Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives

Don’t you dare move my cheese

Plant-Based Dairy

Have you noticed how vegans often say that the last thing they managed to give up before fully transitioning is cheese?

Why is it so difficult to even consider, you ask?

Probably because you are stone-cold addicted. Dairy contains caseinate, a morphine-like substances that attach to the same brain receptors as drugs. While their effect is much milder than the one recreational drugs have on us, it's strong enough to make extremely difficult for you to quit.

But then why quit at all?

Truth bomb alert: dairy really isn’t the knight in shining armor for our bones or health as we have been led to believe, and the happy cow really isn’t happy.

Because bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation may have been a constant part of your adult life, you may not even be aware that you have a sensitivity to dairy. Cutting out dairy can help manage allergies and lactose intolerance, alleviate bloating, and improve acne.

When consumed, animal products create an acidic environment in the bloodstream. In response, the body leeches calcium from the bones to neutralize the acid. Consumption of dairy products, especially those that are low- or non-fat (meaning they have a higher percentage of protein), can therefore lead to lower levels of calcium in the body. One set of studies published by The BMJ analyzing 100,000 people for two decades suggested that consuming dairy can increase the rates of bone and hip fractures, which might explain why some of the highest rates of osteoporosis are found in the countries with the highest rates of dairy consumption.

The myth of the Happy cow

Consuming milk and cheese might be even worse than eating meat.

Some claims are beyond dispute: Dairy cows are repeatedly impregnated by artificial insemination and have their newborns taken away at birth. Female calves are confined to individual pens and have their horn buds destroyed when they are about eight weeks old. The males are not so lucky. Soon after birth, they are trucked off to veal farms or where they end up as hamburger meat.

Warning: Not for sensitive viewers

Thankfully, we are entering an exciting era of cheese alternatives, with tastes and textures getting better each day. Embrace the journey of exploring various cheeses as your palate adapts to new flavors and textures, even though it may take some time initially. Initially, vegan pizza might pose a challenge as many fast-food joints still use less appealing alternatives that taste slimy or overly coconut-flavored. Keep searching until you discover plant-based pizzas that truly impress your taste buds.

Irene's Gourmet: Offers vegan cheese in cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, and parmesan styles, as well as cheese spread and sprinkles. They also make other vegan products, like yogurt, burger patties, and pesto.
Violife Foods: Offers vegan halloumi, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. They also have a smoked flavor vegan cheese that can be used in sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes.
Earth & Co: Offers a plant-based cheese range.
Fauxmage: A South African company that makes vegan cheese and butter made from cashews.
Simple Truth: A brand that offers vegan cream cheese in three flavors.

Vegan cheese recipes that taste better than dairy

SA's best vegan cheeses

Got Milk?
Nope.

Plant-based milks have been chilling in the fridge of diverse cultures for ages, but they are now seriously hitting the spotlight! People are swapping their moo juice for plant-based goodness for a whole bunch of reasons. Whether it's for the healthy perks, a soft spot for furry friends, saving the planet, or just following their taste buds, there's a world of creamy alternatives waiting to be sipped and savored!

Some of our favorite local brands that are readily accessible include: