Supermarket vegan cheeses (which are the best brands?

Although by far the artisan brands are better, obviously in these austere times, many people can’t afford to pay up to £10 for a block of cheese, however tasty it is. So if you’re going down the supermarket route (get your protein from other sources, as these are based on coconut oil), here are some of the better brands:

Violife is the one that you’ll find in all supermarkets. This offers several versions including block cheese (including Parmesan), a mozzarella and creamy herb garlic.

Try these vegan baked potatoes with their cheddar, along with rosemary and chives, and plant butter (Flora and Lurpak have no palm oil).

Recycle packaging at supermarket bag bins.

Avoid blue and other ‘mouldy cheeses if pregnant/nursing, weak immunity or for children. Also keep them away from pets due to mould, nuts, garlic, salt, chives etc. For the same reasons, don’t give leftovers to garden birds or wildfowl as salt is toxic, and fat smears on feathers, affecting waterproofing and insulation.

Cathedral City is sold in mature, extra mature, smoky, grated and cream cheese. You can grate blocks before freezing up to 3 months, but thaw in fridge for 24 hours and don’t re-freeze (so take out only what you need).

Boursin offers a Great Taste award-winning version of its plant-based garlic herb cheese.

Nush offers thick creamy dairy-free spreads in plain and chives. Made with almond milk, British sea salt and live vegan cheese cultures. Try with vegan bacon in baked spuds.