The wave of vegan butcheries has given rise to a new niche merchant: plant-based cheese shops. Similar to their dairy-based counterparts, these cheesemongers carry gourmet rounds of artisan-crafted cheese along with wine and must-have cheeseboard accoutrements. Whether you’re enjoying a cheesy vegan meal prepared on-premises or stocking up on cheese to go, these vegan cheese purveyors have everything you need. From creamy brie to spicy pepper jack to more unique options, like caramelized onion camembert or truffle-flavored wheels, they’ve got you covered. Find some of our go-to vegan cheese shops below, but first: what makes artisanal vegan cheese special?
What is artisanal vegan cheese?
Artisanal vegan cheese is often made using traditional cheese-making techniques but without, of course, the animal-derived ingredients. It is often made by small-scale producers who emphasize quality, craftsmanship, and natural ingredients, rather than mass production. Usually, vegan cheesemakers work with ingredients like nuts (often cashews, for example, or macadamia nuts), as well as seeds or coconuts to achieve the final product. They may also add extra ingredients for flavor, including herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast (also known as nooch). Vegan cheese-making can involve aging, fermentation, and culturing to get that signature taste and texture, just like in traditional dairy cheese-making.
Vegan cheese shops to visit right now
If you’re on the hunt for next-level artisanal vegan cheese, stop by one of these 11 shops.
Vromage
1 Vromage
Los Angeles, CA
The vegan cheese at this unassuming strip mall cheese shop is fit for royals—and we’re not hyperbolizing. The shop and its founder, Youseff Vromage, were featured in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding album. The now Duchess of Sussex used to be a regular customer back in the days when she lived amongst us commoners in Los Angeles. Also, in case you were wondering, Vromage is officially this vegan cheesemonger’s last name—he had it legally changed. If that doesn’t show dedication to his craft, nothing does.
Cultured South
2 Cultured South/Pure Abundance
Atlanta, GA
Cultured South is a fermentation company and bar inside a cool industrial brewery. It carries Pure Abundance vegan cheeses in its grab-and-go section and features these small-batch vegan cheeses on its menu. Vegan options include a cheese plate that comes with three signature Pure Abundance cheeses, crackers, and pickles or a gooey, melty grilled cheese.
The Vreamery
3 The Vreamery
Paso Robles, CA
Come for the artisan vegan cheese, but stay for a freshly made melt. The Vreamery features a rotating menu of paninis, salads, and out-of-the-box grilled cheeses along with grazing boxes composed of vegan cheese, charcuterie, dried fruit, and nuts. Customers can also pick up their favorite cheese selections to enjoy at home.
Vtopian
4 Vtopian
Head to Vtopian’s café in Portland to sample a delicious selection of housemade vegan cheeses like sharp aged white cheddar, creamy peppercorn brie, slightly sweet caramelized onion camembert, and so much more. As well as its own range, the shop also offers delicious dairy-free cheeses from fellow brands like Rebel Cheese, too.
Riverdel Vegan Cheese
5 Riverdel Vegan Cheese
New York City, NY
Coined “the original vegan cheesemonger,” Riverdel has consistently raised the bar for vegan cheese since its founding in 2015. The company creates its own line of cheeses (which are aged in a traditional walk-in cheese cave) and also carries a wide selection of the highest-quality vegan cheeses. Don’t expect to grab an eight-ounce tub or plastic container—most cheeses are cut from giant wheels, sold by weight, and delicately wrapped in paper. Riverdel keeps the traditions of the old-timey cheese shop without the animal cruelty or enormous environmental footprint.
Rebel Cheese
6 Rebel Cheese
Austin, TX
Far more than just a cheese shop, you could spend an entire day sampling the extensive breakfast, daytime, and dessert menu of Rebel Cheese. Just looking for cheese? Order a glass of wine while you peruse the collection because it will take time to decide between the Gruyere (a cheddar and brie hybrid), the black garlic brie, the triple peppercorn chèvre, and all the other outstanding flavors. If you’re looking for a unique gift for the vegan who has everything, a wheel of Rebel Cheese could be it.
Three Girls Vegan Creamery
7 Three Girls Vegan Creamery
Guilford, CT
From pillowy mozzarella to almond ricotta, this vegan Italian eatery has mastered the art of plant-based dairy. The delightful menu of signature pizzas, lasagna, and desserts may first grab your attention, but don’t forget to scan the extensive selection of housemade vegan cheeses. Beyond the Italian classics, the creamery churns out a variety of other cheeses such as parmesan and chipotle cheddar. Customers travel across state borders to stock up!
Dr. Cow
8 Dr. Cow
Brooklyn, NY
This Brooklyn-based cheesemonger has adopted a delivery and pick-up model, but the impressive selection has remained a constant for Brooklyn and Manhattanites. The collection ranges from cream cheese to fresh sour cream in addition to must-have cheese accouterments such as jam and sweet, chocolaty treats. One could make a weekly habit of Dr. Cow delivery and never tire of the deliciously endless cheese pairings.
Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher Shop
9 Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher Shop
This vegan butcher shop is the place to go in Los Angeles if you want nutritious, housemade plant-based meats, like salami, pastrami, and chorizo, for example. But it also offers a delicious range of dairy-free cheeses from popular brands like Rebel Cheese and Climax. Options include slightly spicy pepper jack, creamy tomato herb fromage, and classic blue cheese.
The Herbivorous Butcher
10The Herbivorous Butcher
Minneapolis, MN
Technically, this is a vegan butcher; however, the variety of vegan cheese here earns it a spot on this list. In lieu of hard, rind-bound cheeses, you’ll find options best suited for sandwiches and deli sides. Think Havarti, pepper jack, cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella—all perfect for handholds and salads. While pursuing the deli case, pick up a box of crackers to go with your cheese selection. Of course, a few slices of pastrami and capicola ham are a must as well.
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11 Bestie’s Vegan Paradise
As the name promises, Bestie’s Vegan Paradise is, well, paradise for vegans. And paradise isn’t complete without a delicious selection of vegan cheese. The online supermarket, which has a location in Los Angeles, offers an extensive range, including Dare Cheese Balsamic Fig, Virgin Cheese Smoked Gouda, Nuts for Cheese Sharp Cheddar, Rebel Cheese Chevre Truffle, and so much more.
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