Sometimes, you want the total package. Sure, you know all about the phenomenal dairy-free cheeses on the market, but what about those store-bought staples like boxed mac and cheese, cheesecake, and frozen pizza? We’re happy to report there are quality dairy-free alternatives to those, too. Swing by your local supermarket to stock up on these dairy-free cheese products.
Modern Table
1. Store-bought mac and cheese
Even adults pine for The Blue Box sometimes, or perhaps your parents opted for the “healthier” route and you grew up with an affinity for Annie’s White Cheddar Shells. No matter the case, we all crave a bit of comfort in the form of noodles and cheese sauce from time to time. For the boxed variety, reach for Modern Table Vegan Mac, Annie’s Organic Vegan Mac Shell Pasta, and Daiya White Cheddar with Veggies.
Going the frozen route? We’re fans of Amy’s Dairy-Free Rice Mac and Cheese and Field Roast’s Creamy Mac ‘n Chao.
If you’re a Trader Joe’s regular, head to the refrigerated prepared foods section to pick up a deli container of TJ’s Vegan Mac. We tried it and added a bit of salt and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, but it’s pretty spot-on in terms of texture. Pair it with some steamed broccoli or frozen peas and you’ve got a tasty meal that will throw you back to the simpler times of childhood.
The Pizza Plant
2. Frozen pizza
Plant-based pizza is fairly easy to order out—either eliminate the cheese and pile on the veggies or opt for a chain that carries dairy-free cheese (800 Degrees, Fresh Brothers, and Blaze are just a few). However, if frozen pizza is a staple in your freezer, you can easily find a fabulous dairy-free alternative.
As far as frozen pizzas go, The Pizza Plant pizzas can’t be topped. You can find them in some Whole Foods in the Southwest Pacific region (CA, AZ, NV), but they also ship nationwide. For a store-bought option, look for Sweet Earth Veggie Lover’s Vegan Pizza, Amy’s No Cheese Pizza, American Flatbread (Vegan Harvest or Farmer’s Pie), and Alpha’s Pizza.
Amy’s
3. Frozen entrées
When you think about it, many frozen entrées contain cheese—taquitos, burritos, pastas, and breakfast items are typically covered in some frozen processed cheese product. You can still stock your freezer with these convenience items after you break up with cheese—just make them dairy-free.
For burritos, check out any of Amy’s non-dairy burrito varieties (there’s a ton!). Amy’s also makes Vegan Cheese Pizza Snacks—you know, the poppable pizza bites that burn your mouth but kids can’t resist. Starlite is the go-to brand for dairy-free taquitos, and they can be found in most supermarkets such as Sprouts and Whole Foods.
If you’re into hot pockets, both Alpha Foods and Gardein offer these microwavable hand pies—dairy-free, of course!
Daiya
4. Cheesecake
Why stock ice cream in your freezer when you can have dairy-free cheesecake? The four flavors from Daiya—New York, Strawberry, Chocolate, and Key Lime—are classic. Think crumbly but tender graham cracker crust and lusciously smooth, slightly dense, super sultry cheesecake on top. Pro tip: the directions advise you to thaw the cheesecake for multiple hours—honestly, we just use the defrost setting on the microwave and watch it closely, because who has the patience to wait six hours for cheesecake?
Trader Joe’s also makes mini dairy-free cheesecakes which you can find in the frozen dessert section. Be warned, these are addictive, and four come in a box!
Earth Balance
5. Cheesy snacks
From crackers to puffs, cheesy snacks are a big deal. Calm those cheesy cravings with Earth Balance Aged White Cheddar Puffs and Vegan Cheddar Flavor Squares, Vegan Rob’s Cheddar Puffs, and PigOut Nacho Cheese Rinds. You’ll experience the same crunch and cheesy flavor without that annoying cheese finger dust (or trans fat, or cholesterol, or cow hormones … you get the idea).
LOCA
6. Jarred sauces
Pasta sauce may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cheese, but staples such as Alfredo and vodka sauce are loaded with dairy. Make a simple dairy-free swap by looking for Victoria Vegan Alfredo and vodka sauces, Simple Truth (the Kroger brand) Plant-Based Alfredo, and Trader Joe’s Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto.
Looking for gooey dairy-free queso? Both LOCA (online) and Siete (store-bought) are phenomenal finds.
NoDoh
7. Mozzarella sticks
Believe it or not, dairy-free mozzarella sticks are a big deal. Plant-based restaurants across the country have boarded the breaded fried cheese train, and what they’ve come up with is just as hot and gooey as its dairy predecessor. For your at-home fix, order from NoDoh. A quick cook in an air-fryer or toaster oven will result in golden appetizer perfection. Serve with the obligatory side of warmed marinara sauce.
Didn’t find your favorite cheesy product on this list? Email [email protected] and we’ll find a dairy-free cheese alternative for you!
Image credit: Modern Table
