# Cheese Substitute Ideas for Vegan and Lactose-Free Diets

URL: https://tastessence.com/substitutes/cheese-substitute
Category: Substitutes
Published: 2021-01-15T09:48:13
Updated: 2021-01-15T09:48:13
If you’re trying to eat less cheese or cut it out of your diet entirely, **you’ll likely want to find a good cheese substitute.** These days, there are plenty of imitation cheese products that will do the trick if you enjoy the taste of cheese. But if you don’t, **there are plenty of other foods that can replicate the texture and consistency** of cheese. In this post, we’ll highlight a few of the most popular cheese substitutes. **Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or trying to eat healthier,** you’ll be able to find a delicious cheese alternative that appeals to your taste buds.

## Cashew cheese

Cashews are a versatile food that you can use to create **[dairy-free cheese](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/non-dairy-cheese), milk, and butter.** It’s simple to whip up at home and **can be made soft and spreadable or hard and sliceable.** Plus, you can flavor it with a number of ingredients, including garlic, herbs, and spices. In terms of taste, **some people consider cashew cheese to be quite similar to dairy cheese,** while others disagree. You might need to try various brands or recipes to find one that works for you.

## Store-bought imitation cheese products

As vegan and lactose-free lifestyles have become more mainstream, the market has responded by producing **an incredible range of non-dairy cheese products.** It’s an exciting step for many people who have missed eating cheese in their diets. You can find imitation cheese in just about [any variety you like](https://www.godairyfree.org/dairy-substitutes/how-to-substitute-cheese), including **ricotta, feta, parmesan, and [cream cheese](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/cream-cheese-substitute).** They’re also available in **all sorts of textures**, whether you want to sprinkle cheese on top of soup, spread it over a bagel, or dip your chips into it.

## Hummus and tahini

On the other hand, if you don’t care for the taste of cheese, but **you need something to flavor your food,** hummus is an excellent option. It’s **made from blended chickpeas and packed with protein,** which makes it a healthy cheese substitute. **Hummus is easy to make at home or find in stores** and can be used in countless ways. It’s ideal for dipping chips and veggies or as a topping on toast. If you don’t like the traditional hummus flavor, **switch things up by adding hot sauce or a spoonful of vegan pesto** on top. Similarly, **tahini makes for a tasty alternative to cheese** that can be used in many ways. It’s produced by grinding up [sesame seeds](https://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-tahini/) and combining them with olive oil to create a creamy paste that goes well on **pita bread, falafel, or as a salad dressing.**

## Nutritional yeast

[Nutritional yeast](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutritional-yeast) is used in vegan recipes to **add a cheesy flavor without dairy.** As a complete protein, it’s quite healthy. Plus, nutritional yeast contains lots of vitamins and minerals. Like other types of yeast, **nutritional yeast looks like a beige or yellow powder.** You can use it while cooking, but you can also sprinkle it on top of other food to replicate the taste of cheese. Try it on **vegetables, pasta, toast, or anything else** that needs a cheesy kick. With so many delicious cheese substitute options, **you won’t feel like you’re missing out too much on the real stuff.** All of these ideas are easy to make at home or find on the shelves of your local supermarket. For more dairy-free cooking ideas and tips, [**check out the Tastessence blog.**](https://tastessence.com/)