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    You are at:Home»Product Reviews»Dairy-Free Cheese Substitute Reviews»Daiya Cream Cheeze Now with a Simpler Formula and New Flavor

    Daiya Cream Cheeze Now with a Simpler Formula and New Flavor

    29
    By Alisa Fleming on January 11, 2022 Dairy-Free Cheese Substitute Reviews, Product Reviews

    Over the past few months, Daiya Cream Cheeze has undergone some simplification. The packaging was redesigned for a cleaner look and with a shorter name – “Cream Cheeze Style Spread” is now just “Cream Cheeze.” And the whole plant-based product line was completely reformulated, removing several ingredients. But don’t worry, they still offer four flavors of this dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Daiya did decide to discontinue the Garden Vegetable variety, but they’ve added Roasted Garlic & Herbs to the line up.

    Daiya Cream Cheeze Reviews & Info - Dairy-Free, Plant-Based Cream Cheese Style Spread in 4 Flavors

    Daiya Cream Cheeze Now with a Simpler Formula and New Flavor

    No doubt the recipe change will please some of you, but disappoint others. Leave your own unbiased rating and review below and tell us what you think of it.

    Plain

    Daiya Cream Cheeze Reviews & Info - Dairy-Free, Plant-Based Cream Cheese Style Spread in 4 FlavorsIngredients: filtered water, coconut oil, tapioca flour, coconut cream, natural flavors, salt, pea protein, cane sugar, xanthan gum, enzyme, lactic acid, guar gum, turmeric (color). Contains: coconut.*

    Nutrition (per 2 tablespoon serving): 60 calories, 5g fat, 3g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 0g protein.*

    Chive & Onion

    Daiya Cream Cheeze Reviews & Info - Dairy-Free, Plant-Based Cream Cheese Style Spread in 4 FlavorsIngredients: filtered water, coconut oil, tapioca flour, coconut cream, natural flavors, chives, onion, salt, pea protein, cane sugar, xanthan gum, enzyme, lactic acid, garlic, guar gum, turmeric (color). Contains: coconut.*

    Nutrition (per 2 tablespoon serving): 60 calories, 5g fat, 3g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 0g protein.*

    Roasted Garlic & Herbs

    Daiya Cream Cheeze Reviews & Info - Dairy-Free, Plant-Based Cream Cheese Style Spread in 4 FlavorsIngredients: filtered water, coconut oil, tapioca flour, coconut cream, garlic, natural flavors, salt, pea protein, cane sugar, xanthan gum, enzyme, lactic acid, guar gum, parsley, basil, turmeric (color). Contains: coconut.*

    Nutrition (per 2 tablespoon serving): 60 calories, 5g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 0g protein.*

    Strawberry

    Daiya Cream Cheeze Reviews & Info - Dairy-Free, Plant-Based Cream Cheese Style Spread in 4 FlavorsIngredients: filtered water, coconut oil, tapioca flour, cane sugar, coconut cream, strawberries, natural flavors, salt, pea protein, enzyme, xanthan gum, lactic acid, vanilla extract, fruit and/or vegetable juice (color), guar gum. Contains: coconut.*

    Nutrition (per 2 tablespoon serving): 70 calories, 5g fat, 5g carbs, 0g fiber, 2g sugars (includes 2g added sugar), 0g protein.*

    More Allergen Notes

    According to the company, Daiya Cream Cheeze Style Spread is made in their own dedicated production facility, which is free of dairy ingredients and products.

    Discontinued Flavors

    The Garden Vegetable Daiya Cream Cheeze is no longer available.

    Daiya Cream Cheese Style Spread (Plain) - Deliciously Dairy Free

    More Facts on Daiya Cream Cheeze Style Spreads

    • Price: $5.49 per 8-ounce tub
    • Availability: The plain variety is widely available at grocers in the U.S. and Canada. The flavors of Daiya Cream Cheese Style Spread are more readily available at natural food stores.
    • Certifications: Daiya Cream Cheeze Style Spreads are Certified Kosher Pareve and Non-GMO Verified.
    • Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Daiya Cream Cheeze Style Spreads are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.*
    • For More Product Information: Visit the Daiya website at www.daiyafoods.com.

    *Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. All food products are at some degree of risk for allergen cross-contamination. Only you can assess what is safe for your needs. 

    Average Reader Review

    2.6
    Rated 2.6 out of 5
    2.6 out of 5 stars (based on 9 reviews)
    Excellent22%
    Very good0%
    Average22%
    Poor22%
    Terrible34%

    Leave Your Rating & Review for This Product

    What Others Are Saying ...

