Creamy, Melty, and Dairy-Free: The Best Vegan Cheese Shreds (Yes, We Tried Them All!)

France has been synonymous with cheese for centuries. So, with that in mind, it’s no surprise that the cheese grater was invented by a Frenchman. In the 1540s, the contraption (which, of course, would turn cheese into shreds) was designed by François Boullier in order to help families get more out of their food budgets. After all, grating cheese meant that the ingredients went further and lasted longer.

Jump to the shreds

Over the years, there have been various improvements to the cheese grater (needless to say, the one in your kitchen likely looks nothing like Boullier’s initial invention). But thanks to the world of ultra-convenience-focused foods, you don’t even really need one anymore (sorry, Boullier), because packaged shredded cheese exists. Yes, even in vegan form. In fact, all of the vegan versions on the market offer maximum convenience, versatility, and taste. But which ones are the best? Let’s investigate.

What is vegan shredded cheese?

Vegan shredded cheese is just like regular vegan cheese, only instead of a block, it comes pre-grated in a packet. Most vegan shredded cheeses on the market are dairy-free versions of mozzarella, cheddar, or extra mature cheddar, and they’re often made with ingredients like soy, nuts, and coconut oil.

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How does vegan shredded cheese taste?

In the past, vegan cheese hasn’t always had the best reputation. But thankfully, the industry has progressed significantly. Due to innovation in the vegan cheese market, products (including shredded cheeses) are starting to taste closer to the dairy version than ever before. And they’re better for the planet, the animals, and human health.

RELATED: We Tried Them All! 22 Dairy-Free Cheese Brands for Cheese Lovers

Does vegan shredded cheese melt?

Again, thanks to innovation in the food industry, vegan cheese products don’t just look and taste like the animal version, they also melt like it, too—which is great news for vegan pizza-, grilled cheese-, and pasta-lovers everywhere. You can get the same melty goodness, without having to go anywhere near animal products. It’s a win-win.

The best vegan shredded cheese brands

The vegan cheese market is growing fast. According to Fortune Business Insights, “the global non-dairy cheese market size was valued at $2.1 billion in 2025,” and by 2034, the sector is predicted to hit a value of nearly $6.8 billion.

While demand is a key reason for this growth, the improved quality of products on offer are also keeping consumers coming back. But which one should you put in your cart next time you’re in the grocery store? Well, to help you decide, we’ve put together this list of some of the best products on the market.

Violife

1 Violife

Greek brand Violife has been on the vegan food scene since the ’90s. And, over the years, it has developed a range of products that truly look, cook, taste, and melt just like their cow-derived counterparts. Alongside cheese blocks and slices, the brand offers four different types of vegan shredded cheese: Colby Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Mexican Style (a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack). So fire up the pizza oven!
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Daiya

2 Daiya

Canadian vegan brand Daiya has one of the biggest ranges of vegan shredded cheese products on the market. It offers everything from Parmesan to Italian, Mexican, and Spicy Monterey Jack, all of which are the perfect accompaniment to pasta (we’re thinking macaroni), fajitas, quesadillas, pizzas, and more. As well as shreds, the brand also offers a range of vegan cheese slices, sticks, sauces, and blocks, alongside pre-made cheesy products, like cheesecake.
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Follow Your Heart

3 Follow Your Heart

Follow Your Heart has come a long way since the 1970s when it started out as a small restaurant in California’s Canoga Park. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the most popular vegan brands in the country. As well as its signature Vegenaise and American slices, it also offers vegan shredded cheese options. Choose between Cheddar and Mozzarella. 
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Field Roast

4 Field Roast/Chao

Field Roast is known for its diverse range of vegan meat products, but the brand also carries several vegan cheese products under the name Chao Creamery. Products include Mac ‘n Chao, Chao Queso, slices, and two shredded options: Creamy Original and Mexican Style Blend. 
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GoodPlanet Foods

5GoodPlanet Foods

With 15 different cheesy products, GoodPlanet Foods has a vegan cheese for every occasion and craving. The brand’s shredded cheese is available in three different varieties: Mexican Blend, Cheddar, and Mozzarella. All are made with heart-healthy olive oil and are a “good source of calcium,” according to the brand.
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Miyoko’s Creamery

6Miyoko’s Creamery

Late last year, Miyoko’s Creamery’s products quietly disappeared from store shelves following a change in company ownership. However, this May, the brand’s most popular products—namely its line of dairy-free butters—are back in select retailers. Its cheeses, including shreds, are also expected to make a return. Keep an eye out for the return of these Plant Milk Shreds available in flavors like Taco Blend.

Never Better Foods

7Never Better Foods

Crafted from a blend of chickpea protein, coconut oil, konjac, sea salt, and potato protein (among other ingredients), Never Better Foods’ dairy-free cheese offerings are free of GMOs. The brand’s Better Than Mozzarella and Better Than Cheddar shreds are perfect for macaroni and cheese, lasagna, and more. 
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Parmela Creamery

8 Parmela Creamery

Right now, Parmela Creamery offers four shredded cheeses: Mozzarella, Fiery Jack, Sharp Cheddar, and Mild Cheddar. Each one is made using a traditional aging and culturing process, inspired by real cheesemakers. This ensures that the brand’s vegan cheeses develop a rich and realistic flavor profile that is so like real cheese, you’ll never crave the real thing again.

Moocho

9 Moocho

The makers of Tofurky have already revolutionized our holiday spreads and everyday sandwiches with their vegan roasts and plant-based deli slices. But now, they’re at it again with dairy-free cheese shreds. Available in Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Fiesta Blend, Moocho cheese shreds impart a savory, “Wisconsin-y” touch to pizzas, tacos, and more. 

10Trader Joe’s

In addition to its vast array of vegan snacks, frozen meals, and dairy-free milks, this tiki-themed grocer offers two vegan cheese shreds: Mozzarella Style Shreds and Shredded Parmesan Cheese Alternative. The former is made with cashews, while the former relies on a blend of potato starch, coconut oil, salt, and pea starch. Both are perfect for pizza night.