Cheese alternatives mean that strict vegetarians and those with lactose sensitivities can still have pizza, nachos, and other cheesy treats. Dairy cheese is often made with rennet or rennin, an enzyme derived from the stomachs of calves. Cheese alternatives use microbial enzymes or vegetable enzymes instead of rennin, so they’re free of animal products. Some cheese alternatives contain casein or calcium caseinate, a milk protein used to add texture; therefore, read labels carefully, and look for cheese alternatives marked “vegan.”
Cheese alternatives are made from soy, rice, nuts or seeds, or a combination thereof. They’re available in a range of flavors, including mozzarella, jack, cheddar, cream cheese, Parmesan, and others.
Grate a cheddar cheese alternative over broccoli; layer slices of mozzarella cheese alternative into lasagna; and stir finely grated jack cheese alternative into polenta.
Cheese alternative (mozzarella, soy-based), 1
oz. (28g)
Calories: 80
Protein: 6.0g
Carbohydrate: 3.0g
Total fat: 5.0g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Good source of: Calcium (100mg), Iron (1.8mg), and Vitamin A (500 IU)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.