Introduction

If you’re cutting back on dairy—or ditching it altogether—you might be wondering if you have to say goodbye to cheese. Good news: you don’t! Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, allergic to dairy, or just exploring healthier options, dairy-free cheese has come a long way from the rubbery, flavorless blocks of the past.

Dairy-free cheese (also called non-dairy cheese, vegan cheese, or plant-based cheese) is made without any milk or animal-derived ingredients. It’s crafted from nuts, seeds, oils, and starches, and it’s designed to mimic the texture and taste of traditional cheese.

Thanks to increasing demand, grocery store shelves are now stocked with delicious, melty, creamy cheese alternatives. From sliced cheddar for your sandwich to gooey mozzarella for pizza night, there’s a non-dairy option for just about every cheesy craving.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What makes a great dairy-free cheese
  
• The best dairy-free cheese brands you’ll actually find at your local grocery store
  
• How to choose one that works for your diet and taste buds
  
• And answer the most common FAQs about plant-based cheese
  

What Makes a Good Dairy-Free Cheese?

Not all non-dairy cheeses are created equal. Some melt like a dream, others stay stiff and sad. Some taste close to the real deal, others… not so much. So what should you look for when picking the best dairy-free cheese?

✅ Texture

One of the biggest challenges in plant-based cheese is nailing the meltability and mouthfeel. Good dairy-free cheese should:

• Melt well on pizza or grilled cheese
  
• Be creamy if it’s a spread or cream cheese
  
• Have a firm but sliceable texture for blocks or deli slices
  

✅ Flavor

The best vegan cheese brands have figured out how to balance the tang, salt, and richness of dairy cheese. Whether you want mild mozzarella or sharp cheddar vibes, the flavor should be:

• Cheesy, not plasticky
  
• Balanced—not overly coconutty or starchy
  
• Pleasant whether cold or warm
  

✅ Clean Ingredients

Look for brands that use real, whole ingredients when possible. Watch out for:

• Artificial preservatives or colors
  
• Excess starches and fillers
  
• Hydrogenated oils or loads of sodium
  

Some of the healthiest plant-based cheese options are made with nuts like cashews, fermented for flavor, and contain probiotics.

✅ Dietary Labels

People choose dairy-free cheese for different reasons, so it’s helpful when packaging makes it easy to identify if a product fits your needs. Look for labels like:

• Vegan (no animal ingredients)
  
• Soy-Free or Nut-Free if you have allergies
  
• Gluten-Free
  
• Non-GMO
  
• Certified Organic (optional, but a plus for clean eating)
  

✅ Versatility

Not all dairy-free cheeses work in every recipe. The best brands offer a range of products so you can use cheese in different ways:

• Slices – for sandwiches and burgers
  
• Shreds – for pizza, quesadillas, tacos
  
• Blocks – for snacking or cheese boards
  
• Spreads/Cream Cheese – for bagels and dips
  
• Parmesan-style – for pasta, salads, and soups

Top Dairy-Free Cheese Brands at Grocery Stores

These are the best dairy-free cheese brands you’ll commonly find at major grocery chains. Whether you’re new to non-dairy cheese or a seasoned plant-based eater, these brands offer a mix of meltability, flavor, and clean ingredients.

1. Violife

Overview:
Violife is one of the most popular vegan cheese brands on the market. Based in Greece, they focus on making allergen-friendly, 100% plant-based cheese alternatives with rich taste and smooth texture.

Most Popular Products:

• Cheddar Slices
  
• Mozzarella Shreds
  
• Feta-Style Block
  
• Parmesan Wedge
  
• Creamy Original Spread
  

Notable Qualities:

• Coconut oil base
  
• Free from soy, nuts, gluten, and preservatives
  
• Melts exceptionally well
  
• Mild, creamy flavor profile
  

Where to Buy:
Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart, Sprouts, Publix

Looking for dairy & soy-free snacks? Check out our go-to list of safe and tasty options.

2. Miyoko’s Creamery

Overview:
Known for its artisan-style approach, Miyoko’s offers gourmet vegan cheeses made primarily from cashews and fermented for bold, authentic flavor.

Most Popular Products:

• Cultured Vegan Butter
  
• Cream Cheese (Classic, Chive, Lox-Style)
  
• Mozzarella (great for pizza)
  
• Double Cream Garlic Herb Cheese Wheel
  

Notable Qualities:

• Rich, tangy, and cultured
  
• Organic and non-GMO
  
• Great for cheese boards or high-end dishes
  
• Best for those wanting a real “cheese” experience
  

Where to Buy:
Whole Foods, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Amazon, Thrive Market

3. Daiya

Overview:
Daiya is one of the first dairy-free cheese brands to hit mainstream shelves. Their wide variety and allergen-friendly formula make them a go-to for many.

