Parmesan Is the Italian “King of Cheeses,” and It’s Even Better Dairy-Free

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. 

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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 region of France, but for cheeses). Similar cheeses not from these regions are usually labeled as “hard, aged cheese.”

RELATED: These Are the 16 Best Ways We’ve Used Nutritional Yeast (So Far!)

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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).

Follow Your Heart

1 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.”
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2 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.”
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Madly Hadley

3 Madly Hadley

This soy-free vegan parmesan is made with simple ingredients, but it packs a punch of parm flavor. Cashews, sea salt, nutritional yeast, garlic, and onion come together for a parmesan that you can dust on pasta, pizza, popcorn, and beyond. 
Reviewers say: “Fantastic parmesan cheese,” “Best parmesan cheese—vegan or otherwise,” and “My favorite dairy-free parm so far.”
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Panacheeza

4Panacheeza

Panacheeza boasts an impressive line of vegan parmesan. Beyond its classic original flavor, the brand also makes a Hot & Spicy variety as well as a Truffle parmesan variety.
Reviewers say: “Perfect pizza topping,” “Great product,” and “I will definitely buy this again.”
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Nooch It!

5 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.”
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Farmer Foodie

6 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.”
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