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<\/p>\nLet\u2019s face it, the major thing that\u2019s stopping most of us from converting to veganism is cheese. Gooey, melting, cheese. Well, that and meat of course\u2026<\/p>\n
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But did you know that 70% percent of adults are reportedly lactose intolerant<\/a>. If we look at South Africa, predominantly black adults suffer from lactose intolerance, which is not \u2018gouda\u2019 at all. Regardless of this, many people will ‘deny’ being lactose intolerant, simply because they cannot live without cheese or dairy.<\/p>\n If you are considering moving your cheese, for whatever reason \u2013 we have a couple of dairy-free cheese alternatives for you!<\/p>\n We know, it\u2019s not fair that some get to chumble all the cheese they want without the consequences of bloating and other insufferable symptoms. But the reality is that as we age, our bodies respond to certain foods and substances differently. You might find that you\u2019ve become intolerant to certain foods<\/a> or ingredients you once loved. Those foods might include cheese or milk, which probably means lactose intolerance.<\/p>\n Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose (sugar found in milk), due to a lack of lactase enzymes in the body.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n It\u2019s not exactly known how the lactase gene is dramatically downregulated with age in most individuals, yet remain active in some. What we do know is that genetic factors<\/a> and epigenetics come into play. For those who aren\u2019t familiar with the term, ‘epigenetics’ refers to behavioural and environmental changes that affect the expression of genes without altering genes themselves. Some things remain a medical mystery…<\/p>\n While most conditions require a medical opinion before diagnosis, lactose intolerance is mostly self-diagnosable and treatable. Plus, with a cheese alternatives oozing on the market, you get to have your pick.<\/p>\n The main ingredient used to produce dairy-free\/vegan cheese depends on the type of cheese. Nuts, soy, seeds and root vegetables are normally used as base ingredients for cheese alternatives. As always, best practices include checking labels to avoid consuming products containing allergens<\/a>. Let\u2019s reinvent the wheel of cheese and explore some options.<\/p>\n Fauxmage\u2019s<\/a> Black Truffle Chevre Style contains nutritional yeast, vegan cultures and Himalayan salt. They also have an impressive range of chevre-style cheese flavours \u2013 natural, herbed garlic, olive and rosemary, black pepper, beech smoked and red hot chilli.<\/p>\n Now that your cream cheese is sorted, try this Butterscotch Cheesecake recipe<\/a>.<\/p>\n Woolworths has a range of plant-based cheeses that’s perfect for burgers and sandwiches<\/a>.<\/p>\n Earth & Co<\/a> has a great range of vegan cheeses, using coconut oil as the base ingredient. Their products are mostly dairy, soy, palm-free. You can order their Dairy Free Gouda Flavoured Cheese<\/em>\u00a0from Liveable<\/a>. Look out for Irene’s Gourmet product range which includes a Gouda Style Dairy Free Cheese<\/a>.<\/p>\n When it comes to cheese alternatives, the classic offerings are easier to find, but you\u2019ll struggle to find decent blue, feta and gorgonzola options. Fauxmage\u2019s Gorgonzola-Style<\/a> is creamy in texture and tangy in taste. \u00a0It’s even <\/span>soy\/gluten-free and is manufactured by a local brand, which makes it even more amazing!<\/p>\n Most vegan Parmesan sprinkle products are made using nuts and while it won\u2019t taste exactly like the OG Parmesan, it\u2019s slightly reminiscent. If can’t get hold of vegan parmesan, nutritional yeast is a great substitute due to its unique, savoury cheese-like flavour.<\/p>\n Irene\u2019s Gourmet\u2019s Dairy-Free Parmesan Sprinkle<\/a> is ideal with our Parmesan Truffle Fries<\/a>. This Parmesan sprinkle contains nuts and miso (soya).<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also find that some cheese alternatives use golden syrup to add sweetness, as well as lemon juice for slight acidity. Apart from salt, other seasonings incorporated in this dairy-free cheese may include garlic powder, which adds a wonderful flavour profile.<\/p>\n Shnack\u2019s Vegan Mozzarella<\/a> is perfect for a classic Pan Fried Toasted Cheese Sando<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nLACTOSE INTOLERANCE<\/h3>\n
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\nCHEESE ALTERNATIVES<\/h3>\n
BLACK TRUFFLE CHEVRE-STYLE<\/h4>\n
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\nBlack Truffle Chevre Style \u2013 dairy lover or not, you have to admit that sounds delicious. This Dairy-Free Chevre-Style Cheese is made from cashew nuts and black truffle. Just when you thought it couldn\u2019t get better, they\u2019ve added dried porcini<\/a> to enhance that nutty, earthy, umami<\/a> taste.<\/p>\n
\nDAIRY-FREE CREAM CHEESE<\/h4>\n
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\nCream cheese is one of the most versatile cheeses on the market. Have it on a tartine<\/a>, schmear it on your morning bagel\u00a0\u2013 the options are truly endless. More often than not, cheese alternatives contain oils and soya, which might make it difficult if you have to keep an eye on your cholesterol or have a soya allergy. Shoutout to\u00a0 Utopia Foods for creating a dairy-free and vegan-friendly Cashew Nut Cream Cheese<\/a> that\u2019s soya-free and doesn\u2019t have any added oils.<\/p>\n
\nDAIRY-FREE CHEDDAR<\/h4>\n
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\nCome on! What\u2019s a Cheeseburger<\/a> without cheese? If you\u2019re having a Veggie Burger<\/a> you\u2019ll need a couple of cheddar slices for maximum deliciousness. Most cheddar cheeses are made using oil as the main ingredient, typically coconut oil.<\/p>\n
\nGAUDA<\/h4>\n
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\nGauda<\/em> is Gouda\u2019s vegan cousin, dairy removed. This dairy-free cheese is mostly made using oat, coconut oil, modified potato starch and chickpea flour\/protein to mimic the sweet, nutty, mild gouda taste.<\/p>\n
\nGORGONZOLA-STYLE CASHEW CHEESE<\/h4>\n
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\nThe stinkier the cheese the better! Ideally, you want your cheese to look like it\u2019s rotten, but in a good way. Gorgonzola has that characteristic blue-veined marbling and it\u2019s stinking good! And of course, no charcuterie board is complete without it.<\/p>\n
\nPARMESAN SPRINKLE<\/h4>\n
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\nIf you can\u2019t have Parmigiano Reggiano, try Parmesan sprinkle. Unfortunately, most Parmesan cheese alternatives aren\u2019t available in the block form it traditionally presents. But, if you can\u2019t live without a young Parmesan sprinkle on your pasta or pizza, Parmesan sprinkle is the way to go.<\/p>\n
\nVEGAN MOZZARELLA<\/h4>\n
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\nCheese is associated with many decadent dishes, but the ultimate cheese offering is (read in Italian accent, while pinching fingers) pizza. As with most vegan cheeses, the main ingredient in most vegan mozzarellas is either cashew or macadamia nuts. To get that mozzarella cheese-pull texture, binding ingredients such as agar agar, tapioca, peas and vegetable oil are added.<\/p>\n