dietary needs and the overall balance of your diet. Daiya cheese is cholesterol-free, a source of calcium, and lower in calories than many dairy cheeses, but it is also processed and can be high in sodium and fats.
