Vegan Cheese and Gut Health: Can It Support a Healthy Microbiome?

When you think about cheese, your mind might quickly wander to creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or even the gooey mozzarella. But what if you’re on a plant-based journey and dairy isn’t on the menu? Enter vegan cheese! The innovative twist on a long-loved ingredient. The burning question remains - can vegan cheese support a healthy microbiome? Let’s embark on this journey through the world of vegan cheese and gut health together!

What Is Vegan Cheese?

Vegan cheese is not simply dairy cheese without the cows, rather, the dairy. Regular cheese doesn’t just come from cows, after all. They can be made with goat, sheep, or even buffalo milk. Vegan cheese is an entirely different creation. Vegan cheeses are made with various alternatives like cashews, almonds, olive oil, soy, coconut oil… We could go on, but you get the gist. Vegan cheeses also aren’t just the plain blocks of cheese you’d normally see. You get slices, shreds, and all that good stuff. 

Is Vegan Cheese Healthy

Unlike dairy cheese, which naturally contains probiotics from the fermentation process, many vegan cheeses are produced without fermentation. However, that isn’t to say vegan cheeses are devoid of gut-friendly potential. Certain artisanal variants do employ fermentation techniques. In these cases, beneficial bacteria are introduced during production, potentially nudging the food’s microbial benefits upward.

But, as with everything, too much is bad for you. We did mention that certain vegan cheeses are made with oils. That can spell trouble if you don’t control your portions.

Is Vegan Cheese Good For Gut Health

Let’s get to the meat (the cheese?) of this journey. Is vegan cheese good for gut health? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a little bit of both. Many vegan cheeses lack the live cultures found in fermented dairy. Without these probiotics, they can’t directly contribute to gut health. 

Create meals that are as vibrant as they are nutritious if you’re aiming for excellent gut health. Think legumes, whole grains, leafy greens, and a variety of colourful fruits. We’ve always said that one particular food, no matter how super it is, can’t be the end-all-be-all solution when it comes to certain aspects of our health. Balance is necessary. 

The Bigger Picture on Gut Health and Vegan Cheese

If you’re already eating plenty of probiotic-rich foods like kombucha, kimchi, and miso, the occasional slice of vegan cheese won’t affect your gut health. Remember, vegan cheese is just one slice of the gut health puzzle. A truly healthy microbiome results from a varied diet that includes plenty of fiber, fermented foods, and so much more! 

Vegan cheese, when consumed as part of a diverse and balanced plant-based diet, is unlikely to put a dent in your gut microbiome - both positively or negatively. As with regular, dairy cheese, think of it as a fun twist in your diet - a tasty treat that adds variety to your culinary repertoire rather than a miracle cure for gut health. 

Bonus Segment: Fermentation

Fermentation is a buzzword in the world of gut health marketing - and for good reason. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, and dairy yogurts are practically oozing with live probiotic cultures (live microorganisms that enhance microbial diversity in your gut).

And why do these vegan cheese brands make fermented cheese? Well, they may just want to make gut-friendly food with vegan cheese probiotics. Or, they believe that fermentation adds to the flavor of their cheeses - just like it would with regular cheese.

The good news is that there are brands dedicated to creating cheeses that have undergone fermentation - all so we can have those gut-friendly goodness. So, not all vegan cheese brands are fermented. It’s a rarer sight, if we’re honest. 

Vegan Cheeses Worth Trying

Nuts For Cheese’s Cream Cheese

Made with fermented cashews, Nuts For Cheese’s Cream Cheeses come in a variety. Get them in Original, Garlic & Herb, and Lemon Dill options!

Reine Vegan Cuisine’s Sharp Cheddar

Reine Vegan Cuisine’s Sharp Cheddar is an artisan cheese made with fermented cashews. This fancy cheese pairs well with wine and beer.

Treeline’s Goat Style Spreadable Cheese

Treeline’s Goat-Style Spreadable Cheese is a tangy and creamy pick. It’s available in Original, Blueberry, and Garlic & Basil options so you can choose which one tickles your tastebuds!

Check Out - Vegan Cheese Vs Regular Cheese?

The Cheesy Conclusion

Vegan cheese can support a healthy microbiome as part of a broader, balanced plant-based diet. In a world increasingly rich with innovative dairy-free options, vegan cheese stands out as a playful yet practical alternative that lets you savour comfort food without sacrificing your dietary restrictions or sensitivities. 

So, whether you’re a vegan by choice, health-conscious, or simply love trying new food experiences, consider adding a little vegan cheese to your plate with the help of PlantX!