No, Neufchatel cheese is not dairy-free. It is made from cow’s milk. You’ll need to look for alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant or follow a vegan or dairy-free diet. Various non-dairy cheeses are available on the market, often made from nuts, soy, or other plant-based ingredients.
Best Dairy-Free & Vegan Cheese Brands
Daiya Foods
Daiya offers a range of dairy-free and vegan cheeses made from a blend of cassava and chickpea. They have various options, such as shreds, slices, and blocks, and their cheeses melt well, making them great for cooking.
Follow Your Heart
Known for its diverse range of dairy-free products, Follow Your Heart’s soy-based vegan cheeses come in various styles, including shreds, blocks, and slices. Their cheeses are praised for their great taste and texture.
Miyoko’s Creamery
Miyoko’s products are cashew-based and fermented with traditional creamery cultures, which gives them a distinctive, authentic cheese flavor. They offer a variety of products, including slices, shreds, and artisan vegan cheeses.
Violife
Violife’s vegan cheeses are coconut oil-based and free from soy, gluten, nuts, and preservatives. They offer a wide range of products that are great for melting and grating, making them versatile for different dishes.
Kite Hill
Kite Hill is known for its almond milk-based cheeses. Their soft cheeses, with options like cream cheese spread and ricotta, are particularly popular. They are renowned for their creamy texture and natural flavor.
Treeline Cheese
Treeline’s vegan cheeses are cashew-based and fermented, giving them a tangy, authentic flavor. They offer a range of soft French-style and aged nut cheeses, popular for their spreadable and rich qualities.
Don’t forget to check labels and ingredients when buying.
Tips for Buying Dairy-Free Cheese
Check the Ingredients: Some products marketed as dairy-free may still contain casein, a milk derivative. Always read the ingredient list to ensure the product is truly dairy-free.
Consider the Base: Dairy-free cheeses can be made from various bases such as nuts, soy, and coconut. Choose one that suits your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Texture and Melting Properties: Not all dairy-free cheeses melt well, so if you plan to use them for cooking or baking, look for brands known for their melting properties.
Flavor Profile: Dairy-free cheeses have unique flavors depending on their ingredients and the fermentation process. It might take some trial and error to find one you enjoy.
Nutrition Content: Dairy-free cheeses can vary in their nutritional content. If you’re looking for a healthier option, check for lower sodium and higher protein content.
Price: Dairy-free cheeses can be more expensive than regular cheese. Consider your budget when exploring different brands and options.
Dairy-Free Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of water
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain them thoroughly after soaking.
- Combine soaked cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and water in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the flavor as needed, adding more nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor, more lemon juice for acidity, or more salt for overall flavor.
- Use immediately in your favorite recipes, or store in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cheese will firm up slightly as it cools.
- Enjoy this cheese in sandwiches, as a dip, on crackers, or in any dish where you’d use spreadable cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dairy-free cheese vegan?
Yes, dairy-free cheese is vegan as long as it contains no animal-based ingredients, including milk from cows or other animals.
Is vegan cheese dairy-free?
Vegan cheese is dairy-free as it’s made from plant-based ingredients and contains no animal products, including dairy.
Is Neufchatel cheese vegetarian?
Yes, Neufchatel cheese is vegetarian. It is made from cow’s milk and doesn’t involve the use of meat, but it’s not vegan as it does contain dairy.
What plant-based milks can I use in dairy-free Neufchatel?
You can use plant-based milk like almond, cashew, or soy milk to make dairy-free Neufchatel.
What nuts can I use in dairy-free Neufchatel?
Cashews are commonly used in dairy-free cheeses for their creamy texture when soaked and blended. Almonds can also be used but will yield a slightly different texture.
Is parmesan cheese dairy-free?
Traditional Parmesan cheese is not dairy-free, as it is made from cow’s milk. However, there are dairy-free alternatives available.
Is feta cheese dairy-free?
No, traditional feta cheese is not dairy-free. It is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. But you can find dairy-free alternatives in many grocery stores.
Is cream cheese dairy-free?
Traditional cream cheese is not dairy-free, as it’s made from cow’s milk. However, there are plant-based alternatives made from ingredients like nuts or tofu.
Is cottage cheese dairy-free?
Regular cottage cheese is not dairy-free as it’s made from cow’s milk. There are dairy-free versions available that use plant-based ingredients.
Is goat cheese dairy-free?
No, goat cheese is not dairy-free. It’s made from goat’s milk, so it’s unsuitable for a dairy-free diet.
Is ricotta cheese dairy-free?
Traditional ricotta cheese is not dairy-free, as it’s made from cow’s milk. However, you can find or make dairy-free alternatives, often made from tofu or almonds.
