Is Trader Joes Vegan Cream Cheese the BEST?

[@nwash0080110]

Important factor to take into account is if the bagel is hot from being recently toasted. The cream cheese alternatives can have interesting reactions to heat.

[@SauceStache]

Very TRUE! A lot of these might have melted quite a bit. I'm still going to stand on my rankings as they are they because even though some might have melted a bit the others had some pretty bad flavors that I wouldn't consider to be cream cheese

[@PaulBCummings]

All the ones with coconut oil just melt! I can’t stand them.

[@MegaFun000]

*cough* violife

[@lakedog7313]

I love these taste tests that you and Monica do, thanks!

[@christylbk]

yeah they all taste like I am eating butter and that's not what I am looking for@@PaulBCummings

[@marystestkitchen]

Thanks to both for suffering through to share your reviews? BTW, have you tried WayFare Foods' cream cheese? I think it's the best and it's made with butter beans and oats :-)

[@SauceStache]

ohhhhhhh I think a butterbean cream cheese could be really good!! I just looked it up and it's not found that close around me.... but hopefully next time im over on that side of Florida I remember to look because I would love to try it! BTW your new chickpea video is awesome... as always!

[@jayysstar2657]

Not sure if it's a regonal difference in name or a different product but the simple truth plant based cream cheese uses the same if you want to look for that. Realized that I was thinking of their sour cream not cream cheese, haven't tried the cream cheese but do like the sour cream. My favorite sour cream is nurishh but that uses perfect day so... Unlike their sour cream their cream cheese has Water, Coconut Oil, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Potato Protein, Rowanberry Fruit Extract (a Mold Inhibitor), Natural Flavor.

[@CristinaAcosta]

Thanks! Perfect timing for my holiday recipes. Became vegan 16 months ago and really into it. Best choice I’ve made for my health in a long time.

[@NoirHammer]

I expect the next video will be the ultimate vegan cream cheese made by Sauce Stache.

[@giuliettamassina7787]

Yes! I was thinking that too.

[@sharihardin1]

I hope so! I’d love a good plant based cream cheese recipe!! I’m sure he’s the one that can master it!!

[@lostcharge]

The Boursin is soooooo good. It helps I loved Boursin before going vegan and I love the herbs. Never considered using it as cream cheese 🤔

[@KissMyBiscuits]

Same here. I missed Boursin when I became vegan and was so happy to find the dairy-free version! I really only use cream cheese for cheesecake recipes so Boursin wouldn’t work for that.

[@TigerGreene]

I love this roundup. I would love to see you guys do food reviews separately, each quantified with a score (perhaps 1 to 5 or A to F?) without knowing what the other said, and then compare results. I feel like you are each influencing one another's opinions - which is not a bad way to pick a movie, but it would be cool to see your unfiltered very first impressions on food. Also, I'm a big fan of Tofutti personally - especially for cooking! I've had great luck with vegan cheesecake and fruit crumbles using it. Looking forward to more roundups.

[@VintageVegans]

Personally, I love the way they play off each other.

[@chelseaann2681]

I’m not even vegan but I am lactose intolerant and the Trader Joe’s cream cheese is legit. Although I recommend leaving it out for 5 mins or putting it into the microwave for about 10 sec to soften the texture a bit.

[@VeganRecipesPlaylists]

It used to be the best cream cheese until it had some issues with having some kind of liquid so they changed the formula and it is a hockey puck now. Violife's strawberry is the best. I liked the Tabitha Brown but that was temporary. Open Nature (Vons/Albertson's) is a good cheap alternative but nothing beats original Trader Joe's vegan cream cheese.

[@amandablack8864]

Phenomenal video!! You guys always do the best testing videos. So grateful for you guys!!

[@SauceStache]

Wow thank you!!! Im super grateful for you!!

[@vegieseitan1107]

Thanks for the review of all these products. Of those brands the only product available here in Japan is Violife although there's a Japanese tofu maker here that makes a cream cheese style tofu and it is amazing. Also Miyoko is pronounced Me-yo-ko not My-yo-ko. Mi is pronounced as Me in Japanese, like sashimi.

