Close
Photo: Courtesy of Brand
When I say I am a cream cheese enthusiast, it means that I want a bagel to go with my cream cheese. I will slather a thick layer of cream cheese on any vessel once deemed appropriate—toast,sandwichesand my favoriteanti-inflammatory lunch wrapall being prime examples.
So when Oatly launched their newplant-based cream cheesein two flavors, I was instantly skeptical. Dairy-free cream cheese? I consulted with my vegan brother, who has tried nearly every vegan cream cheese alternative on the planet, and he agreed with my theory: no brand can perfect the texture that regular cream cheese has.
I’m Not Vegan, but This Dairy-Free Chocolate Bar Is the Best I’ve Ever Had
But that was all before I tried Oatly’s new products, and even with my bias, I was incredibly impressed with it. The texture is exactly like regular cream cheese: It’s thick and velvety as you scoop it out of the container, and it’s easily spreadable. It even melts like cream cheese does if you’re spreading it on a warm bagel or toast.
Flavor-wise, does it compare? I would say that theplain cream cheeseis almost there, but it still has a bit of a “vegan cheese” taste. I know that sounds ridiculous since it is just that, but if you’ve triedvegan cheesebefore, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s almost like an artificial flavor that pretends to taste cheesy … but just stay in your own lane, OK? I’m sure that plant-based eaters with more of a palate for these alternatives would adore this product.
However, if you’re ever going to try a dairy-free cheese on the market,Oatly’s Chive and Onion Cream Cheeseis near perfection. When I tried a little smudge of this stuff on the end of my everything bagel, I then proceeded to spread a large dollop across my breakfast as I would with my favorite cream cheese. It was savory, creamy and all-around tasty. If I was served this without knowing it was plant-based, I would have never figured it out.
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to cream cheese that has the exact texture of the classic schmear, run—don’t walk—to Oatly’sOatfinderand find where you can buy the tubs near you ASAP.
Up next:This Easy Vegan Pizza Will Impress Any Pizza Aficionado
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