Most Popular Products:

• Cheddar and Mozzarella Shreds
  
• Cheese Slices (Swiss, American, Cheddar)
  
• Cheesecake (yes, dairy-free!)
  
• Cream Cheese Spreads
  

Notable Qualities:

• Free from dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts
  
• Good melting ability
  
• Bold, recognizable flavor
  
• Great for beginners
  

Where to Buy:
Walmart, Safeway, Target, Publix, Sprouts, Amazon

4. Chao by Field Roast

Overview:
Chao is a cult favorite known for its unique flavor and melt-friendly slices made from fermented tofu and coconut oil.

Most Popular Products:

• Creamy Original Slices
  
• Tomato Cayenne Slices
  
• Smoked Original Block
  

Notable Qualities:

• Bold, buttery flavor
  
• Excellent meltability for sandwiches
  
• Soy-based but free of dairy and gluten
  
• Minimal ingredients
  

Where to Buy:
Target, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Walmart, Natural Grocers

5. Follow Your Heart

Overview:
This California-based brand has been a leader in plant-based foods since the 1970s. They offer everything from vegan mayo to deli slices and cheese alternatives.

Most Popular Products:

• Vegan Gourmet Shreds and Slices
  
• Parmesan-Style Grated Topping
  
• Provolone and American Slices
  

Notable Qualities:

• Smooth, neutral flavor
  
• Gluten-free and vegan
  
• Great for sandwiches and cold dishes
  
• Widely available
  

Where to Buy:
Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, Safeway, Publix

6. Treeline Cheese

Overview:
Treeline creates cashew-based artisan cheeses perfect for cheese boards and elevated dishes. Think of this as a go-to for fancy plant-based eating.

Most Popular Products:

• Herb-Garlic Soft French-Style Cheese
  
• Cracked Pepper Aged Cheese
  
• Creamy Scallion Spread
  

Notable Qualities:

• Made from cultured cashews
  
• Aged for flavor
  
• No soy, gluten, or artificial additives
  
• Rich and creamy—great for spreading or slicing
  

Where to Buy:
Whole Foods, Natural grocers, Thrive Market, regional health stores

7. Good Planet Foods

Overview:
A newer name in the space, Good Planet offers allergen-friendly cheeses with great melt and taste, perfect for family meals.

Most Popular Products:

• Cheddar and Mozzarella Shreds
  
• American-Style Slices
  
• Smoked Provolone Slices
  

Notable Qualities:

• Coconut oil-based
  
• Free from soy, nuts, and gluten
  
• Melts well—great for pizzas and quesadillas
  
• Environmentally conscious brand
  

Where to Buy:
Kroger, Albertsons, Sprouts, Wegmans, Thrive Market

Craving something sweet? Don’t miss our roundup of the best dairy-free bakery items at supermarkets.

Types of Dairy-Free Cheese

Not sure which format of plant-based cheese to grab? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right one based on how you want to use it:

🧀 Slices

Perfect for:

• Sandwiches
  
• Burgers
  
• Grilled cheese
  

Top brands: Chao, Follow Your Heart, Violife

🧀 Shreds

Perfect for:

• Pizza
  
• Tacos
  
• Pasta dishes
  
• Melting over nachos or casseroles
  

Top brands: Daiya, Violife, Good Planet

🧀 Blocks

Perfect for:

• Slicing for cheese boards
  
• Snacking
  
• Melting or shredding at home
  

Top brands: Violife, Chao, Treeline

🧁 Spreads & Cream Cheeses

Perfect for:

• Bagels
  
• Toast
  
• Dips and spreads
  
• No-bake desserts

Top brands: Miyoko’s, Daiya, Treeline

🧂 Hard Cheeses / Parmesan-Style

Perfect for:

• Pasta
  
• Salads
  
• Soups

Top brands: Violife (Parmesan), Follow Your Heart

🌟 Specialty Cheeses

Perfect for:

• Wine & cheese nights
  
• Gourmet recipes
  
• Impressing dairy-loving guests
  

Top brands: Miyoko’s (Brie, Smoked Mozzarella), Treeline (Aged Cashew Cheeses)

Where to Find Dairy-Free Cheese

The good news? You don’t have to search far and wide to find great dairy-free cheese. These days, it’s available at almost every major grocery chain, as well as natural and online stores.

🛒 Nationwide Retailers

• Walmart – Carries popular brands like Daiya, Violife, and Chao in their refrigerated health food section.
  
• Target – Often stocks dairy-free slices, shreds, and cream cheeses from brands like Good Planet, Chao, and Follow Your Heart.
  
• Kroger & Safeway – These traditional chains have expanded their plant-based offerings to include multiple non-dairy cheese brands.
  
• Whole Foods Market – A goldmine for vegan products. Carries almost every major dairy-free cheese brand, including specialty and artisan varieties.
  
