It is hard to find soy cheese that is truly dairy free. Most “soy” cheeses are started in a casein (milk) base, or may contain animal rennet or whey. This means they have been in contact with dairy and are therefore unsuitable for those with high sensitivities or who are anaphylactic to milk.
Kingland Soy Cheese (from Australia) and Redwood Cheezly (from the UK) are two popular cheddar-style cheeses that are dairy free. Tofutti (from the US) makes a delicious dairy-free cream cheese.
Of course, if your palate is used to regular dairy cheese then the taste and texture of soy cheese may take some getting used to.
Kingland say:
Kingland Soy Cheese is made from premium grade organic and GM free soy beans grown in Australia. Choice ingredients have been carefully combined to produce mild flavoured, smooth textured, delicious cheeses. Being low in fat, having negligible cholesterol, no lactose, and the goodness of soy these cheeses have been well accepted by consumers. These cheeses may be used cold, baked, grilled or melted as delicious dairy cheese replacements. Kingland Soy Cheese is ideally suited for vegetarians and those who have allergies to dairy products.
Kingland Soy Cheese is available in four varieties: Cheddar, Garden Herbs, Sesame & Poppy, and Cracked Pepper. They are widely available in supermarkets. Call the manufacturer King International on 07 3277 7899 for information on stockists.
Redwood say:
Cheezly is TOTALLY free from animal ingredients. So it’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans, as well as people who are lactose or casein intolerant. What’s more, there are no nasties. Cheezly is also free from hydrogenated fats, gluten, artificial colours/preservatives, cholesterol and GMOs.
Redwood Cheezly is available in the styles of Mature White Cheddar, Nacho, Mozzarella, Gouda, Edam, and Garlic and Herb Cheddar. The Mozzarella is the best of the varieties. It melts very well and is very suitable for a cheddar substitute. Redwood Cheezly is available from delis and specialist vegan retailers. Call the Australian distributorVegan Perfection on 03 9398 6302 for stockist information.
My preferred cream cheese is Tofutti’s Better Than Cream Cheese. This is dairy-free and is widely available in supermarkets. It is just as nice as dairy cream cheese and when used in sandwiches or in recipes, dairy eaters can’t tell the difference! Call the Australian distributor Trialia Foods on 03 9701 1666 for stockist information.
If you can tolerate a trace of dairy the Mini-chol cheese is a delicious soy-based cheese. However, be aware that it is started in a casein (milk) base and will therefore contain traces of dairy. As it is often sold by weight in delicatessens the label may be removed and staff may mistakenly claim it is dairy-free.
Please write in the comments if you know of other brands or stockists.
thankyou so much … I had just been looking for soy cheese and when I finally spotted one in Woolworths it contained Cassein so we couldn’t use it … I am going to get hold of these companies to see if I can get some Soy cheese so we can have Pizza … mmmmm
where can I get soy cheese or dairy free cheese in slices or spread in south Africa? I would love to introduce it in my diet since I am allergic to dairy.
I would appreciate to hear from you regarding this, thank you.
What is a number I can ring to get the mini-chol cheese, the only delicatessen in our area, that sold it shut down. My kids can tolerate it and it is the only one, that really tastes and behaves like cheese.
What area are you in? Steve’s Deli at South Melbourne Markets stocks it.
The IGA on Sydney Road Brunswick sell it too, both in the deli or pre packed amongst the other cheeses.
I was wondering if you supply soy cheese for shops in Blacktown 2148 area.