Dairy-Free Cheese Summary

The EarthTalk column, put out by E - The Environmental Magazine and found on the PopSci.com site dabs its toe into the issue of dairy-free cheese. Nothing new or special but a good reminder.

The first place to look might just be your regular supermarket's produce section—that's often where you'll find Galaxy Foods' Veggie line of non-dairy cheeses. After all, they are made from soy, which is produce. Galaxy's offerings come shredded, grated, in slices, and in hunks. Fans swear they taste just like the real thing. And they are all excellent sources of calcium without cholesterol, saturated/trans fats, or lactose.

Galaxy also offers cheeses made from rice. And while some of both the Rice Brand and Veggie line contain small amounts of cultured milk salt, dried skim milk protein, and trace amounts of lactose, Galaxy also makes two purely vegan varieties, usually found in the dairy sections of grocery or health food stores.

A few other popular brands made with rice include Rice Slices and Lifetime Low Fat Jalapeno Jack Rice Cheese. Check the shelves of your local organic or natural food market to find one or more to sample.

Another leading producer of dairy-free cheeses is Scotland's Bute Island Foods. The company began making its own vegan hard cheese alternatives (sold under the Sheese brand name) in 1988, and has since expanded into cream cheese alternatives (Creamy Sheese) as well. From pizzas to sauces to sandwiches to spreads, Bute Island has vegan and lactose-intolerant cheese lovers covered.

Some other soy-based choices that get good reviews include Good Slice Cheddar Style Cheese Alternative (great for sandwiches), vegan-friendly Tofutti Soy Cheese Slices, Follow Your Heart's Vegan Gourmet (pizza, anyone?), and Teese (it melts with the best of them), among others.