    SIMPLE SOLUTION

    Rated 2 out of 5
    March 31, 2022

    This is rank, class A RANK. Simple homemade upgrade add 3-5 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/2 tsp salt. Blend with hand then taste add more as you desire.

    Avatar for Allene
    Allene

    Unfortunate that Daiya reformulated and kept the pea protein

    Rated 1 out of 5
    January 22, 2022

    My family still cannot eat this product, despite the reformulation, as it still contains pea protein.
    Many children with peanut allergies are also allergic to peas.

    Avatar for Katie
    Katie

    Ok

    Rated 3 out of 5
    January 22, 2022

    It’s ok, not as good as Tofutti. I’d still use it if it didn’t have Xanthan Gum sourced from corn.

    Avatar for Anni
    Anni

    Good stuff

    Rated 5 out of 5
    November 14, 2021

    I really like this cream cheese. I’ve tried others and this is the best one I’ve tried.

    Avatar for Vegan
    Vegan

    Delicious

    Rated 5 out of 5
    October 30, 2020

    I was shocked to see the reviews about how disgusting people thought this product was. I have been gluten free, dairy free, egg free and soy free due to allergies for 9 years and I thought this was delicious. If you have recently changed over, then I may be able to see where it wouldn’t taste like regular cream cheese. Let’s be honest, when you have so many food allergies and haven’t been able to eat that stuff in a long time, this becomes a treat. It could even take a little while for you taste buds to readjust, but in my opinion, this was delicious and I absolutely love daiya products because I am able to have some similar treats other than boring chicken and vegetables all of the time!

    Avatar for Kate
    Kate

    Very Disappointed

    Rated 1 out of 5
    August 12, 2020

    I was really excited to buy the garden vegetable cream cheese, I have recently gone dairy free and miss having bagels with cream cheese. This spread was so disgusting, I couldn’t take more than one bite. It doesn’t even taste like cream cheese, it tastes like old smelly cheese. It’s like they really tried to overcompensate for being a dairy free cheese product.

    Avatar for Cori
    Cori

    Tastes Like Plastic

    Rated 1 out of 5
    August 2, 2020

    Daiya can do so much better and I feel so let down by this “cream cheese”. Firstly, it tastes like plastic and honestly tastes worse than I remember cheese-whiz tasting. Secondly, it smells so bad that even if the flavor were okay, the journey to the mouth leaves me heaving before I’ve even taken a bite. Finally, the texture is more reminiscent of conditioner than it is of traditional cream cheese. I would rate the mouthfeel at a measly 2/5 at best. If I could leave less than one star on this review, I would.

    Avatar for Madeline
    Madeline

    Ew

    Rated 2 out of 5
    April 21, 2020

    This cream cheese is disgusting. It’s overly sweet and leaves a taste that lingers in my mouth. It’s definitely not reminiscent of cream cheese. And covering the overtly sweet taste is difficult, even with the smallest amount spread on a bagel with avocado and bagel seasoning leaves the bagel with the gross taste. The Trader Joe’s brand vegan cream cheese is superior in taste, this just reminds me of why people used to not go vegan.

    Avatar for Hope
    Hope

    Works well in recipes

    Rated 3 out of 5
    February 21, 2019

    Daiya gets definite props for creating cheese alternatives like this one without any top allergens, in their dedicated facility. But the Plain falls a little short as a mimic – it is softer (but very spreadable) than traditional cream cheese with a tangy flavor that is sharper and takes a bit getting used to. That said, we’ve found that it works quite well in recipes (such as “cream cheese” frosting and even “stuffed” savories) – in fact, it might offer more punch than dairy.

    Avatar for Alisa
    Alisa
    Alisa Fleming
    • Website

    Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree.org, Food Editor for Allergic Living magazine, and author of the best-selling dairy-free book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living, and the new cookbook, Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks, and Sweets. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry.

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    29 Comments

    1. Darla on January 26, 2019 2:47 pm

      Kitehill is my only dairy free alternative! It is absolutely the best!

