Is Vitalite Dairy Free Plant-based Cheddar Style Shreds Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing claims to see what is actually in the package. Vitalite has done an excellent job creating a complex cheese alternative. The base of this product is a blend of Water and Coconut Oil. This is standard practice in vegan cheese manufacturing; the coconut oil provides the necessary fat content to replicate the mouthfeel of dairy fat.

To achieve the solid structure and the 'shred' capability, the manufacturer uses a combination of starches and gums. We see Modified Potato Starch and Cornstarch, which act as thickeners. Additionally, Carrageenan and Guar Gum are used. While some people prefer to avoid carrageenan due to digestive sensitivity, it is entirely plant-derived (from seaweed) and is a crucial vegan binder.

For that savory, 'aged' cheddar flavor, Vitalite utilizes Yeast Extract and Natural Flavors. Yeast extract is a powerhouse of umami flavor and is completely vegan. The color comes from Carotene, a plant-based pigment, ensuring no annatto (which can sometimes be animal-derived) or artificial dyes are used. There are no hidden animal enzymes or dairy derivatives in this list.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating vegan cheeses, it is important to understand that they are often high in saturated fats due to the coconut oil base. Vitalite Dairy Free Cheddar Shreds contain 4% of the daily value for fat per serving. This is relatively moderate for a cheese alternative. They are low in sugar and contain zero cholesterol.

From a dietary perspective, this product fits well into a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle. However, because it is a starch-heavy product (due to the Modified Potato Starch and Cornstarch), it is more of a 'functional' food meant for melting and topping rather than a high-protein nutritional supplement. It provides a good source of calcium via Calcium Citrate, which is fortified to mimic the calcium content of dairy cheese.