Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon this cultured cashew cheese is sold in a traditional “by the wedge” style, and some varieties even have a rind. But according to the company, what really makes this vegan cheese alternative unique is its firm, slice-able texture.
Vtopian Artisan Cheeses use a base of organic cashews and cultures. Other nuts, fresh organic herbs, and spices are added to make the different flavors. At last check, they had several varieties of cheddar, camembert, and brie, plus at least one rotating seasonal flavor.
All of the photos shared here are from Vtopian Artisan Cheeses.Â
Vtopian Artisan Cheeses are Cultured, Aged, and Naturally Vegan
They make quite a few varieties, so I’ve included ingredients and nutrition facts for a few of the most popular Vtopian Artisan Cheeses as examples. It’s a good cross section of their cheddar, camembert, and brie products.
Aged White Cheddar
Ingredients:Â organic cashews, organic coconut oil, water, nutritional yeast, agar agar, organic chickpea miso (whole chickpeas, handmade rice koji, sundried salt, water, koji spores), himalayan salt, organic garlic, organic onion, xanthan gum, organic cracked black pepper, probiotics (s. thermophilius, l. acidophilus, l. plantarum, l. rhamnosus, l. casei, l. salivarius, l. bulgaricus, b. bifidum, b. breve, b. longum, b. infan), prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides, chicory root inulin, apple pectin), silica, magnesium stearate
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 210 calories, 20g fat, 7g carbs, <1g fiber, 1g sugars, 4g protein.*
Caramelized Onion Camembert
Ingredients: organic cashews, vegan soy yogurt (water, organic soybeans, tapioca flour, coconut sugar, vegan source lactic acid, himalayan salt, gluconolactone [from corn starch]), organic coconut oil, organic sauerkraut (water, organic cabbage, sea salt), water, organic onions, organic balsamic vinegar, organic coconut sugar, agar agar, organic tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, hiamlayan sea salt, organic extra virgin olive oil, xanthan gum.
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 130 calories, 12g fat, 6g carbs, <1g fiber, 3g sugars, 2g protein.*
Peppercorn Brie
Ingredients: organic cashews, organic coconut oil, water, nutritional yeast, agar agar, himalayan pink salt, organic chickpea miso (organic whole chickpeas, organic handmade rice koji, sundried salt, water, koji spores), organic peppercorns, xanthan gum, live vegan cultures.
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 190 calories, 18g fat, 6g carbs, <1g fiber, <1g sugars, 3g protein.*
Smokey Cheddar
Ingredients:Â organic cashews, water, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion, hickory smoke concentrate, smoked paprika, organic chickpea miso (whole chickpeas, handmade rice koji, sundried sea salt, blue ridge mountain well water, koji spores), live vegan cultures, himalayan salt.
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 130 calories, 12g fat, 5g carbs, <1g fiber, 1g sugars, 2g protein.*
Macadamia & Cashew Camembert
Ingredients: organic cashews, vegan soy yogurt (water, organic soybeans, tapioca flour, coconut sugar, vegan source lactic acid, himalayan salt, gluconolactone [from non-gmo corn starch]), organic coconut oil, organic sauerkraut (water, organic cabbage, sea salt), water, organic macadamia nuts, agar agar, tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, hiamlayan sea salt, organic lemon juice, organic coconut sugar, xanthan gum.
Nutrition (per 1 ounce): 130 calories, 12g fat, 5g carbs, <1g fiber, 1g sugars, 2g protein.*
The Facts on Vtopian Artisan Cheeses
Price: $12.99 per 5.5-ounce wedge
Availability: Vtopian Artisan Cheeses are sold in some natural food stores in the Pacific Northwest, but are also available online. See the company’s website below for links.
Certifications: We did not note any certifications on Vtopian Artisan Cheeses.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Vtopian Artisan Cheeses are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Some varieties are soy-free, but some use soy yogurt.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Vtopian website at vtopiancheeses.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.Â