Despite the popularity of Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese alternative, the hip supermarket chain has opted to completely change their recipe. They’ve swapped chickpea protein for the soy protein, cut the cornstarch, and switched up several other ingredients. It still looks enticing, but how does it taste?
Trader Joe’s Changes Vegan Cream Cheese Recipe, Now It’s Soy-Free!
Rumor has it, the new version of Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese alternative is firmer than the old one, but still quite tasty. Be sure to leave your own rating and review below once you try it. It helps others make an informed purchasing decision.
Original
Ingredients: water, coconut oil, modified potato starch, chickpea protein, sugar, salt, natural flavors, sodium citrate, deactivated yeast, lactic acid, citric acid, yeast extract, guar gum, xanthan gum, nisin.
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 90 calories, 9g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
More Allergen Notes
Some of you might be concerned about the ingredient nisin in the new formulation. This preparation can be made from milk, but in this case, it is not. There is no milk disclaimer on this product.
Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative Prior Formula
You might still see the old recipe in some stores. The ingredients were actually quite different, and contain soy. The old ingredients are: filtered water, coconut oil, mid-oleic sunflower oil, soy protein concentrate, cornstarch, sea salt, tricalcium phosphate, natural flavors, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, guar gum, vegan culture, lactic acid (non-dairy).
More Facts on Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative
- Price: $2.79 per 8-ounce tub
- Availability: Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative is sold exclusively at Trader Joe’s stores in the U.S.
- Certifications: We did not note any certifications on Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative.
- Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Trader Joe’s Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, and keto-friendly.*
- For More Product Information: Visit the Trader Joe’s website at www.traderjoes.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
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What Others Are Saying ...
Not spreadable!
I purchased 3 of the new version, planned on using one for vegan Pumpkin Cheese Cake soon, but I will return the 2 unopened ones. I don’t know how it would be in the Cheese Cake, I don’t want to risk it.
It is not spreadable! It’s like butter out of the fridge. I tried to let it warm up a little on the countertop before breakfast, but it was still as hard as before.
I mean, I was never too fond of the old version, because it was not that good, but it also was no real cream cheese, so accepted I had that. Other brands are hard to find in my area.
Awful
It used to be my favorite cream cheese but it’s terrible now. The texture is hard and inedible. I found myself scraping it off my bagel because it was so bad. It wouldn’t be so sad if the old version hadn’t been the best on the market 🙁
Excellent for veggie dip
I used this new Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative to whip up a veggie dip in my mini food processor. It turned out fluffy and tasty.
Trader Joe's Vegan Cream Cheese
I will NEVER buy this new ingredient version again. There is nothing “creamy” about this “cream cheese”. It is as hard as FROZEN BUTTER. For real!
Soy Free and Great Flavor
Yes, it is more difficult to spread than Follow Your Heart’s vegan cream cheese. At the same time, the flavor is closer to the real dairy version. When I have a bagel with TJ’s updated vegan version, I can still taste the “cream cheese” flavor. With Follow Your Heart’s version, the “cream cheese” flavor is muted and gets lost with the flavors of the plain bagel. I am excited to try it in making a vegan cream cheese frosting and even a vegan cheesecake! Plus, it is a GREAT price! Half the cost of other vegan cream cheeses.
Worst bagel ever
This is now a tasteless paste, doesn’t spread, so dry. Used to be my fav cream cheese but never buying again, so disappointed.
Amazing
This is the best vegan cream cheese I have ever tried, it is the closest to the real thing. The texture and taste is like real cream cheese!!!
Terrrible Change
I am devestated by the formula change. The precious vegan cream cheese was a staple for me and the beat on the market. The new kind is completely unspreadable, has a terrible texture and the taste is not nearly as good. Definitely will not repurchase
Yum
The new version is super yummy!!
Much better
The new cream cheese is entirely better than the old one!!’ Love the flavor and the texture
