Read time: 7 mins.
Table of Contents
Introduction
We used to adore spreading cream cheese on our bagels and sandwiches. It was a staple in our kitchen, but we had to say goodbye to our beloved cream cheese when we embraced a vegan lifestyle.
However, we were determined not to miss the creamy delight, so our family embarked on a fun and flavorful adventure: a taste test of eight different vegan cream cheese brands!
We wanted to find a new favorite that met all our criteria: creaminess, delicious taste, compatibility with our morning bagels, and versatility in baking. It was an exciting challenge that united us in the kitchen, each with our opinions and preferences.
The taste test turned into a delightful family event.
Emma, our six-year-old, loved being the little taste tester, while Mark brought his meticulous attention to detail, ensuring we didn’t miss any subtle flavors. I was thrilled to see how the different brands would stack up against each other.
And guess what?
We ended up with not one but two favorites!
Mark and Emma agreed on one brand, praising its smooth texture and rich taste, while I had my heart set on another, appreciating its perfect balance and creaminess.
Curious to know which brands won our hearts?
Stick around, and we’ll reveal our top picks at the end of this delicious journey!
Which Brands Did We Taste Test?
Our vegan cream cheese taste test featured a fantastic lineup of brands:
- Miyoko’s Creamery Classic Plain Cultured Vegan Cream Cheese
- Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original
- Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Alternative
- Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese
- Trader Joe’s Plain Classic Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative
- Daiya Plant-Based Cream Cheeze
- Treeline Dairy Free Cream Cheese
- Spero Sunflower Cream Cheese
Each brand brought something special to the table, and we couldn’t wait to see which would become our new household staple. Stay tuned for our delicious verdicts!
How Did We Do The Taste Test?
To find the best vegan cream cheese, we started with some delicious vegan bagels. To keep things fun and our taste buds fresh, we spread out the taste test over several days. Each morning, we enjoyed a different cream cheese for breakfast.
This approach allowed us to savor each flavor and texture without overwhelming our palates. It became a delightful daily ritual, with each of us sharing our thoughts and comparing notes. Emma especially loved the anticipation of trying a new cream cheese each day.
Best Vegan Cream Cheese: Our Top 8
Miyoko’s Creamery Classic Plain Cultured Vegan Cream Cheese
Miyoko’s Creamery, a fantastic female-owned business, was first in our taste test. We admired its dedication to quality, but the experience was mixed. The cream cheese wasn’t as smooth as we hoped and had a much thicker consistency. The vinegar smell was quite noticeable, and the texture was a bit gritty.
Overall, our family didn’t enjoy it on our morning bagels. Emma wrinkled her nose, and Mark wasn’t even a fan. While it might work well as a savory dip or in other dishes, it just didn’t hit the mark for our breakfast routine.
Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original
Next up was Violife, a brand we’ve always enjoyed for its vegan cheeses. Their cream cheese did not disappoint! It was the thickest of them all, with a beautiful white color. Despite a slight coconut aftertaste, the flavor was delightful.
Honestly, I could eat this with a spoon—it’s that good. Violife’s cream cheese most closely resembled traditional dairy cream cheese, with the creamiest consistency and the mildest flavor.
Emma loved spreading it on her bagel, and Mark agreed it was a strong contender. This one definitely made breakfast extra special the morning we tested it!
Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Alternative
Kite Hill’s products can be a hit or miss; unfortunately, their plain cream cheese was definitely a miss for us. While it had a neutral taste and a hint of cheesy flavor, it needed to be paired with something stronger to shine. As a standalone option, it just didn’t work well. The texture was decent, but it lacked the boldness we hoped for.
Emma found it bland, and Mark felt it needed more oomph. This one didn’t make it into our favorites list, but it might still work in recipes with more robust flavors.
Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese
Tofutti, one of the original vegan brands, offers a cream cheese with a good texture that’s pretty close to the real thing. However, the taste left us wanting more, as it was a bit bland. Despite its promising appearance, it didn’t quite hit the mark flavor-wise.
As a family, it didn’t work out for us—Emma didn’t find it exciting, and Mark agreed it was missing something. While we appreciate Tofutti’s pioneering efforts in the vegan market, this particular cream cheese didn’t make it to our favorites list. It might still be a decent option for recipes needing a subtle flavor.
Trader Joe’s Plain Classic Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative
Trader Joe’s vegan cream cheese was a bit of a mixed bag. The texture varied, sometimes being watery and other times creamy, which made consistency an issue. However, the taste was terrific, making it perfect for our morning bagels. Emma and Mark both enjoyed it, and it added a delicious touch to breakfast. Despite the texture inconsistency, the flavor won us over.
However, if you need cream cheese for recipes requiring a whipped consistency, this might pose a challenge. Overall, Trader Joe’s offered a tasty option, but the inconsistency kept it from being a top choice for every use.
Daiya Plant Based Cream Cheeze
Daiya used to be one of the best brands for vegan cheese alternatives, but unfortunately, its plant-based cream cheese no longer lives up to that reputation. It didn’t even come close to meeting our expectations. The taste was off, and none of us found it enjoyable. In fact, it wasn’t edible at all.
Emma took one bite and pushed her bagel away while Mark and I agreed it had an unappealing flavor and texture. It’s disappointing to see such a decline in quality from a brand we once loved. This one definitely didn’t make the cut for our family.
Treeline Dairy Free Cream Cheese
Treeline Dairy Free Cream Cheese is often touted as the closest you can get to real dairy cream cheese. It has a slightly different vibe but fills the void quite nicely. The flavor is smooth and even, making it incredibly spreadable.
Emma and Mark couldn’t stop raving about it—Emma’s bagel was gone in minutes, and Mark gave an approving nod after his first bite. This one definitely brought smiles to our breakfast table and satisfied our craving for a dairy-like experience.
Spero Sunflower Cream Cheese
Spero Sunflower Cream Cheese was an exciting contender in our taste test. It had a thick, buttery consistency, softer, and more like a spread but with a grainy texture. It reminded us of a homemade alternative with a distinct seedy taste. Unfortunately, it didn’t win over our family.
The unique texture and flavor profile were not what we were looking for in a cream cheese. Emma wasn’t a fan, and Mark and I agreed it wasn’t our favorite. Overall, it was a decisive pass for us, as we preferred smoother, more traditional options for our bagels and recipes.
Suggested Reading: Our Favorite Vegan Protein Bars: Taste, Nutrition, and More
Conclusion
Maybe you caught the hints from our taste test journey—Mark and Emma loved Treeline Dairy Free Cream Cheese, while my favorite was Violife.
There are many brands out there, and our family’s divided preferences prove that each taste bud is unique. The key is to try different options to find the one that works best for you.
Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment. Our taste test was a fun and enlightening experience, bringing us closer as a family and helping us discover delicious vegan alternatives. So grab a bagel and start your own taste test adventure!