*Photo from Daiya Foods
I’ve been hearing a lot of hype about Daiya non-dairy cheese lately in the Twitter feeds of vegan foodies. People have been claiming its the best vegan cheese on the market, that it melts and tastes like real cheese. If you’ve ever had non-dairy cheese, you know that this would be a very big deal. Most non-dairy cheese is almost inedible, and pointless in my opinion, because nothing could even come close to imitating the creaminess of real cheese. Until now. Read on, my cheese loving friends, for the “revolution in non-dairy cheese” that is Daiya.
When creating this vegan cheese phenomenon, Daiya founder Andre Kroecher (who struggled with his love of good pizza while practicing a vegan lifestyle) was “tired of being disappointed” and “decided to make a non-dairy cheese that would perform and taste like the real thing.”
It seems that he succeeded, given the fact that in 2009 Daiya cheese won VegNews Magazine’s Product of the Year Award and started showing up at vegan-friendly restaurants all over the country. And cheese-lovers can rejoice – Daiya has recently been introduced at Whole Foods as well. Check out the recent news on Daiya.
image from quarrygirl.com
So what makes this non-dairy cheese so cheesy? Well, its made from all plant-based ingredients (including tapioca flour, arrowroot and pea protein) and is soy and casein free (2 ingredients commonly found in non-dairy cheese). According to Daiya’s web site, the cheese boasts the following health benefits:
Ok, so you get it. People say its good. The whole point of this post is that after hearing all the hype for weeks, I finally tried Daiya cheese last night. I was out at ‘sNice in the West Village and saw Daiya on the menu. I ordered the tempeh rueben sandwich and could hardly contain my excitement to actually be trying this cheese. I watched the guy behind the counter put a heaping amount of Daiya shreds on the sandwich (“it’s delicious!” he assured me) and then toast it. When it came out to me, the cheese was oozing out of the sandwich.
I took a bite and could not believe my taste buds. I almost sent my sandwich back because I thought it was dripping with dairy cheese. But no. This was the first time I had truly enjoyed vegan cheese. The flavor and texture were just like regular cheese. A life changing moment! 
Needless to say, I will be purchasing some Daiya at Whole Foods soon and will definitely post a recipe full of vegan cheesy goodness for you to savor.
Check out this review from someone who sampled Daiya pizza at an expo, and this review from Quarry Girl. Now go try it for yourself!!
Do you love health, nutrition and wellness? Check out the Institute for Integrative Nutrition!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Soy-free what?!?!? This is literally the only “substitute” food that has ever piqued my interest.
I really enjoyed this post. Daiya is such a hot commodity in my refrigerator. I absolutely love it and have occasionally considered eating it straight out of the container-hehe. It is such a refreshing alternative to the other dairy free cheeses out there.
I love Daiya cheese! The Whole Foods in Madison NJ sells it with their “DIY pizza” set near the deli, packed in tubs. Have made Pizza, baked ziti, grilled cheese, and eggplant parm all with great results. Even non-vegans enjoy Daiya (or at least tolerate it, a first for any vegan cheese!).
Matt! I called madison whole foods and went there myself and no one seems to know what daiya is! I live in florham park so I guess ill check after work in the deli section? I really hope its there..I had it at pala in nyc saturday they’re amazing for those who can’t have gluten or dairy
this cheese was sent from the Gods!! finally – thank you – no more terrible vegan cheese by you know who – chalky and gross – this stuff is miraculous! i can finally make my chic pea patty faux chicken parmesan – awesome!!!!