Making a sharp transition from their former “velveeta-like” cheesy blocks, the new dairy-free Daiya Farmhouse Blocks are much more akin to chunks of traditional cheese.
As for the pros, Daiya Farmhouse 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 Farmhouse Blocks as a snack with crackers.
As for the cons, Daiya Farmhouse 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. Briefly back on the pro side, they 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). Although, frozen bites of this plant-based cheese substitute will still melt fairly well into sauces.
Tasting Notes for Daiya Farmhouse Blocks
As for the flavors, all varieties of the Daiya Farmhouse Blocks have the same ingredient base but each has its own unique vibe:
Cheddar
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.
Smoked Gouda
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.
Monterey Jack
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.
Jalapeno Havarti
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.
The Facts on Daiya Farmhouse Blocks
Certifications: Daiya Farmhouse Blocks are Certified Kosher Parve and Certified Vegan. They are also labeled as gluten free, but at last check, we didn’t see a certification.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Daiya Farmhouse Blocks are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan / plant-based, and vegetarian. Nonetheless, check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. Processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company / product.
For More Product Information: Visit the Daiya Foods website at daiyafoods.com.
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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!