A few years ago, Daiya Farmhouse Blocks were launched. At first glance, they looked like their old “velveeta” style blocks, but the new formula was much more akin to traditional cheese. These next generation hard vegan cheese blocks were so well loved that Daiya eventually discontinued the old-style blocks, and dropped the “farmhouse” from the name. Now they’re simply called Daiya Blocks, or as we like to call them, Daiya Dairy-Free Cheese Blocks.
Daiya Blocks are Dairy-Free Alternatives to Classic Hard Cheese
In terms of pros, Daiya Blocks offer that slice-able, straight up nosh-able alternative to hard cheese, which I know so many of you are craving. Though not always spot on (see my notes below), the dairy-free and vegan flavors are reminiscent of their namesakes. These varieties have textures that hold their own on sandwiches and appetizer platters. Despite the fact that I’ve never been a cheese fan (gasp!), I very much enjoyed cubes of the Daiya Blocks as a snack with crackers.
As for the cons, Daiya Blocks are definitely meant to be enjoyed as is. Unlike the old blocks, they don’t melt nicely. I would stick with Daiya shreds for a gooey experience. But, the Blocks will melt in the microwave or into a sauce on the stove top. In fact, I tried freezing some slices and cubes with little success (the texture is significantly affected), but the frozen cubes still melted well into sauce.
I’ve included some tasting notes below, but please leave your own rating and review below if you try any flavors of Daiya Blocks.
Cheddar Style
I think they hit the mark with this one as it tastes just like American cheddar, from what I remember. It has a spot on texture with a genuine cheesy flavor that’s only slightly tangier than I’d imagine real cheese.
Ingredients: filtered water, tapioca starch, coconut oil, vegan natural flavors, pea protein, expeller pressed: canola and/or safflower oil, chicory root fiber, tricalcium phosphate, salt, xanthan gum, lactic acid (vegan), pea starch, vegan enzyme, cane sugar, annatto (color), yeast extract, coconut cream. Contains: coconut.
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 80 calories, 6g fat, 7g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 1g protein.*
Smoked Gouda Style
Not quite as rich and smoky as I remember this cheese to be, but this substitute still has a pleasant “after-smoke” and a warm, cheesy, but not overly so, bite.
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 80 calories, 6g fat, 7g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 1g protein.*
Monterey Jack Style
This is by far the tangiest of the bunch. It’s good, but a little of the cheesy flavor is lost in the sharpness. Still quite multi-purpose but not my favorite for eating as is.
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 80 calories, 6g fat, 7g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 1g protein.*
Jalapeno Havarti Style
The consistency of this flavor alternative is slightly different from the others – a little drier, in fact. Fortunately, the spicy kick overrides the textural issues and blends nicely with the cheesy backdrop.
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 80 calories, 6g fat, 7g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 1g protein.*
The Facts on Daiya Blocks (Dairy-Free Hard Cheese Alternative)
Price: $4.99 per 7.1-ounce block
Availability: Daiya Blocks are sold at Whole Foods, Safeway, and natural food stores in the U.S. and Canada.
Certifications: Daiya Blocks are Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Verified, and Certified Kosher Parve.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Daiya Blocks 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 Foods website at 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. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.
Average Reader Review
Leave Your Rating & Review for This Product
What Others Are Saying ...
Farmhouse blocks, chunky and thick slices
If you love to nosh on chunks of cheese, or slice it thick for sandwiches, then this could be the sub for you. By far the closest in texture and in some cases taste (particularly the Cheddar), to traditional blocks of cheese, this substitute is ready for appetizer platters. That said, unlike its predecessor, the Farmhouse Blocks don’t melt as nicely on their own. However, you can pop them into stove top sauces, the warm surrounding liquid coaxes them to melt and meld deliciously.
20 Comments
Just tried the Daiya Monterey Jack. Tried melting on veggie burger under broiler, tastes great but doesn’t melt like cheese. Sliced in a sandwich or eaten plain, it’s very very good!
I loved these! I bought some during my last shopping trip and couldn’t believe how close to “real” cheese it tasted. It’s just great to have more options, especially for cheeses made without nuts.
Thank you for sharing your own review Nicole!
Daiya is a good alternative, though it really doesn’t taste like real cheddar (just removed dairy from my diet) found out about this “cheese”. In some ways it is like the plastic wrapped cheese slices that the fresh cheese slices. But I am not complaining! It is as close to cheese as one can get.
Just remember to read the ingredients because the cheddar slices are made from different ingredients that the cheddar shreds and I am guessing the cheddar blocks may be slightly different as well. Haven’t seen the blocks in my city yet. If you are on a multi intolerance eating regime don’t assume the same item in a different format has the same ingredients.
Hi Nicola, these are definitely quite a different formula from the slices (which are more like processed food cheese in my opinion, too!) and the shreds. They are more of an authentic cheddar in taste and texture than the others, but don’t melt as well. Hopefully you find them soon!
“In some ways it is like the plastic wrapped cheese slices that the fresh cheese slices.” lol, agreed! ?
Thank goodness I am part of the lucky minority of people with dairy allergies that can eat sheep and goat dairy. I dunno how I’d survive if I wasn’t.
I think you are referring to the slices – different formula – this one is brand new, and as noted, not “Velveeta” like I thought the prior blocks were, too! 🙂
I haven’t seen these yet, but looking forward to trying it. I’m not a huge fan of Daiya shreds and the original “blocks” that melt. Maybe these will be closer to real cheese flavor.
These are replacing those old blocks and are very, very different. I’ll be curious what you think Jenn!
Thanks for the review! I haven’t tried the new blocks since they revamped them. They sound like a great addition to a wine and cheese night. I’ll check them out sometime!
Definitely a better wine and cheese option than most!
I can’t wait for these cheeses to start appearing in Germany, I really miss hard cheeses and they are much more difficult to make at home than vegan cream cheese and the like.
I love these blocks so much! They’re the best budget-friendly vegan cheese blocks out there by far, imo. We buy at least one every week!
Thanks for sharing Becky!
I love the cheddar block. It really is so close to dairy cheddar. The havarti’s texture was a little off but it tasted great. Thanks for the review, I agree with everything you wrote.
Thanks Linda, good to get some other opinions!
I love how many options there are now with dairy free! I remember just a few years ago when it was slim pickings. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! I bet there will be some fun stuff at Expo!
Yes, I’m looking for to Expo – will you be there Sophia?
I love that so many more companies aren’t just offering traditional cheese substitutes, but are trying to offer more of a variety. I’ll have to be on the look out for this in stores!
I agree, the variety emerging is fantastic!