    2. Elli on June 20, 2017 2:18 pm

      I have a dairy and soy allergy, so Daiya is pretty much my go-to brand. I tried the plain cream cheese and I believe my exact words were “… weird… and sweet…”

      I actually found this thread in trying to find ways to incorporate it into cooked food. Has anyone tried it in homemade mac n cheese? or taquitos? I really miss dairy products so I’m hoping there’s a chance…

      • Alisa Fleming on June 20, 2017 3:36 pm

        Hi Elli, as mentioned in my review, we had pretty much the same reaction tasting it straight up. Because of that it actually works really well in sweet recipes (like cheesecakes, ice cream, etc). For savories, I’ve had some luck with it, but I would use it in recipes where that sweetness is welcomed. I think taquitos could be a good fit, but would hesitate on mac ‘n cheese.

    3. Janet on February 12, 2017 12:16 pm

      It does not work in baked items. I tried a few recipes and it just does not bake. It was in the oven for over an hour and a half and would not set up! I wasted $20.00 in ingredients!

      • Alisa Fleming on February 12, 2017 3:07 pm

        Yikes! Thanks for the heads up Janet. It did work for us in a couple baked items, but savories and not in large quantities.

    4. nadia on December 15, 2016 11:21 am

      i hate the plain daiya cream cheese my cat won;t even try a tiny bit. I ‘ll take tofutti or go veggie my fav anyday. Those are awesome ! my cat loves to eat a tiny bit. lol I do like daiya shredded cheeses though and buy that . . i wish it had less salt and i wish they made soy products since soy tends to be way better.

    5. Erin Watson on November 29, 2016 7:39 am

      I find that all of Daiya’s offerings tend to taste better the longer you’ve been away from the “real thing”. I’ve only gotten the chance to try the plain version so far but I think it’s decent for what it is. It does have a “daiya taste” to it that I’ve also experienced in the yogurt and cheese. I was also surprised that Daiya’s cream cheese is actually ten calories more than regular full-fat Philadephia for the same serving size! I did notice it had some sweet notes to it, though. I think it would rock in recipes that call for cream cheese. I don’t know if there are better versions of dairy-free cream cheese out there, but this one is the best I’ve had so far.

      • Alisa Fleming on November 29, 2016 8:04 am

        Yep, I think that for most dairy alternatives Erin – especially cheesy ones! Thanks for sharing your feedback!

    6. Genny on February 24, 2016 8:29 am

      Thanks for the review. I haven’t tried the plain yet…but opted for the chive and onion. Just tried it on a bagel at first. I spread it on a warm, toasted bagel…and noticed the flavor of this too was a bit sharp and pronounced. ..only it wasn’t the chive or onion flavor I was expecting…but rather the undertones of the spread itself…was almost plastic tasting for lack of a better comparison. When I opened it it smelled wonderful and looked good…was expecting the taste to match…was a bit dissapointing. …I had a hunch that perhaps it would taste a bit better if it was spread on cold…..so I tried again with another toasted bagel…only let the bagel cool slightly first…..and yes! It was much better! Bo more funny aftertaste. 🙂 Happy experimenting!

      • Alisa Fleming on February 26, 2016 8:55 am

        Thank you for sharing this Genny! Yes, this Daiya product is a funny one – very finicky. Finding just the right applications seems to be the trick!

    7. BlackMamba on January 28, 2016 6:19 am

      For some reason, this cheese does not react well with my dairy allergies. I think the ingredients say it has lactic acid for flavor, so beware if you are very sensitive. I had bad stomach pains and bloating 20 min or less after testing a few teaspoons ): very disappointed!! Cream cheese was one of my favorite things to eat and cook with before I developed an allergy 7 years ago ):

      • Alisa Fleming on January 28, 2016 7:01 am

        What a bummer! Lactic acid isn’t a dairy ingredient – it just sounds like one! It’s created via sugar fermentation, usually corn, potatoes or molasses in North America. You can see this list for detailed ingredient understanding quickly – Dairy Ingredient List

    8. Adrian Leung on December 28, 2015 6:12 pm

      I wish I had read your review prior to purchasing two containers of Daiya Cream Cheese Style Spread, Alisa. I, too, think they need to tweak that tangy tartness. I bought one in plain and one in the chive & onion flavor. I tried both on bagels and I didn’t get through the bagel with the chive & onion flavor before I just gave up and tossed it. Since then, I’ve tried to put different flavors of Ms. Dash seasoning on the plain flavor such as Tomato Basil Garlic, Southwest Chipotle, and finally adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes in it to see if I can overcome that tangy tartness. None of those attempts worked. Just can’t get over that odd flavor. I won’t even give the chive & onion a second chance. I’m intrigued by the strawberry flavor but did not see that in the store. If I were to base it on the previous two Daiya Cream Cheese Style Spread flavors I tried, I’d be foolish to try a 3rd. If anyone wants the two open containers in my fridge, I’d probably even pay for postage as I hate to see something go to waste…but I ain’t gonna eat it! There are plenty of other non-intrusive flavored non-dairy cream cheese substitutes out there that I don’t mind eating.

