Vegan Cheese, an alternative for vegans, the lactose-intolerant, and the plant-based-curious

Although only a small portion of American consumers identify as vegan, many are still curious about plant-based alternatives for dairy, and about 36% of Americans have some level of lactose intolerance, according to the National Institutes of Health. Enter vegan cheese.

Most forms of vegan cheese are made with oil mixed with starch, colorings, and flavorings, but some companies have developed technology to get dairy alternatives such as almond milk to curdle and ferment, allowing them to make a form of vegan cheese in that way.

It’s growing in popularity on pizzas, in sandwiches, and in scores of other forms as more people forgo dairy for some or all occasions.

Although vegan cheese’s ability to mimic dairy can vary greatly, and the meltability can sometimes be a sticking point, more consumers are willing to swap it in as a way to add more plant-based options that aren’t too far afield from what they are used to.

According to market research firm Datassential, vegan cheese is found on 4.2% of U.S. menus, a 78% increase over the past four years, with awareness highest among Gen Z and Asian consumers.

Click through the above gallery to learn more about vegan cheese and see how one restaurant is using it on the menu.