Did you know you can still enjoy cheese while choosing to eat animal-friendly food? Here are our top picks for dairy-free delights that are kind to cows and their calves.
More people than ever are exploring the delicious world of dairy-free foods to shape a kinder future for cows and calves trapped in the dairy industry. But what happens when you’ve got a recipe – or a serious craving – that calls for cheese? We’ve got you covered with these easy-to-find, animal-friendly cheeses…
With as many as 1 in 6 Aussies now moo-ving away from dairy, the number of plant-based alternatives is exploding! So it’s never been easier to shop and eat kindly – not only for the planet and your own health, but for calves and their mums too.
We’ve sampled our way through some of the best dairy-free cheeses out there – and not to be cheesy, but they’re pretty darn grate.
Made With Plants
This straight-shooting range of cheese is – you guessed it – 100% made with plants! The parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar shreds all melt like a dream; and the cheddar also comes in a block or slices.
This image contains content which some may find confronting
These delicious, melty shreds are available at Woolworths.
Image credit: Made with Plants
BioCheese
BioCheese has been a mainstay in the veg section for years, and for good reason … There’s something in the range for all your cooking needs: Cheddar blocks, slices, shreds, pizza shreds, marinated feta, parmesan, cream cheese, and even halloumi!
This image contains content which some may find confronting
Available at Coles, some IGAs, Woolworths, speciality stores, and online.
Image credit: BioCheese
Nature’s Kitchen
Another easy option to grab while you’re at the shops – Nature’s Kitchen cheddar shreds and slices are delicious on just about anything, from creamy pastas to pizza, or sandwiched in the middle of a crispy, melty toastie.
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Available at Coles.
Image credit: Natures Kitchen
YAY! Feta
Feta-fans, rejoice! This dairy-free alternative delivers. It’s just as creamy and addictive as the real thing – one bite and you’ll be saying YAY too!
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Available at specialty stores and online.
Cheers Plant-Based Cheese
How awesome is it that even big-name brands like Cheers are offering plant-based options these days? Their dairy-free shreds and slices are amazing, and super gooey when melted. Cheers, Cheers!
This image contains content which some may find confronting
Cheers cheese is available at Coles.
Image credit: Cheers
Bega Plant-Based
Bega also has some incredible dairy-free cheddar alternatives in their range – and any way you slice it, they’re exactly as advertised on the packet: smooth, creamy, and cheesy!
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Available at Coles.
Image credit: Bega
The Vegan Dairy
If you’re after a soft cheese or something a little more fancy, The Vegan Dairy is your go-to. Think gourmet options like aged and smokey cheese, Persian feta, ashed chèvre and more – perfect centrepieces for a plant-based cheese board!
This image contains content which some may find confronting
Available in Coles, specialty stores, and online.
Image credit: The Vegan Dairy
Damona
From baked almond feta to bocconcini, pepperjack to brie, and even a sharp American cheddar, Damona has all your bases covered. Our personal favourites are the tomato and herb and smoked mozzarella – so yum you’ll want to eat them by the wheel.
This image contains content which some may find confronting
Available in independent supermarkets, specialty stores, and online.
Image credit: Damona
Show me more!
The dairy-free movement is so mainstream now that most of these products can be found at your local supermarket – but health food stores and specialty stores are worth checking out too.
If you prefer to shop online, try browsing the virtual aisles of the Vegan Grocery Store, which has the biggest range of dairy-free cheese in Australia and can deliver it right to your door.
Haven’t quite found what you’re looking for? Consider asking your local retailers to stock these plant-based cheeses. Businesses rely on customer feedback, so it’s a great way of showing that there’s a demand for compassionate choices.
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