      • Alisa Fleming on January 2, 2016 8:37 am

        I hear you Adrian! If you still have some left, I would definitely try the plain in a dessert (like frosting) as that seems to make it work better. For the chive and onion, baked into something it adds flavor without overpowering. I agree that just on bagels, it wasn’t the best.

        • Adrian Leung on January 20, 2016 8:58 pm

          Thanks Alisa! Great ideas on uses for the remainder of the spread. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that found that it taste a little different.

          • Alisa Fleming on January 21, 2016 3:27 pm

            Glad I can hep Adrian!

        • stef on March 24, 2016 1:39 pm

          i tried mixing it in a buffalo chicken dip (chicken & wing sauce )- it was a big fail- the taste is just bad and i agree with the plastic-y taste too. i’m now terrified of the flavors, experimenting with the different brands in PLAIN, wish i had trusted my instinct and started there…

          • Alisa Fleming on March 24, 2016 2:01 pm

            Yes, we really didn’t find that it worked well on its own or in savories. If you have leftovers, I would use it in a sweet application – that seems to work much better with the Daiya. As for your buffalo dip – if you can do soy, I would try the Go Veggie Vegan or Kite Hill (very pricey though!). Those two should yield better results based on our trials.

    9. Kriss on October 1, 2015 5:59 am

      I loved it! And I honestly didn’t find it tasted much different than ‘real’ cream cheese. It was creamy and spread well. Had it on top of a bagel, was amazing! (Had the plain)
      I’ll definitely be making some great goodies out of it. I wonder how it would react to being heated to make an Alfredo sauce… May have to try that! Mmmmm…

      • Alisa Fleming on October 1, 2015 7:47 am

        Thanks for sharing your review Kriss!

    10. Kimberly M on May 11, 2015 7:36 pm

      I haven’t had regular cream cheese in years, so for me there was no recent comparison to worry about and the Daiya Cream Cheese tasted pretty good. I liked the tart flavor and it went well with some hearty crackers. I shared it with some lactose intolerant friends and they liked it spread on scones. Then I made a vegan cheesecake using one of the recipes on the Daiya web site and that was a HUGE hit. Nice and creamy and the tangy flavor went well with the lemon and coconut. So, I thought it was a great product for folks who miss cream cheese desserts but can’t eat them due to lactose issues.

      • Alisa Fleming on May 12, 2015 6:47 am

        Thanks for your feedback Kimberly, it does seem to go really well in sweets! They actually have new Daiya cheezecakes out now, too! I’ll be reviewing those soon.

    11. Mandy on May 11, 2015 8:48 am

      I use this cream cheese for cupcakes, even adults can’t taste the difference. I have also used it in sausage balls my little boy who is 4 loves it!

      • Alisa Fleming on May 11, 2015 9:08 am

        These both sound delish! I like it with sweets, too 🙂

    12. Wendy on February 10, 2015 10:21 am

      I used this product to make the cream cheese frosting for a carrot cake. I tried it out of the container and thought it tasted a bit “off” from regular cream cheese…but let me tell you…. Did it make an amazing cream cheese frosting! Wow! A total hit!!!!!

      • Alisa Fleming on February 10, 2015 1:23 pm

        Thank you for sharing this Wendy – cream cheese frosting was on my to-do list for this one – good to know it works well!

        • Rebekah on May 19, 2017 10:58 am

          I used the Daiya plain for a cream cheese frosting; the Daiya went a long way so I iced another cake and also froze it – and both versions worked well. The consistency of the frozen and unthawed frosting was fine. My partner loves carrot cake (has to be gluten free and dairy free) so this was a great find.

          • Alisa Fleming on May 19, 2017 2:32 pm

            Marvelous! thanks for sharing this Rebekah. Helpful to know that it freezes well.

    13. Nancy Beckham on February 4, 2015 9:22 am

      I used cream cheese a lot before I became vegan so the Daiya was one of the first things I tried afterwards. I found it much too sweet. I ruined a recipe of olive/cream cheese spread (thought my son and I were going to throw up) and then tried it with pineapple which was one of our favorites–not any better. I have not tried their strawberry. I agree with you, the flavor needs work. I suppose it might be ok in cheese cake, but I don’t eat that.

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