Go Veggie has always been a confusing brand, because they sell vegan cheese alternatives, which are dairy-free, and lactose-free cheese alternatives, which are not dairy-free. The packaging looks similar, so you have to look for the “Vegan” label in purple. Fortunately, Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese alternative is their only cream cheese line – they don’t make a “lactose-free” cream cheese.
Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese Comes in 3 Flavors and 2 Sizes
I’ve left my pictures of the Plain and Strawberry cream cheese alternatives below because they show the texture and look of Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese. The packaging has since changed to the green tubs shown here, but the product inside is the same. I held a taste-test with Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese and some other brands, and the notes included here are from those comparison trials.
Classic Plain
Unlike other alternatives that tend to be spiked with a bit too much tang, the Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese is more subdued and firm, but still spreadable, with both the creamy and flavor essence that reminded our tasters most of dairy cream cheese. I had to trust their notes on similarities, but can say that I found it pleasant and quite versatile. That said, because it has a calmer flavor, it wasn’t my top pick for making cream cheese-based frosting or similar desserts. This variety is also available in singles (shown in the Chive & Garlic photo below).
Ingredients: filtered water, coconut oil, mid-oleic sunflower oil, soy protein concentrate, cornstarch, sea salt, tricalcium phosphate, natural vegan flavors, organic locust bean gum, xanthan gum, organic guar gum, vegan culture. contains coconut, soy.
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons / 30 grams): 80 calories, 8g fat, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein.*
Strawberry
Holy moly, is this good! The texture of the Strawberry is rich, creamy, and very similar in consistency to a spreadable dairy-based cream cheese. Though it is quite low in sugars, the cream cheese altenative has a sweet and delightful flavor. In fact, I would liken it to frosting that isn’t sugary. I adored it on graham crackers for dessert and rice cakes with my morning tea.
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons / 30 grams): 90 calories, 7g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 3g sugars, 1g protein.*
Chive & Garlic
This flavor was very similar in texture and taste to the Plain, but with flavorful savory nuances that were pretty spot on. I loved that it wasn’t overly garlicky and thought it perfect on crackers, vegetables, or for using in dinner recipes. This variety is also available in singles (shown below).
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons / 30 grams): 80 calories, 8g fat, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein.*
More Facts on Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese
Price: $3.99 per 8-ounce tub; $1.49 per 1.3-ounce mini
Availability: Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese is sold refrigerated (the tubs and the singles) in the U.S. and Canada, but it isn’t distributed as well as some brands. Look for it at Winco and independent natural grocers and more localized chains.
Certifications: Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese Alternatives are Non-GMO Verified and Certified Kosher Pareve.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, the Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese Alternatives are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, vegan, vegetarian, and keto.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Go Veggie! website at www.goveggiefoods.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 ...
Very runny
The consistency was nothing like cream cheese, more like sour cream.
Runny with poor flavor
I agree with Georgia’s review. The Go Veggie “Classic Plain” Vegan Cream Cheese I got from my local grocery store was runny even after stirring. I don’t need vegan cream cheese to taste just like the dairy stuff, but the initial taste is only OK and then leaves a mild but gross oily aftertaste. Works alright when mixed with some other things on a sandwich, but I wouldn’t eat this by itself on bread or crackers. They could improve the texture and flavor by using less oil and more nuts. My favorite vegan cream cheese that I’ve tried so far is Miyoko’s.
Watery
I might have gotten a bad container but it was watery and the consistency was nothing like cream cheese. Flavor was also not good.
Well rounded cream cheese alternative
Of all the cream cheese alternatives we’ve sampled, this one hit closest to “real” spreadable dairy-based cream cheese in both subtle yet well-rounded taste and thick, rich and creamy consistency. The Plain and Chive & Garlic are good straight-up but showed the most versatility for using in savory dishes. The Strawberry is like a marvelous low-sugar dessert topper on its own.
