Miss the cheese board since going vegan? You are not alone - and you do not have to miss it forever
Vegan cheese used to be the punchline of plant-based eating. Over the past few years, though, cultured nut-based cheesemakers have turned the category around - there are now meltable mozzarella alternatives, spreadable camembert-style wheels and sharp cheddars that hold their own on a platter. The remaining challenge for Australians is finding brands that ship across the Pacific at a sensible price.
This guide covers the vegan cheese brands and dairy-free essentials worth knowing in 2026. Alongside the cheese itself, it includes the plant milks and creamers that make homemade cheese sauces and mac-and-cheese work, plus the membership store that makes stocking up affordable.
Best overall pick
Miyoko's Creamery
Miyoko's Creamery creates artisan plant-based cheeses and butters made from cultured nuts and coconut for sustainable dairy alternatives. This is the brand that convinced a lot of people vegan cheese is real food - the culturing process gives the wheels genuine flavour depth and a proper rind.
Hero product: their artisan cheese wheels (think smoked and classic styles), cream cheese and cultured butter.
"Miyoko's cultured cheeses get described as the closest thing to a real cheese board." - Reddit
Oatly
Oatly makes oat-based alternatives to dairy milk, ice cream and yoghurt with a creamy taste and lower environmental footprint. The barista oat milk is the backbone of home dairy-free coffee - and oat milk is what many vegan cheese sauces are built on.
Hero product: barista edition oat milk and oat-based ice cream.
"Oatly is the plant milk most often recommended for barista-style coffee at home." - Reddit
Califia Farms
Califia Farms produces plant-based milks, creamers and cold-brew coffee using simple ingredients in shelf-stable, recyclable packaging. A reliable staple for the non-dairy side of a vegan kitchen - and the creamers solve the "what goes in my coffee" question.
Hero product: barista blend oat milk and plant-based creamers.
"Califia's barista oat milk is a frequent topic in dairy-free coffee threads." - Reddit
Ripple Foods
Ripple Foods makes plant-based milk, creamers and yoghurt from pea protein, with more protein and less sugar than other dairy alternatives. When you want a dairy-free kitchen that still delivers protein, Ripple's pea-protein range covers milk, yoghurt and shakes.
Hero product: pea-protein milk and yoghurt, in shelf-stable cartons.
"Ripple's pea milk is the plant milk people name when they want actual protein per glass." - Reddit
Thrive Market
Thrive Market is an online membership store offering healthy, organic groceries and household products at wholesale prices. It is the most practical way to buy vegan cheese and dairy-free staples in bulk from Australia - one membership order can cover a month of plant-based pantry items.
Hero product: the membership - first month free, then wholesale pricing across thousands of vegan products.
"Members describe Thrive as the cheapest way to keep a vegan pantry stocked." - Reddit
Coupon Codes Table
| Brand | Code | Discount | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miyoko's Creamery | MIYOKO15 | 15% off first order | 2026-10-02 |
| Miyoko's Creamery | MIYOKOBUNDLE | 20% off butter + cheese bundles | 2026-10-02 |
| Oatly | oatly_email | 10% off first order | 2026-10-04 |
| Ripple Foods | RIPPLEVAR | 15% off variety packs | 2026-10-02 |
| Thrive Market | THRIVE15 | 15% off first order | 2026-10-01 |
| Thrive Market | thrive_free | First month free | 2026-10-04 |
How to Save More
1. Bundle butter and cheese. Miyoko's MIYOKOBUNDLE code saves 20% when you bundle butter with cheese - a natural pairing for cooking and baking.
2. Use the subscribe-and-save. Miyoko's offers 10% off regular deliveries via subscription, and most plant-milk brands give 10-15% off recurring orders. Set it up once and pause when your pantry is full.
3. Shop wholesale via membership. Thrive Market's first month is free, and wholesale prices on vegan cheese and dairy-free staples frequently beat direct brand pricing - worth it if you order monthly.
4. Make the sauce, not the cheese. For mac-and-cheese and pizza nights, a jar of plant milk plus nutritional yeast and a roux is dramatically cheaper than a bag of shredded vegan cheese. Buy the artisan wheels for the board, and DIY for the cooking.
FAQ
Does vegan cheese melt? Modern brands are formulated to melt - look for products labelled "melting" or "shredded". Nut-based cheeses like Miyoko's melt more gently than dairy, so low-and-slow heat works best.
Is vegan cheese healthier than dairy cheese? It varies by product. Nut-based cultured cheeses tend to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, but check sodium levels - some commercial shreds are heavily processed.
Where can I find these brands in Australia? These brands ship internationally via their own stores, and Thrive Market consolidates many vegan brands into one membership order. Some plant milks are also stocked in major Australian supermarkets.
Is vegan cheese worth the price? Artisan nut cheeses cost more than dairy, but they are a treat product. For everyday cooking, homemade sauces from plant milk are the budget option that tastes just as good.