After spending over $200 testing every vegan cheese on Whole Foods shelves, I'm sharing the honest truth about which ones are worth your grocery budget.
Let me tell you about the moment I knew I had a problem. I was standing in my kitchen, surrounded by seventeen different blocks, shreds, and wheels of vegan cheese, wondering how my life had come to this.
My partner Marcus walked in, surveyed the scene, and simply said, "So this is what you meant by 'research.'"
Here's the thing: vegan cheese has come remarkably far since I went plant-based eight years ago. But the options at Whole Foods can feel overwhelming, and at $6 to $12 per package, the wrong choice stings.
So I did what any former finance professional would do. I created a spreadsheet, established evaluation criteria, and got to work. You're welcome.
1) Violife Just Like Feta Block
This one genuinely surprised me. I've been burned by vegan feta before, ending up with something that tasted like salted rubber. But Violife nailed the crumbly texture and tangy bite that makes feta so addictive on salads and Mediterranean dishes.
The flavor is clean without that artificial aftertaste that plagues so many dairy-free cheeses. I've been crumbling it over roasted beets and into grain bowls all month.
At around $5.99, it's one of the more affordable options and punches well above its price point. If you've written off vegan feta, this deserves a second chance.
2) Miyoko's Classic Double Cream Chive
Miyoko's has been in the game long enough to know what they're doing, and this cultured cashew cream cheese proves it. The texture is genuinely luxurious, spreadable without being gummy, and the chive flavor feels sophisticated rather than artificial.
I served this at a dinner party without announcing it was vegan. Nobody asked questions.
They just kept going back for more with their crackers. It's pricier at around $8.99, but for entertaining or when you want something special on your morning bagel, it delivers. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
3) Kite Hill Ricotta
Made from almond milk and cultures, Kite Hill's ricotta has become a staple in my kitchen. The texture is spot-on for lasagna, stuffed shells, or dolloping onto toast with honey and fresh fruit.
What sets it apart is the subtle tanginess that real ricotta has. So many alternatives miss this entirely, giving you something bland and paste-like. This one understands the assignment. I use it in both savory and sweet applications, and it performs beautifully in both.
Around $7.99 for a container that lasts through multiple recipes.
4) Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge
Can we talk about how hard it is to replicate parmesan? That sharp, nutty, almost crystalline quality seems impossible to achieve without dairy. Violife gets closer than anyone else I've tried.
Grated over pasta or shaved onto salads, it adds that savory depth you're craving. It's not identical to the real thing, but it scratches the itch. The wedge format feels more authentic than the pre-shredded options, and it grates nicely with a microplane. A solid everyday choice at around $5.99.
5) Treeline Classic Aged Nut Cheese
If you're looking for something to anchor a cheese board, Treeline delivers. This cashew-based cheese has actual complexity, with earthy, slightly sharp notes that develop as it sits on your palate.
It's firm enough to slice cleanly and pairs beautifully with fig jam and crusty bread. I find myself reaching for it when I want cheese to be the star rather than a supporting player. At around $9.99, it's an investment, but one that elevates any gathering.
6) Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda Slices
For sandwiches and burgers, you need something that melts. Follow Your Heart's smoked gouda slices deliver that stretchy, gooey quality that makes a grilled cheese satisfying.
The smoky flavor is pronounced without being overwhelming, and the slices separate easily, which sounds minor until you've wrestled with alternatives that tear apart. These have become my go-to for quick weeknight meals.
Around $5.49 for a package that lasts through several sandwiches.
7) Boursin Dairy-Free Garlic & Herbs
Yes, Boursin made a vegan version, and yes, it's actually good. The texture is that familiar creamy-yet-crumbly consistency, and the garlic and herb blend tastes nearly identical to what I remember from my pre-vegan days.
Spread it on baguette slices, stuff it into mushrooms, or mix it into hot pasta for an instant creamy sauce. It's versatile and crowd-pleasing. Around $6.99, and worth keeping on hand for impromptu appetizers.
8) Daiya Cutting Board Shreds (Mozzarella)
I'll be honest: I had low expectations. Daiya's original formula left a bad taste in my mouth, literally. But their Cutting Board collection represents a genuine improvement. These mozzarella shreds melt properly and don't have that waxy coating some brands leave behind.
For pizza nights and casseroles, they get the job done without breaking the bank at around $4.99. Not the most exciting option, but reliable and accessible. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Final thoughts
After all this tasting, here's what I've learned: the vegan cheese landscape rewards experimentation. What works brilliantly in one application might disappoint in another. That creamy spread won't necessarily melt well, and those perfect melting shreds might taste flat eaten cold.
My advice? Start with one or two from this list based on how you actually eat cheese.
Are you a snacker? A melter? A cheese-board enthusiast? Let your habits guide your choices, and build from there. Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you.
