Based on the image of little white blocks among greek salad ingredients on the front, plus the shape of the packaging, we bought this vegan cheese expecting it would be feta-like. Later, reviewing the packaging in more detail, we realise it never mentions it has anything close to a ‘feta-style’ or the sometimes called ‘greek white’. On the packing the product is described somewhat cryptically as “shepherd’s desire” and “food preparation of almond product”.
The website is more descriptive though, and confirms we rightly understood this to be feta-like, with terms as “gourmet feta”, “greek style”, and also the still to us a somewhat cryptical “shepherd’s delight”.1
Once out of the packaging, considering the appearance of the vegan cheese, it appears principally a smooth nut-based paste. It does not have holes. The taste has fresh acidity that we think is similar to a fresh dairy cheese, with a noticeable nutty, almond aftertaste. It did not melt in our test, however it is very spreadable to put on toast for example.
When looking at the ingredients, we note the main ingredient is an “almond product” that contains “deoiled and ground almonds (13%)”. Having a limited amount of almonds with no oil as a base, results in low fat and carbohydrates in the final product and hence a low energy value. In fact, it is actually with 905 kJ (220 kcal) per 100 grams, the lowest energy value of all vegan cheese we have reviewed to date.
At the same time we also note the cheese contains relatively many additives: carrageenan, gellan gum, lactic acid, calcium lactate, potassium chloride, aroma. So, we understand this vegan cheese does not get its flavour and texture by the traditional cheese-making stages of fermentation and ripening, but rather these additives regulate its gelling, acidity, thickening and flavour.
Conclusion
Overall, while the fresh acidity, saltiness and slight almond taste is pleasant, it does not have the spicy taste with a tangy bite that can be found in a firm sheep and goat feta, which is what we would be looking for in a feta alternative.
