Vegan Cheese, Sliced

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Vegan cheese FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is vegan cheese high in cholesterol?
• Is vegan cheese high in fat?
• Does vegan cheese contain calcium?
• Does vegan cheese contain lactose?
• Does vegan cheese contain tyramine?
• Is vegan cheese low histamine?
• Is vegan cheese keto-friendly?
• Is vegan cheese paleo-friendly?
• Is vegan cheese Whole30?
• Is vegan cheese low FODMAP?
• Is vegan cheese gluten-free?

Is vegan cheese high in cholesterol?

No, vegan cheese does not contain any cholesterol. Unlike traditional dairy-based cheese, which can be high in cholesterol, vegan cheese is made from a variety of plant foods including nuts, soy, and root vegetables.

Is vegan cheese high in fat?

Yes, vegan cheese can be high in fat, but the amount can vary based on the brand and type. On average, a slice of vegan cheese may have around 4 to 6 grams of fat. However, it’s worth noting that these are generally healthier fats compared to those found in dairy cheese. As a reference, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that 20-35% of your daily calories come from fats, which is approximately 44-77 grams for a 2000-calorie diet.

Does vegan cheese contain calcium?

Yes, many vegan cheeses are fortified with calcium. For instance, a slice of vegan cheese could contain around 15% of the daily recommended value, which is 200-260mg for most adults, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. However, it’s important to note that not all brands necessarily fortify their products with calcium, so if this is an important nutrient for you, be sure to select brands that do.

Does vegan cheese contain lactose?

No, vegan cheese does not contain lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products. Since vegan cheese is made from plant-based sources, it is free from lactose, making it a suitable choice for people who are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.

Does vegan cheese contain tyramine?

Generally speaking, vegan cheese does not contain tyramine. This is because tyramine, a compound linked to migraines, is usually produced in the aging process of certain animal-based foods such as cured meats and aged cheeses. Since vegan cheeses are plant-based, they typically do not undergo the same fermentation process, and thus, are not known to have tyramine.

Is vegan cheese low histamine?

Most vegan cheeses should be lower in histamines than their dairy counterparts. Histamines typically increase in stored, fermented, or aged food products. Vegan cheeses often use fresh ingredients and are typically not aged as long, which helps keep histamine levels down. However, it’s important to note that ingredients and processes can vary based on the brand, so some may still trigger histamine intolerance depending on individual sensitivities.

Is vegan cheese keto-friendly?

Some types of vegan cheese can definitely be included in a ketogenic diet. A keto diet typically requires a high fat and low carb intake. Vegan cheeses made from nuts such as cashews, almonds, or coconut oil provide healthy fats and are typically low in carbs. One serving of almond-based vegan cheese (about 28 grams) contains around 3 grams of carbs and 6 grams of fat. The standard daily intake for a ketogenic diet ranges between 20-50 grams of carbs, depending on individual needs, but the focus is on a high fat intake.

Is vegan cheese paleo-friendly?

While the Paleo diet typically excludes dairy products, most vegan cheeses would still not be considered Paleo due to their processing and the ingredients used. Vegan cheeses often contain additives and thickening agents like carrageenan or xanthan gum that are not allowed in a strict Paleo diet. However, raw, homemade, or minimal-ingredient vegan cheeses made from cashews or other nuts could be acceptable on a Paleo diet. But remember, the Paleo diet encourages whole, unprocessed foods, so even these should be eaten in moderation.

Is vegan cheese Whole30?

No, vegan cheese is not Whole30 compliant. The Whole30 program discourages the consumption of dairy substitutes (including vegan cheese) which is considered a form of ‘food-swapping’. The Whole30 rules specifically state that all forms of cheese, including vegan and dairy-free varieties, are not allowed during the 30-day reset period.

Is vegan cheese low FODMAP?

It can depend on the specific brand and ingredients used in the vegan cheese. Some vegan cheeses can be low in FODMAP if they are made from ingredients like almond milk, which is low in FODMAPs. However, many vegan cheeses are made with cashews, soy, or other high-FODMAP ingredients and would not be suitable for a low-FODMAP diet. Brands such as Daiya make a block and shredded vegan cheese that contains no FODMAPs, but as always, ingredients can change so it’s always good to double-check the ingredients. If you’re following a low FODMAP diet, it’s recommended to consult with a dietician or use a tool like the Monash University FODMAP diet app to check specific products.

Is vegan cheese gluten-free?

Generally, most vegan cheeses are gluten-free as they are made from plant-based products such as nuts, soy, and root vegetables. However, you should always check the label as certain additives or flavors might contain gluten. Some vegan cheese brands such as Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Chao by Field Roast are labeled as gluten-free, meaning they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the standard set by the FDA for labeling a product as gluten-free.