Best Healthy Substitutes For Cream Cheese (Vegan)

10 healthy substitutes for cream cheese that are vegan, oil-free, and easy to make. Use any of these delicious dairy-free alternatives to make spreads, dips, and fillings.

Cream cheese is a staple in almost every kitchen. There's nothing like a warm toasty bagel slathered in all that creamy goodness. And, who doesn't remember that delicious cream cheese frosting on mama's carrot cake? 

However, it's also one of the most unhealthy things in the kitchen because of its high-fat content and animal protein. And, just in case you are wondering, low-fat cream cheese is not a healthier alternative.

If you are looking for a healthier option that ditches the dairy, you're in luck. Because there's not just one great alternative for a cream cheese substitute. There's a ton! And, not only are they delicious, they contain numerous health benefits you could never find in regular cream cheese.

NOTE: Although these are considered completely WFPB and contain "healthy fats" they should still be consumed in moderation and not in abundance. However, some of these recipes do have a lower fat content than others.

Here are several of my favorite recipes. Shall we?

Vegan Cashew Cream Cheese

This Easy Vegan Cream Cheese recipe is so easy and it’s made by blending some cashews, lemon juice, and a couple of spices. It’s savory, creamy, and tangy and best used as a spread or dip.

Hummus

Hummus is a super healthy option. It’s loaded with protein and uses tahini to get that smooth and creamy texture. You can add your favorite herbs and spices in order to satisfy your taste buds. Hummus can also be a good substitute for your favorite condiment in place of mayo or any other spread.

Tofu Sour Cream

Tofu sour cream is amazing and has an unbelievably smooth texture! This is one of our family’s favorite recipes and it’s so easy. It’s made with Extra Firm Silken Tofu and blended with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and a little salt. Let it sit in the fridge overnight and it will firm up a bit.

Cashew Sour Cream

This cashew sour cream is tangy, rich, and has a super creamy texture! It's much healthier than regular sour cream. Replace the lemon juice with an equal amount of maple syrup to create an amazing vegan heavy cream. Let this sit in the fridge for a couple hours after you make it and it will firm up quite a bit.

Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese

Vegan Tofu Ricotta has a similar texture to cottage cheese and gets its “cheesiness” from nutritional yeast. It’s perfect as a dip or making your favorite vegan lasagna. And, it couldn’t be easier to make. You simply toss all the ingredients into a food processor and blend.

Avocado

Avocado is a great substitute and has a very similar texture to cream cheese. Sprinkle with a little nutritional yeast, black salt, and lemon juice to create an incredibly delicious and creamy spread.

Strawberry Chia Jam (Fruit Spread)

If you like the sweeter spreads this Strawberry Chia Jam is perfect. You get major health benefits from the chia without losing any flavor. And, the best part? All you need are 3 ingredients: chia seeds, fruit, and a little maple syrup. Check it out!

Unsweetened Plain Yogurt (vegan)

You can buy plain unsweetened vegan yogurt at almost any grocery store. I don’t normally suggest buying products like this because they are usually very processed and contain loads of oil. But, there are a few that meet the WFPB criteria are usually made with soy, almond, or coconut milk. It’s great for making dips and spreads, but it’s also a great substitute for cream cheese when you want to make a frosting.

Almond Butter

Almond butter is a good alternative when you want something a little sweet and a little salty. It’s not only delicious, but it has less saturated fat and more protein than cream cheese.

Kite Hill Vegan Cream Cheese

Finally, if you don’t want to make anything Kite Hill Vegan Cream Cheese is one of the best substitutes you could ever find. I was surprised when I read the ingredients: almond cultures. You can use it where any recipe calls for regular cream cheese and no one would ever know it’s vegan. It’s perfect for savory dishes or sweet recipes like frostings or bagel spread. Click the link to find out more and purchase.

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As you can see, it’s not that difficult to eat healthier and lose the dairy. So, if you’re looking for a WFPB dairy-free alternative to cream cheese, I think it’s safe to say you’ve found it. Enjoy!