The judges had some tough decisions to make at this year’s Vegan Cheese Awards.
Hosted by The Butcher’s Son, in Auckland, the Vegan Society Aotearoa’s Vegan Cheese Awards were hotly contested with over 30 entries in nine different categories of cheeses. After 2 hours of tasting by experts in the food industry, the Supreme Winner was crowned: Casheta by Savour, a cashew-based feta style vegan cheese wowed all the judges with its “Wonderful appearance, right amount of salt and pepper. Good feta!”
The rise in popularity of plant-based foods has led to an incredible array of plant-based cheeses. The Vegan Society food awards showcase the best of these, giving the public a clear indication of the quality and tastiness of each winner and runner up. The second year of the cheese awards saw the return of old favourites from last year and some great new flavours and developments in cheese making since the inaugural year.
There is no cholesterol in plants, so those keen to preserve their health as well as the environment and who love cheese, can finally eat their way safely into cheese heaven. Supermarkets know that vegan cheese is on the rise as they are seeing a 30% increase in plant-based foods from last year. This is a huge win for the plant-based industry and The Vegan Society Aotearoa New Zealand is delighted to present this year’s award winners:
CREAM CHEESE
Winner – The Green Larder; Cashew Cream Cheese (Smoked)
Judges said: Good smoke, well balanced. Good umami and smooth texture. Very pleasing.
Runner Up – Hapi; Sour Cream
Judges said: Great sour cream. Sweet after taste.
MOZZARELLA
Winner – Zenzo
Judges said: Melty appearance. Nice composition with melt. Good moisture, tasty.
Runner Up – Angel Food
Judges said: Melts well, smooth texture, balanced flavour.
SURFACE RIPENED AND BLUE
Winner – Moa Bakery Cakery; Blue
Judges said: Beautiful strong flavour. Creamy and firm mould. Nice appearance. A ‘real’ blue in the vegan world.
Runner Up – Let Them Eat Vegan; Creamy Camembert
Judges said: Mild flavour, good texture.
FETA
Winner – Savour; Casheta
Judges said: Wonderful appearance, right amount of salt and pepper. Good feta!
Runner up – Let Them Eat Vegan; Herbed Feta Crumbles
Judges said: Looks good. Delicious herb flavour. Would go well in salad and would add protein.
SOFT CHEESE
Winner – Savour; Casheta
Judges said: Wonderful appearance. Good on cheese board, well balanced flavour and acidity. Right amount of pepper.
Runner up – Let Them Eat Vegan; Creamy Camembert Spread
Judges said: Texture good. It screamed camembert – delicious on a burger. Great versatility in the kitchen.
Runner Up – Savour; Chipotle
Judges said: Good spiciness. Flavour and acidity are well balanced. Colour is very attractive
COMMERCIAL AND FLAVOURED CHEDDAR
Winner – Zenzo; Cheddar
Judges said: Good balance of fats and solids. Moisture good. Grates well, with good flavour and salt.
Runner Up – Nu Dairy Sliced Cheddar
Judges said: Good cheese, good flavour.
FLAVOURED CHEESE
Winner – Sonntag; Cumin Gouda
Judges said: Cumin covered beautiful. Flavour well balanced. Brilliant on a cheese board. Well toned, with mass appeal.
Runner up – Savour: Ash
Judges said: Very attractive. Good texture. Great Ash flavour. Would capture younger vegans.
Runner up – Savour; Chipotle
Judges said: Flavoured really well. Good level of chipotle. Excellent texture to hold in a round.
