Say cheese! Vegan cheese, that is.

While the notion of a specialty cheese shop is nothing new, not many people even those who follow plant-based diets, or who seek out lactose-free dairy products on the regular can claim to have ever visited a 100-percent vegan artisanal cheese shop before. However, with dairy-free alternatives skyrocketing in popularity, not only are there more delectable vegan cheeses on the market than everbut now there are actual, brick and mortar plant-based cheese shops that exist that specialize in vegan cheeses galore.

Even though there are numerous companies that offer vegan cheeses, we decided we wanted to spotlight the few that you can actually visit in person. Hopefully, several years from now there will be an abundance of shops just like the ones we spotlighted below!

From soft and spreadable cream cheeses to hard, sliceable blocks of cheese that would make any dairy-lover swoon, these artisan vegan cheese shops have it all. Let us know if youve ever visited one of these shops before, and if you have a favorite one we didnt feature this time around!

Vromage/Facebook

For the vegan and lactose-intolerant folk out in Los Angeles who still want to enjoy a nice grilled cheese, Vromageis the answer to all of their wildest, cheesiest prayers. Vromage was actually the first LA-based vegan cheese specialist, and they stock dairy-free varieties, many of which are made on site. Bonus: they also serve sandwiches and salads. With flavors like Veganzola, Macon Brie and Vromage Blanc, you definitely want to give this shop a try.

Check them out at7988 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046.

Three Girls Vegan Creamery/Facebook

Connecticut has quite a gem in Three Girls Vegan Creamery. The shop, named after the three women of the Italian-vegan family who run the shop, serve Vegan Artisanal Cheeses that are 100 percent vegan, fermented, and aged naturally using only the finest organic and sustainable ingredients. Were in love with their Pistachio, Cranberry, Fresh Thyme, Pumpkin Seed aged cheese wheels and their fresh Mozzarella di Bufala which would pair well in a Caprese salad. The shop also specializes in making traditional Italian dishes, only vegan!

Go visit them at350 Stepstone Hill Road,Guilford, CT 06437.

Riverdel

For the most amazing one-stop vegan neighborhood cheese shop, New Yorkers need look no further thanRiverdel. Situated in Brooklyns Prospect Heights,Riverdelcarries thelargest selection of vegan cheesesimaginable, alongsidespecialty foods, fresh bread, pastries, and a whole host of gourmet vegan goodies. Looking for the perfect plant-based caviar to pair with champagne? Riverdel has your back. From their creamy and light Billy cashew cheese, to their aged beer cashew cheese called Heinrich, Riverdel has a plant-based cheese for everyone to enjoy.

Visit them at 820 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11238.

Dr-Cow Tree Nut Cheese/Facebook

DrCowis a Brooklyn-based raw foods shop for cheeses, butters and milks made on-site from nuts, plus vegan pastries and granola. From flavored, creamy cheese spreads like their Cream Cashew Nut Cheese with Chives, to their Sprouted Hazelnut Chocolate Butter, theres a vegan product for anyone, be their palates adventurous or simple. Weve been eyeing theirReishi Mushroom Aged Cashew Cheese for some time now; what flavor calls out to you?

Visit DrCow at93 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249.

Vtopian Artisan Cheeses

Vtopian Artisan Cheesesis an exciting line of cultured cashew cheeses that are hand-crafted in Portland, Oregon. The quickly-growing company offers a wide range of vegan cheeses including: Peppercorn Brie, Port Cheddar and Aged White Cheddar blocks plus wedges of Caramelized Onion Camembert, Macadamia and Cashew Camembert, Reserve Sharp Cheddar, and Chive and Dill. Holy moly!

If youre in Portland, make sure to visit them at 1628 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97201.

Ste Martaen

There are many artisanal vegan cheese shops that dont have a brick and mortar location, but do sell widely online, such as Ste Martaen, a vegan catering and small batch vegan cheese making service that often vends and does pop ups; while they used to have a food truck route, now their truck is available for private bookings. All of Ste Martaens cheeses are vegan and 100 percent dairy, soy and gluten-free. You can purchase vegan colby, muenster, pepper jack, and olive cheese flavors from them: they truly pride themselves on doing plant-based food with incredible flavor. If youd like to book their truck, visit them here.

Companies such as Miyokos Kitchen, Parmelas Creamery, Punk Rawk Labs, Treeline, and more specialize in vegan cheese products and allow you to either buy their food items online, or else locate local stores where you can purchase their fare.

Even if youre in one of the above states or have access to artisanal vegan cheese at your local grocery store, sometimes its fun to get creative in the kitchen and whip up your own special plant-based cheese products. Believe us, youre only limited by your own imagination and taste preferences when youre cooking!

From the gluten-free Sliceable Potato Cheese byAlicja Rokickaabove toSimona Malerbas gluten-freeHerb and Pepper Labneh: Middle Eastern Cheese, there truly a stunning variety of different plant-based cheeses you could make if you so desired! Throwing a party? Why not whip upHailee Repkos gluten-freeCashew Brie? Making a sandwich? This Easy Sliceable Cashew Cheese byPhilipp Ertlshould do the trick. You get the idea.

If you are looking for even more vegan cheese recipes to add to your repertoire, we highly recommend checking outour Food Monster App, which is available for bothAndroidandiPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source:Three Girls Vegan Creamery/Facebook

Related

View post:

Vegan Cheese is Taking Over! Artisan Vegan Cheese Shops That ... - One Green Planet