Cream Cheese is a classic spread often used on freshly toasted bagels. The popularity of cream cheese has grown over the years prompting many brands to expand into cream cheese flavors like herb & chive.
As a vegetarian or vegan can we eat cream cheese?
Cream Cheese is made from cow’s milk and cream making is suitable for vegetarians that consume dairy products. Since cream cheese contains dairy it is not vegan-friendly. Luckily, there are many different vegan cream cheese products on the market.
Table of Contents
Is Cream Cheese Suitable For Vegetarians
Traditional Cream Cheese is a dairy product that is often made from cow’s milk and cream.
Lactic Acid is added to pasteurized milk and cream which causes it to form curds.
Heat and stabilizers are added to the cheese curds at this point forming what we know as cream cheese.
Many vegetarians still consume milk and dairy products making cream cheese a vegetarian food.
Do Vegans Ever Eat Cream Cheese
Since cream cheese is made from cow’s milk and vegans don’t consume any animal products, cream cheese is not a vegan-friendly food.
A vegan would not consume traditional cream cheese.
Luckily, there are many different plant-based and vegan-friendly cream cheese products available.
Can You Eat Cream Cheese On A Plant-Based Diet
Those that follow a plant-based diet often consume a wide range of foods including meat and dairy products with the majority of their foods being plant-based.
You wouldn’t expect someone following a plant-based diet to eat cream cheese every day but, they can include cream cheese and other dairy products in their diets.
Does Cream Cheese Have Rennet
Cheeses are often made using an acid-base or rennet during the coagulation phase of production.
Cream Cheeses are made with acids instead of rennet which is an animal by-product.
The exclusion of rennet makes cream cheese a vegetarian food.
How Do You Know If A Cream Cheese Is Vegetarian
Due to the current process and ingredients used to make cream cheese being vegetarian friendly, you can be sure that every cream cheese is vegetarian friendly.
Does Philadelphia Cream Cheese Have Animal Rennet
Philadelphia Cream Cheese does not contain animal rennet.
Traditional Philadelphia Cream Cheese contains pasteurized milk, cream, salt, carob bean gum, and cheese culture.
Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Vegan
Philadelphia cream cheese is not vegan since it is made from milk and cream.
Which Cream Cheese Is Vegan
Vegan cream cheese will be made with a creamy base that is not from animal sources.
There are many different options available to those who would prefer to avoid dairy.
What Brands Make Vegan Cream Cheese
Vegan cream cheese does not need to be bland and boring there is a wide variety of vegan cream cheese brands and flavors to choose from.
- Daiya Plain Cream Cheeze
- Daiya Strawberry Cream Cheeze
- Daiya Chive & Onion Cream Cheeze
- Daiya Roasted Garlic & Herbs Cream Cheeze
- Tofutti Orginal Cream Cheese
- Tofutti Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese
- Tofutti Herb & Chive Cream Cheese
- Toffuti Whipped Cream Cheese
- Miyokos Plain Cream Cheese
- Miyokos Everything Cream Cheese
- Miyokos Savory Scallion Cream Cheese
- Miyokos Fish Free Lox Cream Cheese
- Miokos Cinnamon Raisin Cream Cheese
- Go Veggie Classic Cream Cheese
- Go Veggie Chives & Garlic Cream Cheese
What Is In Vegan Cream Cheese
There are many different vegan cream cheese products available with many using coconut, tofu, pea protein, or nuts as the base instead of dairy products.
Does Vegan Cream Cheese Taste Good
Vegan cream cheese tastes delicious. It is everything that you would expect from cream cheese.
Does Vegan Cream Cheese Taste Like Regular Cream Cheese
Vegan cream cheese can be too distinguished from regular cream cheese.
It’s amazing that a plant-based product can mimic the flavors and textures of a dairy product so well.
These products have come a long way since they first made an appearance in our local supermarkets.
Can You Make Your Own Vegan Cream Cheese
Making your own vegan cream cheese is very easy and you get to control all of the ingredients and flavors.
How To Make An Easy Vegan Cream Cheese
With just a handful of simple ingredients and preparation, you can have your own homemade vegan cream cheese.
Ingredients Needed To Make Vegan Cream Cheese
- 1.5 Cups Raw Cashews
- 3 Tbs Lemon Juice
- Half Cup of Water
- 1 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt
Homemade Vegan Cream Cheese Instructions
- Soak cashews in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes
- Add all of the ingredients into a high speed blend and blend until smooth
- Enjoy!
Do Vegetarians And Vegans Eat Cream Cheese
Difficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutesA delicious and creamy vegan-friendly cream cheese.
Ingredients
1.5 Cups Raw Cashews
3 Tbs Lemon Juice
1/2 cup water
1 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 Tsp Fine Sea Salt
Directions
- Soak the cashews in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes
- Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender
- Blend until smooth
- Use right away or chill for later
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a vegetarian or a vegan you are sure to find a brand and flavor of cream cheese that you prefer over the rest.
My favorite way to enjoy cream cheese is a classic plain flavored cream cheese on an everything bagel.
You also can’t forget a creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries for your sweet tooth.