• Sprouts Farmers Market – A favorite among plant-based shoppers for its affordable and diverse range of dairy-free cheeses.
  

🛍️ Specialty Stores

• Natural Grocers & Co-ops – These smaller, health-conscious grocery stores often stock artisan or small-batch vegan cheese brands you won’t find in bigger chains.
  
• Vegan Stores – Local or regional vegan grocers sometimes carry exclusive brands and fresh dairy-free cheeses made in-house.
  

📦 Online Options

• Amazon – Convenient for quick orders of shelf-stable or refrigerated items (when available in your area).
  
• Thrive Market – Great for curated, organic, and allergen-friendly groceries. Carries brands like Miyoko’s and Violife.
  
• Vegan Essentials – An online store dedicated to vegan goods, including gourmet cheeses and hard-to-find varieties.
  

Best Ways to Use Dairy-Free Cheese

Not sure how to incorporate your favorite non-dairy cheese into meals? Here are some delicious and practical ways to enjoy it:

🍕 Melt on Grilled Cheese or Pizza

Shreds from Violife, Daiya, or Good Planet are great melters. Layer them on grilled cheese sandwiches, or sprinkle generously over a fresh-baked pizza.

🍝 Mix into Pasta or Mac & Cheese

Use cheddar-style shreds or meltable blocks to create creamy, comforting plant-based mac & cheese. Add a spoonful of vegan cream cheese for extra richness.

🥯 Spread on Bagels and Crackers

Dairy-free cream cheeses (like Miyoko’s or Treeline) are perfect for bagels, toasts, or serving alongside dips and fruits on a cheese board.

🥪 Slice for Sandwiches

Use sandwich-ready slices like Chao, Follow Your Heart, or Violife in burgers, paninis, or cold sandwiches.

🧀 Create a Dairy-Free Cheese Board

Level up your snack game with artisanal-style dairy-free cheeses like Miyoko’s Brie or Treeline’s aged cashew cheese. Add fruits, nuts, olives, and crackers for a full spread.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

Trying vegan cheese brands for the first time? Here’s how to make your intro to dairy-free delicious and drama-free:

✔️ Start with Slices or Shreds

These are the most versatile and beginner-friendly formats. Great for melting, layering, and sprinkling.

✔️ Test Meltability in Hot Dishes

Try dairy-free cheese in grilled cheese, pizza, or casseroles first. Melting enhances texture and flavor.

✔️ Don’t Expect an Exact Match

Plant-based cheese has its own vibe. Some mimic dairy perfectly, while others offer a new but still tasty experience. Keep an open mind!

✔️ Try a Few Different Brands

Taste and texture vary wildly across brands. Sample a few to discover your personal favorites.

✔️ Use in Recipes, Not Alone

Some dairy-free cheeses taste best when mixed into food rather than eaten plain. Think tacos, pasta, or sandwiches instead of a solo bite off the block.

FAQs: Dairy-Free Cheese

Q1: What is dairy-free cheese made from?
Most non-dairy cheeses are made from a mix of ingredients like cashews, almonds, coconut oil, soy, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, and potato starch. Different bases create different textures and flavors.

Q2: Is dairy-free cheese healthy?
It depends! Nut-based cheeses (like Miyoko’s or Treeline) tend to have whole-food ingredients and healthy fats. Others use more processed oils and starches. Always read the label and go for minimal ingredients when possible.

Q3: Does vegan cheese melt like regular cheese?
Some brands melt impressively well (like Violife, Chao, and Daiya Cutting Board Series). Others are best served cold or semi-soft.

Q4: Is vegan cheese always dairy-free?
Yes. Vegan cheese is always dairy-free. But beware: products labeled “non-dairy” or “lactose-free” aren’t always vegan—they may still contain casein or whey, which are milk proteins.

Q5: Can I cook with dairy-free cheese?
Absolutely! It works great in pasta, pizza, grilled cheese, quesadillas, and even baked casseroles—just make sure you pick one that melts.

Q6: Does it taste like real cheese?
Many dairy-free cheeses come very close, especially when melted. Some (like Treeline or Miyoko’s) even offer complex, aged flavors that impress even cheese lovers.

Conclusion

You don’t have to give up the joy of cheese when you go dairy-free. From melty mozzarella to tangy cream cheese, the grocery shelves are packed with plant-based cheese options that fit every lifestyle and flavor preference.

There are now more tasty and high-quality dairy-free cheese brands than ever before. Whether you’re building a sandwich, topping a pizza, or creating a show-stopping vegan charcuterie board, there’s a cheese alternative out there for you.

✨ Final Tips:

• Read reviews and ingredient labels to find what fits your dietary needs and taste.
  
• Check availability at your local store or shop online for more variety.
  
• Mix and match brands and types to find what works best for different meals.
  

Ready to find your new favorite? 🧀🌱 Let the dairy-free cheese journey begin!