In Italy, parmesan is literally known as the “King of Cheeses.” The umami-rich, nutty, slightly fruity aged cheese is loved for its taste and crumbly texture, but also its versatility—it can be used in everything from pasta to salad to soup. In the US, it doesn’t have a royal title, but it’s still a popular staple. In fact, research suggests that throughout 2020, more than 194 million Americans consumed parmesan.
However, while it is undeniably popular, parmesan is not loved by everyone, and that’s due to the fact it contains dairy and rennet. But if you love the taste and texture of this flavorful cheese, you don’t have to miss out. Below we’ve got the lowdown on where to buy and how to make an equally delicious vegan version.
What is parmesan?
Parmesan is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from cow’s milk and animal rennet, which, traditionally, comes from the stomach of calves. While many brands make cheeses inspired by parmesan, to be labeled as the real thing, the cheese must come from specific Italian regions, like Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena (it’s kind of like the Champagne of cheeses). Similar cheeses not from these regions are usually labeled as “hard, aged cheese.”
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Does all parmesan have animal rennet?
Authentic Italian parmesan is protected by the European Union’s PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, and this means that there are strict regulations involved in its production, which includes the use of animal rennet. This is what supposedly gives the cheese its distinctive taste and texture. That said, some similar hard aged cheeses on the market are made with animal-free vegetable-based rennet. This means that while they are still not suitable for vegans, due to the fact they’re made with cow’s milk, they can be sold as vegetarian.
What is vegan parmesan made of?
It is possible to use plant-based ingredients to create a vegan cheese with a very similar taste and texture to real parmesan. Nutritional yeast, for example, is commonly used, due to its cheesy, nutty, umami flavor. Seeds and nuts are another common vegan parmesan ingredient.
This capellini recipe, for example, will guide you through how to make plant-based parmesan with almonds, nutritional yeast, and sea salt. And this recipe from Love & Lemons relies on cashew nuts, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, and sea salt to make a similar vegan cheese. According to the blog, lemon zest is key because it “adds the perfect bright counterpoint to the other rich savory flavors” in the recipe.
Love and Lemons
Where to buy vegan parmesan: 5 brands to try
If you’re not in the mood to make vegan parmesan, great news: you can buy it! Here are just a few of the best brands on the market right now offering their own plant-based versions of the popular Italian cheese (and why many reviewers love them).
Nooch It!
1 Nooch It!
Nooch It! makes its tasty vegan parmesan with cashews, nutritional yeast, brown rice flour, garlic powder, and hemp seeds, all of which are organic. According to the brand, it’s also the only vegan cashew parmesan that is certified Fair Trade.
Reviewers say: “It tasted so real,” “It goes great on everything,” and “It tastes just like parmesan cheese, if not better.”
Find it here
Farmer Foodie
2 Farmer Foodie
Women-led vegan brand Farmer Foodie makes its sustainable, dairy-free parmesan in two delicious flavors: Golden Chedda and Italian Herb. Both are made with a mix of plant-based ingredients, including cashews, salt, herbs, and spices.
Reviewers say: “It’s perfect for pasta,” “I use it on almost every dish,” and “It has a rich taste.”
Find it here
Follow Your Heart
3 Follow Your Heart
Follow Your Heart offers a wide range of vegan cheeses, from shredded cheddar to sliced smoked gouda, but one of its standout options has to be its creamy, delicious dairy-free parmesan.
Reviewers say: “This is hands down the best vegan parmesan,” “11/10,” and “I truly recommend.”
Find it here
4 Violife
Greek brand Violife is another vegan cheese connoisseur, renowned for its dairy-free takes on feta, cheddar, and so much more. But its Just Like Parmesan wedge is also a must-try.
Reviewers say: “It has an authentic taste and texture,” “My new go-to parmesan,” and “Texturally, it is nearly identical to dairy parmesan.”
Find it here
5 Ever Craves
Ever Craves’ Spicy, umami-rich Parma-Veggie blend, which is made with nutritional yeast, is ideal for anyone who likes to add a little extra kick to their pasta. Prefer to keep things mild? The brand offers a regular version, too.
Reviewers say: “I will definitely be a repeat buyer,” “Makes every dish taste so much better,” and “I can’t believe how delicious it is.”
Find it here
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
