As a vegan, I know firsthand the struggle of finding decent plant-based alternatives to some of my favorite foods— cheese, in particular, has always been challenging because it’s always been difficult to find an option that perfectly mimics the taste and stringy texture of cheese.
However, with the increasing popularity of veganism and demand for vegan products, there’s a broader range of options available which includes not only vegan cheeses that can better replicate animal cheese but also other varieties of cheese like feta, mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, parmesan, and even cream cheese.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at why vegan cheese doesn’t usually melt like animal-based cheese, and we’re going to provide you with 5 vegan cheese alternatives that go well with pizza.
Why Doesn’t Vegan Cheese Usually Melt?
The major reason vegan cheese doesn’t melt is it lacks casein. Casein appears as small balls within the cheese, yet it is estimated to have the most complicated molecular structure of any protein.
This implies it is extremely tough to duplicate. Unfortunately, researchers do not yet know how casein balls work or what the structures within the balls look like.
Furthermore, casein is exclusively found in bovine milk; it is not found in any non-dairy substances. Casein is found in goat milk, cow milk, sheep milk, and other dairy products, but not in plant-based goods. That means that anything created from plant-based materials cannot react to heat in the same way, therefore replicating cheese’s melting properties is difficult.
Some researchers, however, are still working on this problem, seeking novel ways to mimic how casein interacts in cheese. Among the most promising contemporary approaches are:
- A fungal strain that acts similarly to casein.
- Casein generated by microbes rather than animals
- Tapioca flour (which makes the cheese stretchier)
- Powdered psyllium husk (which makes the cheese stringier)
Other components may be created in the future to make vegan cheese more closely resemble typical cheese, but these are the most important ones at the time. If you’re having trouble finding a vegan cheese that melts properly, experiment with a few different kinds and look for one that particularly touts itself as melting cheese.
The 4 Best Vegan Cheeses For Pizza
Myoko’s Organic Vegan Mozzarella
This is hands down the best vegan mozzarella on the market, which can be said about every other cheese variety developed by Miyokos. It’s the perfect vegan alternative to traditional mozzarella, a feat that’s been possible due to Miyoko’s unique blend of ingredients.
Made primarily from organic cashews— it is creamy, smooth, and has a taste and texture that is just like the real thing. It also melts and browns like real cheese. Whether you want to use it on a pizza, in a Caprese salad, or in a panini, this vegan mozzarella won’t disappoint.
Organic Cashew Milk (Filtered Water, Organic Cashews), Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Tapioca Starch, Sea Salt, Organic Agar, Mushroom Extract, Organic Konjac, and Cultures.
Applewood Smokey Cheese
Applewood’s vegan cheese beckons you with its promise of smooth, creamy perfection that melts like a dream, while its smoky flavor sets it apart as a vegan cheese like no other.
Indulge in the decadence goodness of Applewood’s vegan cheese, a smoky, creamy delight that’s free from soya and gluten. It’s also fortified with calcium and vitamin B12.
The downside of this vegan cheese is that it’s only available in the UK, so if you live in the US, you’re likely not able to find it or it’s extremely costly to order online.
Water, Coconut Oil, Potato Starch, Modified Maize Starch, Yeast Extract, Salt, Natural Flavouring, Thickener (Carrageenan), Calcium Phosphate, Smoke Flavouring, Calcium Chloride, Colour (Carotenes), Paprika, and Vitamin B12.
Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Mozzarella
Follow Your Heart also offers you a vegan alternative to traditional mozzarella cheese. It is rich and creamy, and it melts beautifully, making it an ideal option for pizzas or salads. It’s also advertised as being soy-free and a good source of fortified calcium.
Follow Your Heart was founded in Southern California with the goal of producing tasty vegan food that is also good for the planet. The company operates a solar-powered facility that is Platinum Level Zero Waste Certified, which means it diverts 98% of its waste from landfills through various methods such as recycling, composting, reduction, and reuse.
If you want to enjoy delicious, vegan mozzarella while supporting a company with environmentally-conscious practices, then Follow Your Heart’s vegan mozzarella is a great option.
Filtered Water, Organic Coconut Oil, Potato and Corn Starch, Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil, Sea Salt, Natural Flavors, Potato Protein, Calcium Phosphate, Organic Vegan Cane Sugar, Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Cellulose, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Beta Carotene.
Violife Epic Mature Cheddar Cheese
Looking for a vegan cheese that delivers on taste and versatility? Dubbed by its customers as one of the best-tasting vegan cheeses on the market, this cheddar cheese by Violife has been a hit across the globe.
Water, Coconut Oil (24%), Modified Starch, Starch, Sea Salt, Lentil Protein, Mature Cheddar Flavor, Acidity Regulator: Lactic Acid, Olive Extract, Colour: B-Carotene, and Vitamin B12.
Here is a video review of the product:
How To Make Melty Vegan Cheese At Home
If you’d rather try to make your homemade cheese, we’ve got a recipe for a melty, stretchy, gooey vegan mozzarella cheese that may go beautifully well on a pizza.
Here are the ingredients:
- 1 cup of raw cashews, soaked in water overnight
- 1/4 cup of tapioca starch
- 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of refined coconut oil (melted)
Here’s what you need to do step-by-step:
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
- Add the cashews, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and water to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the melted coconut oil.
- Pour the mixture into a silicone mold or a small loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Allow the cheese to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour or until it’s firm.
- Once firm, remove the cheese from the mold or pan and slice it as desired or grate it. Feel free to add it on top of your pizza before you put it in the oven.
Here’s an alternative vegan cheese recipe from Sauce Stache:
Final Thoughts
Vegan cheese has come a long way in recent years and there are now many delicious options available for those looking to enjoy a cheesy plant-based pizza. Whether you prefer melty mozzarella-style cheese or a sharp, tangy cheddar, there is a vegan cheese out there for you.
As veganism continues to thrive, so will vegan cheese and other plant-based alternatives. There’s clearly a big difference between the quality of the vegan foods we get now compared to 10 years ago. So, if you still haven’t found your favorite vegan cheese, it might just be a matter of time until you do. 🙂
