Quick Answer
Chao cheese is completely dairy-free. It is made from coconut oil, expeller pressed non-GMO soybeans, filtered water, konjac root, natural vegan cultures, citric acid, and sea salt. So it does not contain any dairy ingredients like milk, cheese, butter, or whey. Chao cheese is a vegan alternative to dairy cheese that melts and tastes similar to traditional cheese, allowing people with dairy allergies or vegan diets to still enjoy cheesy flavors and textures.
What is Chao Cheese?
Chao cheese is a dairy-free cheese alternative made by Field Roast Grain Meat Co. It is available in sliced, shredded, and cream cheese styles. Chao was created to have the same dense, creamy texture and rich flavor as traditional dairy cheese using plant-based ingredients.
It is one of the most popular vegan cheese brands available. Chao cheese can be found in the vegan/vegetarian section of many major grocery stores across North America. It comes in a variety of flavors including Original, Tomato Cayenne, Coconut Herb, and more.
Chao Cheese Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients in Chao cheese products:
- Coconut oil – Gives Chao the creamy, fatty texture of real dairy cheese.
- Soybeans – Used to make the soy protein that gives Chao its cheesy texture.
- Filtered water – Hydrates the ingredients.
- Konjac root – Acts as a vegan stabilizer and emulsifier.
- Natural vegan cultures – Ferments the soy proteins to give Chao its tangy, cheese-like flavor.
- Citric acid – Adds a light tartness.
- Sea salt – For flavor.
As you can see, Chao cheese contains no dairy ingredients whatsoever. It is made entirely from plants.
How is Chao Cheese Made?
The process for making Chao cheese is similar to traditional dairy cheesemaking, but using vegan ingredients. Here are the basic steps:
- Soy milk is made by soaking soybeans and grinding them with water.
- The soy milk is coagulated into curds using citric acid, heat, and soy protein isolates. This gives the cheese its bulk and structure.
- Coconut oil and vegetable glycerin are mixed in to give Chao its rich, creamy texture.
- Konjac root helps stabilize the mixture.
- Vegan cultures are added to ferment and acidify the cheese, giving it tang.
- Extra flavors, spices, and salt are mixed in depending on the variety.
- The cheese is shaped, packaged, and aged to intensify the flavors.
This innovative process allows Chao to mimic the texture and flavor of dairy cheese quite convincingly while being 100% plant-based and dairy-free.
Is Chao Cheese Really Dairy-Free?
Yes, Chao cheese products are absolutely dairy-free and vegan. Here are a few reasons why:
- The company clearly states that all Chao products are dairy-free and suitable for vegan diets.
- Chao cheese is produced in a dedicated vegan facility that does not process any dairy.
- There are no milk-based ingredients listed on the Chao cheese ingredients labels.
- Chao cheese has been certified as dairy-free by several organizations including the Non-GMO Project, Vegan Action, and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).
- Major vegan and food allergy organizations recognize Chao as a dairy-free cheese alternative.
So inside and out, Chao cheese avoids all animal-based ingredients including dairy. You can feel confident eating Chao cheese as a vegan or if you have a milk allergy.
Why Choose Dairy-Free Chao Cheese?
There are several good reasons to choose dairy-free Chao cheese over regular cheese:
- Vegan diet – Chao gives vegans, vegetarians, and those avoiding dairy a tasty cheese alternative.
- Lactose intolerance – Chao contains no lactose, making it easier to digest for the lactose intolerant.
- Milk allergies – Chao avoids milk proteins, so it is safe for those with dairy allergies.
- Environmental concerns – Chao has a lower environmental impact than dairy cheese.
- Animal welfare – Choosing Chao avoids exploitation of dairy cows.
No matter your reason for avoiding dairy, Chao cheese offers an accessible, realistic plant-based alternative.
Taste and Texture
Chao Cheese replicates the taste and texture of dairy cheese impressively well. Food critics praise its dense and creamy mouthfeel. When melted, it has that satisfyingly thick and gooey consistency.
Flavor-wise, Chao has a tangy, savory cheese flavor ranging from mellow to sharp depending on variety. It melts, stretches, and even gets browned and crispy like the real thing.
Of course, there are differences you may notice between Chao and dairy cheese:
- Chao tends to be lower in fat, salt, and calories than full-fat dairy cheese.
- The taste is lighter and less animal-like than dairy cheese.
- The texture ranges from creamy to dense but is still plant-based.
- Melted Chao is smooth instead of stringy if you pull at it.
