Choosing the right type of artificial cheese depends on cooking needs and dietary restrictions. Some contain dairy ingredients, while others are made from nuts, tofu, or soybeans. Texture, taste, and whether it melts are also important factors to consider. Vegan options should be completely dairy-free and free of casein.
The type of artificial cheese that’s right for you depends on your cooking needs and whether you follow a vegan diet. While all types of artificial cheese are made from non-dairy sources, some contain dairy ingredients. Some imitation cheeses are designed to mimic Parmesan or unmelted cheeses, while others are made specifically for melting onto foods like pizza. Texture and taste are other things to look for in a mock cheese.
The ingredients used in imitation cheeses differ. Some are made from nuts, while others are made from tofu or soybeans. Artificial cheese designed to melt is typically made from a starch, such as tapioca. If you have allergies to the ingredients in a mock cheese, this will rule it out. For example, nut-based “cheeses” are not suitable for people with nut allergies.
Texture is another concern with nondairy cheeses. Some imitation cheeses have the texture of paste, which can be off-putting. Others are dry and chalky, while others are too soft when melted. Because some imitation cheeses’ role is to melt and be used on pizza or grilled cheese, they are too soft and oily to eat without melting. Some non-dairy cheeses will refuse to melt, even at very high temperatures.
The taste of fake cheese will never be quite real, although some come very close. Choose an imitation cheese that has a mild flavor so it doesn’t leave too much aftertaste in your mouth or affect the flavor of a dish you’re preparing. Typically, nut-based imitation cheeses are meant to have a strong flavor, similar to expensive blue cheese or other aged cheeses.
Some imitation cheeses are meant to be sprinkled on pasta like a person might sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese. Others are sold in individually wrapped slices, much like American cheese singles. Dark cheeses are commonly sold as grated shreds, although they can also be sold in the shape of a log.
If you follow a vegan diet, an important consideration when choosing a synthetic cheese is to choose one that is completely dairy-free. Some brands of fake cheese contain casein, which is a protein in milk and is not vegan. Scan the ingredients list to make sure the cheese is vegan. It can also be specifically labeled as vegan. If you’re picking up mock cheese because you’re lactose intolerant or want a low-fat option, you don’t need to worry as much about casein.
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