If you have read my about me section on the blog then you know that I have a ton of allergies. But I’d have to say one of the hardest ones to deal with has been dairy. I have been allergic to dairy products for about 13 years now. I didn’t find out that I was allergic until my freshman year of high school which was honestly devastating! Do you know how many pizza parties and ice cream socials happen in high school? Needless to say, 13 years ago there weren’t many dairy free options for me to choose from.
I am happy to say that today there are honestly too many choices to pick from which can get confusing if you are just trying dairy free products for the first time. Or if you have just been diagnosed with an allergy like me. Well lucky for you, I have tried almost every dairy free product on the market and created a list of my favorite dairy free cheeses.
Daiya Shredded Cheese
This is the most common cheese I use. I like both the Cheddar and Mozzarella flavors and they taste like the real stuff to me. The only downfall I would say this cheese has is that you have to force it to melt. One time I wanted to make home-made mac and cheese and it took FOREVER for the shredded cheddar cheese to melt. But once it’s melted, oh man is it good!
So Delicious Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese
This cheese is soooo good! It’s finely shredded and melts very nicely. I actually like it enough, that I can grab a pinch out of the bag and eat it by itself (which I can’t say for other dairy free shredded cheeses). This will definitely be your go-to cheese for taco night! This brand has other flavors as well, but the Mexican blend flavor is the only one that is finely shredded, which honestly makes it better.
Follow Your Heart Parmesan
I was so happy when I found this Parmesan cheese alternative! I had been craving Parmesan cheese for a while, so I searched online for the best one and found this one on Follow Your Heart’s website. I love sprinkling it on top of spaghetti, salads, and creamy dinner dishes. Trust me, you’ll love this cheese.
Kite Hill Cream Cheese
I have tried many different cream cheese brands and this by far is my favorite! It has the right texture and taste that I was looking for in a cream cheese. They also have great flavors such as chive, everything, and strawberry (plus regular plain cream cheese). I have not only used it on bagels but I have made many dips now for parties using this brand and nobody can tell that it’s dairy free.
Follow Your Heart Cheddar Cheese Slices
OK, so this brand is on here twice because I love it that much! Lately, I have been getting individual cheddar cheese slices that I can add to a sandwich, or have by themselves as a quick snack, and it tastes just like how I remember cheese tasting. They also have cheese blocks which is perfect for a wine and cheese night (or to just slice a piece off as a snack).
Miyoko’s Cashew Cheese Wheel
This cheese was honestly bought as an experiment to try it out. I brought it out for our Wine & Chill party as an option and boy was it good to spread on crackers! I got to experience something I typically have to skip, as someone with allergies typically does, because of this cheese (sometimes it’s just the little things). I bought the garlic and herb flavored cheese wheel but they have so many different options to choose from! I would check them out for yourself.
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