Vegan Cheese: Types, How It's Made and How to Use It

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Updated November 1, 2026

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Quick answer: Vegan cheese is made from plant ingredients like cashews, almonds, coconut oil, soy or potato starch. Nut-based cheeses tend to taste richest and work best as spreads and soft cheeses; coconut-oil and starch-based cheeses melt better on pizza and grilled sandwiches.

Vegan cheeses vary a lot by base ingredient, so pick by use.

Types

Base	Texture and taste	Best for
Cashew (often cultured)	Creamy, tangy	Cream cheese, soft wheels, spreads
Almond	Lighter, ricotta-like	Ricotta, feta-style
Coconut oil + starch	Firm, melty	Shreds and slices for pizza and sandwiches
Soy	Varied	Slices, cream cheese
Oat or potato	Mild	Sauces, slices

Nutrition

Many vegan cheeses are lower in protein than dairy cheese, and coconut-oil versions can be high in saturated fat. Read labels if those matter to you.

Shop

Vegan shredded cheese
For melting.
Check price on Amazon
Cashew cream cheese
For bagels and dips.
Check price on Amazon
Nutritional yeast
Cheesy flavor for sauces.
Check price on Amazon

We link to Amazon search results so you can compare current listings, prices and reviews yourself. We have not tested these products.

This is general nutrition information, not medical advice. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, feeding children or managing a health condition, talk with a doctor or registered dietitian about your diet.

Frequently asked questions

Does vegan cheese melt?

Many coconut-oil and starch-based shreds melt; nut cheeses usually soften rather than stretch.

Sources

USDA FoodData Central