Dairy cheeses are gross and cruelly produced, and Parmesan is a standout offender. In order to create dairy “products,” including cheese, humans steal milk from cows that’s meant for their calves. Parmigiano-Reggiano even contains an enzyme that’s derived from calves’ intestines, and one Parmesan manufacturer was busted for using four times the approved amount of cellulose (a food additive made from wood pulp) in its product. Tired of eating wood and other weird ingredients against your will? If so, you’re in luck, because vegan cheese makers are busy these days providing us with delicious, compassionate products—and new brands are popping up all over the place.
Here are a few of our favorite vegan Parmesan cheese brands:
Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Parmesan (Shredded)
These vegan cheese shreds spare cows suffering and are the perfect topping to add texture to a pasta dish.
Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Parmesan (Grated)
We prefer to sprinkle Follow Your Heart’s grated variety on vegan pizza.
Parma! Vegan Parmesan
Parma! offers four flavors, so you’re bound to find one that you love.
Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge
Grating a wedge is fun, so we’re stoked that Violife has provided us with this delicious product that includes a vitamin B12 boost.
And here’s a do-it-yourself (DIY) version:
DIY Grateable Vegan Parmesan Cheese
If you like to get creative in the kitchen, try this simple recipe for making your own vegan Parmesan wedges.
Not only does going vegan spare cows and other animals abuse and suffering, it also helps the environment and protects your own health. If you’re looking for other types of cruelty-free cheese, check out our ultimate guide to vegan cheese that we created just for you. Also check out the “Not Your Mom, Not Your Milk” key chain over at the PETA Catlog. It makes a strong statement: If you love your mother, go vegan.
