Dairy-free options are no longer limited to soy milk and almond cheese. The plant-based world now offers indulgent, creamy alternatives to traditional cream cheese and ricotta.
The Rise of Vegan Dairy Alternatives
Dairy-free, plant-based diets are on the rise. According to a Statista report, the number of U.S. residents who identify as vegan or vegetarian has grown to 11 million in 2021, up from 1 million in 2004. And it’s not just for ethical or environmental reasons: plant-based diets have been proven to have health benefits, like reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
With this increase in plant-based eating, we have seen a boom in dairy-free alternatives. Gone are the days of boring soy milk and tasteless rice cheese. Now we have a wide range of dairy-free, plant-based options for all of our favorite foods.
Exploring the Vegan Cream Cheese Landscape
Take, for example, cream cheese. If you’re giving up dairy, you no longer have to miss out on the tangy, spreadable goodness that is cream cheese. There are now a number of vegan cream cheese options to choose from, including:
- Nut-based cream cheese alternatives, like those made from cashews, macadamia nuts, and almonds.
- Soy-based cream cheese alternatives, such as Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet Cream Cheese.
Nut-Based Cream Cheese Alternatives
These are made by blending nuts with other ingredients, like water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and sometimes sugar. The result is a creamy, savory or sweet spread that can be used in place of dairy cream cheese.
Cashew Cream Cheese
One popular brand is Kite Hill, which makes a plant-based cream cheese that’s modeled after traditional New York-style cream cheese. It has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and a texture that’s very similar to the real thing.
For a homemade version, try Cookie + Kate’s Vegan Cream Cheese. It requires soaking cashews overnight, but after that, it’s just a matter of blending the ingredients together.
Macadamia Nut Cream Cheese
Macadamia nut cream cheese, like the kind made by Koko Foods, has a rich, buttery flavor that’s reminiscent of traditional cream cheese. It also tends to be higher in fat and calories, so it’s a nice option for those who are looking to add more healthy fats to their diet.
Almond Cream Cheese
Almond cream cheese, like the kind made by Go Vegan, has a milder, slightly sweet flavor that makes it a good option for spreading on bagels or using in desserts.
Soy-Based Cream Cheese Alternatives
Soy-based cream cheese alternatives are made by blending soy milk with other ingredients, like vegetable oils, thickeners, salt, and sometimes sugar. The result is a spread that has a similar texture to dairy cream cheese, but a slightly different taste.
One popular brand is Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet Cream Cheese, which is available in both plain and chive varieties. It has a subtle soy flavor and a tang that’s similar to traditional cream cheese.
Vegan Ricotta Cheese: A Creamy Delight
Just like with cream cheese, there are a number of plant-based options for ricotta cheese, including:
- Tofu-based ricotta alternatives.
- Nut-based ricotta alternatives, such as cashew ricotta and almond ricotta.
Tofu-Based Ricotta Alternatives
These are made by blending silken tofu with other ingredients, like nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and sometimes plant-based milk. The result is a creamy, savory or sweet spread that can be used in place of dairy ricotta.
To make it, simply blend the ingredients together in a food processor until it reaches your desired consistency. For a savory version, add garlic, salt, and onion powder. For a sweet version, add vanilla and sugar.
Flavoring and Seasoning Tofu Ricotta
You can also flavor tofu ricotta by adding herbs, like basil or parsley, or spices, like paprika or cumin. For a savory ricotta, you might want to add garlic and onion powder. For a sweet ricotta, you can add vanilla and sugar.
Nut-Based Ricotta Alternatives
Nut-based ricotta alternatives are made by blending nuts with other ingredients, like plant-based milk, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and sometimes sugar. The result is a spread that has a creamier texture than traditional ricotta, but still retains that tangy, savory or sweet flavor.
Cashew Ricotta
Cashew ricotta is one of the most popular nut-based alternatives. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that’s similar to traditional ricotta.
To make it, soak cashews in water for at least 4 hours (or overnight), then blend them in a food processor with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, plant-based milk, and garlic.
Almond Ricotta
Almond ricotta is another popular nut-based alternative. It has a milder flavor than cashew ricotta and a slightly grittier texture. To make it, blend almonds with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, plant-based milk, and garlic.
Incorporating Vegan Cream Cheese and Ricotta into Recipes
Now that you know about all the delicious vegan cream cheese and ricotta options, it’s time to put them to use! Here are some ideas for how to incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
Breakfast and Brunch Ideas
- Serve vegan cream cheese on vegan bagels.
- Make vegan stuffed French toast with vegan cream cheese and fresh fruit.
Savory Dishes
- Use vegan ricotta in lasagna to make vegan lasagna with a rich, savory filling.
- Stuff shells with vegan ricotta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Desserts and Baked Goods
Make a vegan cheesecake with vegan cream cheese and a vegan graham cracker crust. For the frosting, use vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar.
Or try your hand at vegan cannoli. Fill the shells with vegan ricotta, sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon.
Tips for Selecting and Using Vegan Dairy Alternatives
When shopping for vegan cream cheese and ricotta, read the labels carefully. Look for options that have fewer added ingredients and less sugar. Some brands add a lot of added oils, which can make the product less healthy than it could be.
Also, keep in mind that nut-based cheeses will have a different texture than traditional cheeses. They may be creamier or have a slightly different taste. Experiment with different brands and recipes until you find one that you like.
When making homemade ricotta, you may need to adjust the liquid-to-solids ratio depending on the texture you want. Start with the given recipe, but don’t be afraid to add more liquid or solids as needed.
Finally, once opened, store vegan cream cheese and ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just be sure to let them thaw in the refrigerator before using.