23 Comments
So I bought the Shredded Mozzarella. On the front it says “LACTOSE FREE” but when I look at the ingredients, it says “CONTAINS MILK”. This is false advertising.
Go Veggie has two product lines, one that is dairy-free and vegan, and one that is lactose-free but contains dairy. Look for the purple label. They use a purple label on their vegan and dairy-free products. It’s very easy to mix the two up.
I got the Go Veggie product cause I like milk in recipes. I was disappointed to find that Lactose is one of the ingredients of the Go Veggie products. Not a good thing for those of us who avoid milk product ts due to Lactose Intolerance. Also (minor amount) skim milk is used in several Go Veggie products
The green package products from Go Veggie do contain milk. The ones we review here are the purple packages, which are dairy-free.
I read the ingredients list and saw that some listed “negligible amount” of milk fat and lactose. For those of us who are Lactose Intolerant, even “negligible amount” is way too much.
Hi Jonathan, as mentioned, you are not looking at the product I’ve reviewed here. The “vegan” Go Veggie line is completely dairy-free (free of lactose, casein, etc).
Not sure what is wrong with your taste buds this stuff is disgusting it taste like canned catfood smells. If this is what you guys force yourselves to eat to live a few extra years its not worth it just die young and put some real cream cheese on your bagel because this stuff is gross.
Wow, strong opinions Frankie! Actually, we had tasters who DO eat dairy compare this brand with real dairy cream cheese. Bummer it wasn’t for you, but there are TONS of other brands.
Pingback: Vegan Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe - Go Dairy Free
If you don’t recommend for using the plain to make desserts, what do you recommend for say, a peanut butter pie?
It should work fine in PB pie, because I doubt you are looking for a tang in that dessert. If you prefer a little more zing, then I would use Daiya. It’s softer, and not as good on its own, but seems to work quite well in desserts.
I Love GoVeggie Cream Cheese Alternative ! Been a real game changer since I went dairy free, gluten free, & sugar free! Thanks for the deliciousness!
I Love this cream cheese! Good price, great flavor!!
Love your products, however, purchased a container of “go veggie” plain.
Opened it to find French onion. Glad I wasn’t making a cheesecake with it.
Just thought you’d want to know.
Chris
Hi Chris, you really should contact the company over this! This is just my review of the product and I’m not affiliated with Go Veggie in any way.
Sorry, but the strawberry “cream cheese” I tried was plain awful. Maybe they changed their formula after you reviewed it. The savory “cream cheese” flavors were good, though they contain soy which is a no-no for my thyroid. The strawberry variety had a strange aftertaste that I couldn’t tolerate. After spreading one bagel, I gave the rest away.
Thanks for sharing your review Tommie! Indeed, it has been a couple of years since we last sampled. If I can locate the product again, I’ll give it another sample and update if my opinion has changed!
Pingback: #1 Cook: Vegan Cream Cheese! | 2014 - A Journey to Improve My Life with 30 Goals
Yea I had the same problem purchasing the rice cheese also & decided not to purchase their products anymore. Anyway my bf suggested I give them a try i thought it was a new brand! So just tried their mexican shreds vegan cheese under the new label and packaging. It is so delicious, im not so sure if id stll purchase daiya like i used to.I got it for nachos so I could have some at a party and everyone thought it smelled like real cheese. Melts easy. Softer flavor and best texture cheese Ive had so far..my new fave!
Pingback: Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Alternatives - Plate It Safe
Good to know!
I’m glad they are changing packaging my sons first anaphylactic reaction was to rice cheese of theirs that had casein and lactose it in, even after reading the label 3 times I missed these ingredients. There was no may contain statement ( I know not required). When I contacted the company about their poor labeling their response was a sales pitch for their new products. Needless to say I will never purchase anything from them again. I can’t wait for the new Daiya products.
Hi Erin, I’m so sorry – not a fun experience! Fortunately, I had the chance to meet several members of the Go Veggie team – it is really a new company now with a solid focus on good labeling, customer service, and actually moving strongly forward with their dairy-free / vegan line.