Vegan Parmesan (Best Dairy-Free Brands and Recipe)

Searching for the best dairy-free vegan parmesan options to use on pasta, risotto, soups, salad, potatoes, veggies, and beyond? This vegan cheese guide explores brands of vegan parmesan available in stores, along with a simple and delicious recipe for creating your own homemade version. From cashew-based to crumbly or shreddable parmesan, there is a wide variety of plant-based parmesan options to choose from.

Vegan parmesan has become an essential topping ingredient for pizza, appetizers, bread, and more for very good reasons. Is there anything as quick and satisfying for dinner as a simple pasta dish with a sprinkle of savory and umami-rich vegan parmesan? Just a touch adds so much flavor and pizzaz!

Vegan Parmesan Brands

Most mainstream grocery stores carry at least one brand of dairy-free parmesan. Keep an eye out for these solid brand choices that create their own version of vegan parm.

Violife Just Like Parmesan

We love grabbing our cheesegraters and grating this parmesan alternative over pasta dishes and salads. We’re also guilty of eating a small hunk of this dairy-based delight when prepping a meal. Made with a blend of potato and rice starches and coconut oil, this vegan cheese is also perfect enough for using on vegan cheeseboards!

Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Parmesan

We love FYH cheeses! This shredded cheese alternative is not only dairy-free, but also soy-free, gluten-free, and casein-free. Try this on salads for an extra dash of saltiness and texture, or use it to top off soups or bread on a chilly day.

Go Veggie Plant-Based Parmesan

Made from non-GMO ingredients, Go Veggie brand plant-based parm is a good source of calcium and vitamin A, and is lower in fat than other brands. This powdery-textured grated topping is just like that stuff we used to sprinkle from a similarly-looking container in our pre-vegan days!

Panacheeza

One of the newest brands to hit the scene, Panacheeza is made from simply recognizable healthy ingredients, but somehow tastes wildly similar to dairy parmesan. This is definitely and brand worth trying!

Parma! Vegan Parmesan

This parmesan topping is made with wholesome ingredients like nutritional yeast, walnuts, salt, and sunflower, hemp, and pumpkin seeds. Besides being a healthy choice, Parma! also offers a variety of flavors. Choose from chipotle cayenne, better than bacon, original, basil garlic, and more.

Rio Good’s Parmesano Vegano

This addictively good parmesan is made with very simple ingredients: cashew flour, Brazil nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and lactic acid. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and delicious on everything from pasta to pizza to popcorn.

Pimp My Salad Plant-Based Parm Cheez

This Australian-based plant-based parmesan offers two wholesome bases: cashews and hemp. Chocked with vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s, this tasty topping is great not only as a parmesan alternative but also adds some bling to most savory dishes!

Gopal’s Rawmesan Parmesan Cheese Alternative

Made with organic seeds and nuts, this healthy plant-based parmesan is raw, sprouted, and gluten-free. In addition to the original flavor, there is also a herb and spice variety. Sprinkle over anything for a rich kick of flavor, like popcorn, tofu scrambles, and more.

Uprise Foods Nooch It! Cashew Grated Cheeze

Made with fair-trade cashews, this vegan parmesan is also gluten-free and non-GMO. Nutritional yeast, garlic, powder, hemp seeds, and brown rice powder are used to make this super cheesy topping. Use in on potatoes, veggies, risotto, and warm bread for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition!

Country Life Vegan Parmesan

Made with a blend of cashew flour, nutritional yeast, and spices, this vegan parm is great for sprinkling over any dish that loves a little cheesy kick. Plus, it’s organic and non-GMO!

Vegaliano Vegan Parmesan Aged Classic Gondino

This plant-based block of cheese is touted as “the first authentic Italian vegan parmesan” and is made with a blend of chickpea flour and coconut oil. This gluten- and nut-free hard cheese wheel is perfect for grating and using in Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, risotto, and bread.

365 Whole Foods Market Vegan Parmesan Shreds

If you love the convenience of shredded vegan parmesan, this umami-rich version from Whole Foods is a great choice. These sturdy shreds add a nice texture to pasta, pizza, salads, and risotto. Made with a blend of potato starch and coconut oil, this parm alternative mimics the taste and texture of dairy-based parm very well!

Nutritional Yeast Sprinkle as Parmesan

Ok, we know nutritional yeast (or “nooch”) isn’t technically parmsean, but we’re putting it on the list for good reason. It’s a great source of plant-based protein and vitamin B12, and a great choice for those looking for a health-conscious version of vegan parm. Sprinkle this on popcorn, tofu scrambles, roasted veggies, and more.