But overall, Chao Cheese provides an excellent non-dairy simulation of cheese for cooking, cheese boards, grilled cheese, pizza, sandwiches, and more. Many omni consumers even enjoy the taste of Chao.
Chao Cheese Flavors
Chao Cheese comes in a variety of flavors within each style or type of cheese:
Chao Slices
- Original
- Tomato Cayenne
- Coconut Herb
Chao Shreds
- Original
- Italian
- Coconut Herb
Chao Cream Cheese
- Original
- Garden Herb
The Original flavor is mild, creamy, and versatile like traditional cheese. Flavored varieties like Tomato Cayenne and Coconut Herb have a bolder taste.
Chao recommends the Original flavor if you’re new to plant-based cheese alternatives. But feel free to experiment with the flavors to find your favorites.
How To Use Chao Cheese
Chao Cheese can be used as a direct replacement for dairy cheese in any recipe or dish. Here are some of the top ways to enjoy dairy-free Chao cheese:
Grilled Cheese
Chao Slices melt beautifully in a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Use it instead of cheese slices for a dairy-free sandwich with that familiar ooey, gooey cheese pull.
Pizza
Chao Shreds are an easy direct swap for shredded mozzarella on pizza. They get melty and lightly browned right on top of the sauce and veggies.
Quesadillas & Nachos
Quesadillas, nachos, bean & cheese burritos? Just fill them with Chao Shreds instead of regular shredded cheese for dairy-free cheesy goodness.
Sandwiches & Burgers
A few Chao Slices can make any sandwich or burger more delicious. Melt it over a veggie burger, use it to make a BLT, or just a simple grilled cheese.
Mac & Cheese
For a vegan mac & cheese, use Chao Shreds. Melt them into your favorite plant-based cheese sauce and mix with pasta.
Cream Cheese
Chao Cream Cheese tastes delicious spread on bagels and toast. Use it as the base for vegan cheesecakes too!
Cheese Boards
Chao Slices and Shreds pair nicely with fruit, nuts, and vegan crackers for an appetizing cheese platter.
If a recipe calls for dairy cheese, Chao is sure to be a great melty, stretchy, and flavorful substitute. Get creative with it!
Where To Buy Chao Cheese
Chao Cheese can be found at many major grocery chains across the United States, Canada, and online. Here are some of the top stores to buy Chao cheese:
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods carries Chao products in the vegan cheese section of the dairy case. Find sliced Chao, Chao Shreds, and Chao Cream Cheese at Whole Foods.
Sprouts
Sprouts Farmers Market sells Chao Slices and Shreds varieties near the vegan cheese alternatives. Check the refrigerated section.
Wegmans
Wegmans stocks Chao Shreds and Slices in the vegetarian/vegan refrigerated sections. Models include Original, Tomato Cayenne, Garden Herb, Cream Cheese, and more.
Publix
Publix Greenwise Markets sell Chao Slices and Shredded Cheese in with the specialty vegan items. The selections vary by location.
Online Stores
Chao is also available online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Thrive Market, Vejii, and the Field Roast website. Browse all the Chao Cheese products and get delivery straight to your door.
Check the dairy alternatives section of your local grocery store. Anywhere that stocks plant-based milks and cheeses should carry Chao. Don’t be afraid to ask a store employee to point you towards the Chao selections they offer.
Chao Cheese Nutrition Facts
One of the benefits of dairy-free Chao Cheese is that it tends to be lower in calories, fat, and sodium compared to regular dairy cheese. Here is a nutrition comparison:
Chao Slices (1 oz)
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
Cheddar Cheese Slices (1 oz)
| Calories | 113 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 176mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 7g |
As you can see, Chao Cheese has about half the calories and fat compared to regular cheddar per slice. It is a bit higher in sodium however.
Nutrition can vary slightly between Chao Cheese styles and flavors. But overall Chao Cheese provides a lower calorie, lower fat dairy-free cheese option without too much sacrifice on taste or texture.
The Bottom Line
Chao by Field Roast is a highly convincing dairy-free, vegan cheese. It melts, stretches, and tastes delicious thanks to ingredients like coconut oil, soybeans, and natural cultures.
Chao Cheese is completely dairy-free, containing no milk, cheese, butter, or whey. It provides an accessible cheese alternative for vegans, the lactose intolerant, and those with milk allergies.
Chao Slices, Shreds, and Cream Cheese can be found at major grocery stores across the US and Canada. Use Chao anywhere you would normally use dairy cheese for a fast cheese swap.
So next time your recipe calls for cheese, try the dairy-free Chao Cheese for satisfyingly cheesy results without the dairy.
