Once we were faced with trying to find allergen friendly snacks that didn’t involve milk, vegan cream cheese became a staple in our house. Either dipping cereal in it or spreading it on crackers, it’s a good way to add some fat to our kid’s diet. Our grocery store only has one brand, but when Wegman’s opened up nearby, we had to taste some alternatives. Here’s the run down:
The consistency was closer to a whipped cream cheese and it was good spread on graham crackers, but way too sweet for an everything bagel breakfast sandwich. I think it would be perfect for dessert applications, like a vegan cream cheese icing, but not great with anything savory.
The first time I tried it, I didn’t not like it… it just had a weird taste that I couldn’t put my finger on. It was familiar… but unexpected in cream cheese. Not bad, but a little off putting. After my wife said “popcorn,” it hit me. Yes. Popcorn. Not movie theater buttered popcorn, just like normal popcorn. Who doesn’t like the classic combo of creamy tart cream cheese with a popcorn sprinkle? My kid. I think this tub is still in our fridge because nobody wants to eat it.
It’s very soft and just.. kind of… neutral? Plus, it
also has soy in it which isn't great for avoiding allergens. Not a winner.
I’m not sure if this one is actually the best one, or if it was just our first one and toddlers love what the know, but it’s definitely our favorite. It’s less spreadable (my youngest actually enjoys just eating it by the chunk off her plate), but you can dip into it with pretzels and crackers, and with a little work you can spread it on a bagel. It has a very neutral flavor, just kind of creamy, with a hint of tartness, but really, I’d take it over bland or popcorn. Because it’s soy free, it is safe from the top 9 allergens! It’s almost all coconut oil, flavored with fava bean extract (which gives it a light cheese flavor). Now my kids won’t eat any other brand.
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