Vegan Recipes Using Vegan Parmesan

As you can see, plant-based parmesan can be used in many dishes and can even be used for crackers and vegan cheeseboards. For more ways to use this excellent vegan alternative, check out some of our dips and pasta dishes that use it!

• For your next get-together, game day, or potluck, this Vegan Artichoke Dip recipe is a great way to use plant-based parm! It’s perfectly rich and cheesy.
• This Plant-Based Carbonara recipe calls for four tablespoons of vegan parm, but an extra sprinkle at the end adds a nice boost of richness and texture.
• Making this Super-Easy Vegetable Pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners. Adding a cashew-based topping or vegan shreds adds the perfect touch when serving!
• Homemade Italian Pasta Sauce is key to enjoying a cozy pasta meal. Adding vegan parm right before serving adds a savory contrast to the bright and acidic flavors.

Homemade Vegan Parmesan Recipe

While many plant-based parmesan brands use a blend of flours and oils to create cheese, others use a blend of seeds and nuts to create a different, but equally satisfying result.

By using a blend of cashews, flaxseeds, and spices, we can create our own vegan parmesan in about five minutes! This recipe can show you how easy it is to create your own homemade parmesan using ingredients you may already have inside your pantry.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Raw cashews: These are plump, creamy-textured nuts harvested from the base of cashew apples. With their mild buttery taste, they lend a rich creaminess to this recipe that mimics cheese.

Nutritional yeast: This flavorful, flaky seasoning is prized for its umami-rich profile. It adds a savory depth and cheesy flavor that is essential for vegan parmesan.

Salt: Adding a bit of salt helps add brightness to the buttery and rich tones of the cashews, flaxseed, and nutritional yeast.

Garlic powder: Made from finely ground dehydrated garlic cloves, this seasoning infuses this vegan parm with a complex, savory note.

Smoked paprika: This spice is derived from dried red peppers that have been smoked and ground. Its distinctive smoky and slightly sweet flavor lends a nice complexity to this vegan cheese topping.

Onion powder: This finely powdered seasoning is made from dehydrated onions. Its concentrated onion flavor and aroma adds a brightness to this recipe.

Golden flaxseed meal: This finely ground, golden-hued ingredient derived from flaxseeds is optional to include, but it’s a great source of Omega-3s and and you can’t even taste it when added to this parmesan recipe.

This recipe couldn’t be any easier! Once you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, add them to a food processor.

Pulse about 10 times to create a crumbly texture.

Store the vegan parmesan in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it handy so you can sprinkle over popcorn, bread, tofu scrambles, pasta, bread, soups, and veggies! If you loved this plant-based spice recipe, you must give this Homemade Chipotle Seasoning a try.

Print

Vegan Parmesan

This simple, quick, delicious vegan parmesan recipe is a staple in any plant-based home! It's cheesy, umami-rich, healthy, and absolutely perfect sprinkled over pasta, soups, salad, potatoes, veggies, and more.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword cashews, flaxseed, vegan parmesan recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 5 -6 servings (about 1½ cups)

Calories 243kcal

Author Michelle Cehn | World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews
• ¼ cup golden flaxseed meal or grind golden roasted flaxseeds in coffee grinder — or if you don’t have ground flax, you can use more cashews instead
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

• In a food processor, add the cashews, golden flax meal, nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Process and pulse around 10 times until you have a crumbly consistency that’s mostly powdery with some little chunks.
• Place in a sealed container or parmesan shaker and store on the counter at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 354mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Vegan Parmesan (Best Dairy-Free Brands and Recipe) appeared first on World of Vegan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any athletes or celebrities who advocate a plant-based lifestyle?

Yes, there are many celebrity and athlete advocates of a plant-based diet. Some of these include Kyrie, the NBA's player, Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 World Champion, Natalie Portman and Kenneth Farrow who are all NFL running backs. Each of these people have chosen the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle to suit their goals and achieved remarkable results in their athletic endeavors or artistic endeavors. Actress Alicia Silverstone has even written a book on her experiences with the vegan lifestyle called Kind Diet. Novak Djokovic is a professional tennis player. He credits his remarkable habit of eating only organic vegan foods during competitions with his career success. These four professional athletes share some remarkable qualities. They all mention a higher energy level, faster recovery from injury, and better overall health. Plant-based diets are a powerful tool to improve athleticism, as demonstrated by the success stories.

