Shopping for Vegan Cheese in Spain

If you are visiting Spain and staying in a self-catering apartment, buying vegan-friendly food might be a little different from what you’re used to. However, the good news is that vegan cheese is becoming increasingly easy to find across Spain. With options available in large supermarkets and specialty stores, you can enjoy a wide variety of cheese alternatives while exploring the country.

While in this post we’re looking specifically at vegan cheese, vegetarians who are seeking to avoid animal rennet in cheese (which we discuss in more detail here – Animal Rennet in Spanish Cheeses).

Where to Buy Vegan Cheese in Spain

Not so very long ago, finding vegan cheese anywhere outside of specialist shops was a pretty tough task. We would have to visit a shop 60kms from our house in order to find even the most basic of vegan cheeses. However, the landscape is changing and finding vegan cheese in shops and stores is certainly a lot easier.

• Large supermarkets: Chains like Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, and Alcampo often stock vegan cheeses in their refrigerated sections. These supermarkets are located throughout Spain, even in smaller towns (however smaller towns will have a much more limited selction).
• Specialty stores: Health food shops and vegan stores, such as Veggie Room in Madrid or Veganitessen in Seville, offer a broader and more gourmet selection.
• Online: Platforms like Planeta Vegano and Vegaffinity allow you to order vegan cheeses from anywhere in Spain and have them delivered directly to your accommodation.

Types of Vegan Cheese Available

You will find that there are different types of vegan cheese depending on your use.

• Soft cheeses: Perfect for spreading, such as cream cheese alternatives or fresh-style cheeses (queso fresco).
• Melting cheeses: Vegan mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and other options ideal for pizzas, gratins, and toasted sandwiches.
• Aged cheeses: Styles mimicking Parmesan, Manchego, or smoked alternatives.
• Gourmet artisan cheeses: Made with ingredients like cashews or almonds, often fermented for a more authentic and sophisticated flavour.

Tips for Buying and Using Vegan Cheese

Vegan cheese may be stocked along side similar items in supermarkets – for example vegan cheese spread may be stocked along side other cheese spreads, or you may find it in a special section which may be labelled ‘vegano’

• Read labels: Look for terms like “100% plant-based,” “dairy-free,” or “suitable for vegans.” Some products may contain traces of milk or animal-derived ingredients.
• Shelf life: Vegan cheeses often have a shorter shelf life than traditional cheeses. Keep them refrigerated and use them quickly after opening.
• Texture and taste: Some vegan cheeses have a different texture or flavor compared to traditional cheeses. Try a few brands to find your favorite.

Vegan Cheese Brands to Look For

• Violife: One of the most popular brands in Spain, available in most large supermarkets. They offer a wide range of options, from grated cheese to feta-style alternatives.
• Veggiano: Known for Parmesan-style cheeses and gourmet options.
• Daiya: Renowned for melting cheeses, perfect for pizzas and hot dishes.
• Grattaveg: A great grated cheese option for pastas and salads.
• Miyoko’s: Artisanal and fermented alternatives available in specialty stores.

Meal Ideas with Vegan Cheese

Here are some quick and easy meal ideas using vegan cheese. These dishes are super quick and easy to prepare in even the smallest of self catering kitchens 🙂

Vegan cream cheese toasts

Spread vegan cheese on toasted bread and sprinkle a few fresh herbs (found in the salad section of most supermarkets) for a super-quick meal or top with avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers for a more complete meal. Serve with a mixed salad and some fresh tomatoes.

Quick pizza

Use a pre-made pizza base, tomato sauce, and vegan mozzarella. Add your favourite vegetables. You will find ready made pizza bases both in the frozen food section (probably near the frozen ready made pizza), and also in the chilled section – near chilled pastry.

Creamy pasta

Mix cooked pasta with sofrito or look for a ready made pasta sauce and some grilled or fresh cherry tomatoes. Add a splash of olive oil and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan-style cheese for a quick nourishing meal, which can be made in even the smallest of self catering kitchens. Top with fresh basil (which you will find in or around the salad section of supermarkets).

Vegan cheese board

Arrange a selection of vegan cheeses and pair them with fruits, nuts, olives, and rustic bread. A glass of rick red Spanish wine will go well with this.

Greek salad

Add cubes of vegan feta style cheese, olives, chunks of cucumber, slices of onion, pieces of pepper and ripe tomatoes for an easy and delicious dish. Add leaves if you like – you’ll find bags of ready-prepared salad leaves in most supermarkets. Serve with some artisan bread for a delicious meal and pair with a bottle of crisp white wine.

Tip: remember to check that the olives you buy don’t contain anchovy or anchovy flavouring (look for anchoa = anchovy). It is very common to find anchovy filled green olives.

Useful Vocabulary

Here are a few useful words, sentences and questions to know to help you when shopping for vegan cheese in Spain

• Vegan cheese: Queso vegano
• Dairy-free: Sin lácteos
• Suitable for vegans: Apto para veganos

Useful Questions To Ask for Vegan Cheese in Spain

1. ¿Tienen queso vegano?
   (Do you have vegan cheese?)
2. ¿Dónde está el queso vegano?
   (Where is the vegan cheese?)
3. ¿Qué opciones de queso vegano tienen?
   (What vegan cheese options do you have?)
4. ¿Este queso es apto para veganos?
   (Is this cheese suitable for vegans?)
5. ¿Hay queso vegano rallado o en lonchas?
   (Do you have grated or sliced vegan cheese?)
6. ¿Venden marcas como Violife o Daiya?
   (Do you sell brands like Violife or Daiya?)
7. ¿Puedo encontrar queso vegano en la sección refrigerada?
   (Can I find vegan cheese in the refrigerated section?)
8. ¿Este queso contiene lácteos o trazas de leche?
   (Does this cheese contain dairy or traces of milk?)

Useful Sentences When Shopping for Vegan Cheese in Spain

1. Estoy buscando queso vegano para cocinar.
   (I’m looking for vegan cheese for cooking.)
2. Quiero comprar queso vegano rallado para pasta.
   (I want to buy grated vegan cheese for pasta.)
3. Necesito queso vegano que se derrita bien para pizza.
   (I need vegan cheese that melts well for pizza.)
4. Prefiero un queso vegano cremoso para untar.
   (I prefer a creamy vegan cheese for spreading.)
5. Gracias, voy a mirar en la sección de productos veganos.
   (Thank you, I’ll check the vegan products section.)
6. ¿Tienen productos veganos además del queso, como yogur o embutidos?
   (Do you have vegan products besides cheese, like yogurt or deli slices?)
7. Voy a buscar queso vegano online si no lo tienen aquí.
   (I’ll look for vegan cheese online if you don’t have it here.)
8. ¿Puedo ver la etiqueta para confirmar que es apto para veganos?
   (Can I check the label to confirm it’s suitable for vegans?)

Hopefully this has given you an idea of what to expect when shopping for vegan cheese in Spain. When you are visiting Spain and staying in self catering accommodation you can create the most wonderful meals – and it’s not that hard to find some vegan cheese to add as the star ingredient!

Your turn! What vegan cheese have you found in Spain? Do you have any tips to share?