The rising demand for dairy-free products has led to an increase in the popularity of vegan cream cheese in both the USA and UK, offering a range of plant-based options.
Vegan Cream Cheese: An Expanding Market in the USA and UK
In recent years, the demand for dairy-free alternatives has surged, influenced by dietary changes and ethical concerns. Among these alternatives, vegan cream cheese has gained significant popularity in both the USA and the UK. This plant-based substitute mimics the creamy texture and tangy flavor of traditional cream cheese without using any animal products.
Key Ingredients and Varieties
Vegan cream cheese is crafted from diverse plant-based ingredients such as nuts (cashews, almonds), seeds (sunflower), coconut milk, and tofu. Additional ingredients like nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and various herbs and spices are often included to enhance flavor and texture.
Availability and Brands
In major supermarkets and online platforms, several brands offer vegan cream cheeses in both countries:
USA:
1. Kite Hill – Known for its almond milk-based cream cheeses in flavors like Plain, Chive, Everything, and Garden Veggie.
2. Miyoko’s Creamery – Offers cream cheeses made from organic cashew milk and coconut cream, available in flavors such as Classic Plain, Savory Scallion, Cinnamon Raisin, and Everything.
3. Daiya Foods – Features coconut oil-based cream cheeses in Plain, Strawberry, and Chive & Onion flavors.
4. Tofutti Brands – Provides tofu-based options like Plain, Garlic & Herb, Smoked, Herbs & Chive, and Whipped Original.
5. Follow Your Heart – Coconut-based and available in a Plain flavor.
6. Trader Joe’s – Offers a coconut oil, potato starch, and chickpea protein blend suitable for various recipes.
UK:
1. Violife – Offers a coconut oil-based vegan cream cheese in Original, Strawberry, and Chive flavors.
2. Nush – Provides almond-based cream cheeses in Natural and Chive varieties.
3. Bute Island Foods Sheese – Features a range of flavors including Spring Onion & Cracked Black Pepper, Sweet Chili, Original, Garlic & Herb, Cheddar Style, and Chive.
4. Sainsbury’s Free From – A coconut-based alternative available in major UK supermarkets.
5. Philadelphia Plant Based – Almond and oat-based, with the Original flavor available in the UK.
Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese
For those interested in making their own, simple recipes often contain bases like cashews or tofu, combined with lemon juice, salt, and various herbs or flavorings.
Vegan cream cheese continues to grow in availability and variety, offering consumers multiple options to fit their dietary needs in both the USA and the UK.