Can you still dine out at restaurants if your diet is plant-based?

Many restaurants now offer vegan-friendly options on their menus. Many vegan restaurants are opening in larger cities and towns, offering delicious food options. You can also find vegetarian-friendly options in many mainstream restaurants. This means that you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional cuisines while still following a plant-based diet. Look out for recipes that include vegetables and legumes, such a tofu or tempeh, seitan or other protein sources, like beans. Use vinegar and healthy oils to replace mayonnaise and dressings high-in saturated fat. Ask your server to make sure you know what vegan items are available.

You can also research vegan cookbooks ahead of time to get ideas on how proteins can be substituted for meats and rich sauces. Most restaurants are very accommodating to guests that eat a plant-based diet and will do their best to accommodate the customer's needs. It is possible to enjoy a delicious meal out while following a plant-based diet with a little creativity and research.

Can a plant diet be considered harmful?

While many people have reported health benefits from switching to a plant-based lifestyle, there are risks involved in any type of diet. People transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle should carefully consider proper vitamin and mineral intake, such as B12, iron, zinc, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Eating an unbalanced diet without replacements for these substances can cause deficiencies and negative health impacts. Additionally, following a purely vegan/plant-based lifestyle could mean cutting out valuable sources of protein found in dairy and eggs, which may hinder muscle maintenance. To avoid potential health risks or nutritional pitfalls, those following plant-based diets must adjust their diets according to their needs and consult a doctor or nutritionist when necessary.

What are some plant-based foods that you might like?

Because of its potential health and environmental advantages, a plant-based diet is on the rise. Common plant-based diets are those that are made from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables as well as legumes and nuts. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Some excellent sources of plant-based protein include beans and pulses like lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans; lower-fat soya products such as tempeh or edamame; higher-fat nuts like almonds and cashews; quinoa or dairy alternatives made from oats, coconut, or almond milk; vegan yogurt; soy burgers; hemp powder; nutritional yeast flakes; whole wheat bread with no added sugar or vegetable oils; chia seeds; flaxseed oil; whole grain cereals such as oats and barley with added nuts or nut butter. Other plant-based options include healthy fats like olive, avocado, flaxseed, or other nut oils. A variety of ready-to–eat meals are available now to help lower your grocery expenses. A plant-based diet might not be as expensive as others, depending on the food you purchase.

Is it possible to lose weight with a plant-based diet?

Yes, it is possible to lose weight by eating a plant-based diet. A variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and other plants-based proteins can give you enough volume to feel full without adding calories from unhealthy fats and carbohydrates. A well-rounded vegan meal plan is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol-containing foods like red meat and processed snacks that tend to add weight instead of take it away. Research shows that eating a plant-based diet can help increase metabolism and decrease the risk of obesity. Eating healthy foods rich in fiber and avoiding starches, sugars, white bread, and pasta can further help weight loss and provide essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to be healthy.

Statistics

• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
• According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

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• Deteriorating beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes: a long-term model - PubMed


• A Plant-Based Dietary Treatment Improves Beta Cell Function and Insulin Resistance In Overweight Adults: A Randomized 16-Week Clinical Trial - PubMed

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• ScienceDirect: Plant-Based Diets to Improve Personal, Population and Planetary Health

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• Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Weight Status: A Systematic Review - PMC


• Professionals in healthcare can now rely on plant-based nutrition.

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• Diabetes

How To

How can you make the transition to a plant based diet without feeling overwhelmed?

Making the transition to a plant-based diet can be overwhelming at first - however, with adequate preparation and education, it is achievable. Take baby steps and slowly incorporate changes into your diet. Opt for whole foods rather than processed substitutes, as they are generally healthier and more filling.

It is important to be dedicated when it comes to meal planning and preparation. You should plan your meals in advance so you know what ingredients to purchase and how much time each dish will take. Investing in kitchen appliances such as slow cookers or multi-cookers can help simplify usage; batch cooking ensures you have multiple meals ready in one go!

Finally, don't forget to keep experimenting with new flavors that you may enjoy. Different cuisines can offer a variety in your vegan diet. Think Chinese tofu and Indian curries. Aim to create a grocery list based on recipes instead of relying on impulse shopping at the grocery store. It'll be much easier to switch once you have the right ingredients.

Resources:

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[TAG56] Hint: Your energy levels, gut microbiome, and environmental impact all win big.