[@AC-yb9ml]

I didn’t know that the pronunciation of Miyokos. Thank you 😊

[@Oathkeeper1992]

I appreciate you both going through all of these -- I personally prefer the Miyokos because I like the cultured taste of it, and prefer that it's made with cashews. Kite Hill is my second favorite, but I'm not sure any of the vegan brands out there are truly gotten cream cheese correct. So here's to hoping they keep reevaluating their formulas in the future!

[@mistythompson1398]

I use the Boursin as a spread for sandwiches and I love it. Have not found a cream cheese yet because all I have tried so far have a very strong coconut flavor. Might have to give TJ's a try now just to see.

[@SauceStache]

I detected 0 coconut flavor in the TJ... but I will say I wasnt getting a lot of coconut from most of these.

[@homesickandwestbound4321]

I’ve been vegan for 33 years. Tofutti was the first only game in town. This video made me fairly sure I have no idea what real cream cheese is like at all! Haha. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m happy enough not knowing.

[@lynnrumsey3296]

I’ve been hoping for a good cream cheese substitute. I tried every brand I could find. I had the exact same reaction y’all had. I just tried Trader Joe’s a couple of days ago and loved it. So excited. I think they nailed it. It’s great on a toasted everything bagel. Great video! Thanks! Happy New Year!

[@CM-uq8ro]

Interesting. Kite Hill is my favorite though I haven't tried the Trader Joe's one. Goes to show you that everyone's taste buds are different. To me the Philadelphia one has a weird taste. It's the same taste that makes me not like Daiya cheese but not quite as intense as the Daiya cheese.

[@almostawesomeali]

kite hill is also my and my husband's favorite, we just used it to make cream cheese wontons. my husband grew up eating cream cheese nearly every day and when we went vegan we tried kite hill and thought it tasted exactly like the higher quality dairy-based cream cheese we were used to. kite hill's sour cream also got me to like sour cream after never liking it as a kid.

[@ssn877]

Agree. Kite Hill is my favorite. Prefer the chives one to the plain with bagels.

[@fredforever71]

I'm with you for the Boursin, we've been eating that for a while, we get the Violife one if they are out of Boursin. Great review, thank you

[@colleenmckinnon2421]

I loved this. You are adorable together, I feel like I'm hanging out in your kitchen with you guys!

[@arj-peace]

Ohmygosh I feel so validated! When I discovered TJs cream cheese, it was such a happy day. It hits the closest I've been able to find,, and is by far the most affordable. Pro-tip, let it sit out for a little bit and it gets way more spreadable. And make sure your bagel isn't piping hot or it'll melt the cream cheese too much. Oh and add a good sprinkle of TJs everything bagel seasoning for a truley amazing bagel experience I have also found that most of TJs non-dairy cheeses are among the best and cheapest! Aldi's are surprisingly good too. Thanks for this really helpful video. Would have also been helpful to list prices as that's what's most prohibitive about non-dairy cheeses. p.s. Where does the Philadelphia rank in the stack? Thanks! Very helpful vid.

[@arj-peace]

One more plus for the TJs cream cheese. I like the ingredient list is short and straightforward (e.g. less crap!)

[@SauceStache]

Good tip on leaving it out for a few to soften!! Really makes a difference! I dont do prices often because a lot of times prices change depending on location and time. People watching this a year later will commonly have different prices. I would say the Philadelphia ranks 2nd or 3rd place on this stack!! Really its pretty close to the TJ's CC

[@christyhotham9224]

Trader Joe's is the best and one of the best priced. Daughter makes cream cheese pasta with this. It's a favorite with both vegan and non-vegan family members.

[@JA99]

My local bagel store offers plain tofutti as an option, but it does have a weird taste to me as well. I got a unpleasant sweet after taste. Kite hill is the best option for me, but I've only had the flavored chive option. It's not great, but it's good in a pinch.

[@SauceStache]

You gotta try some of the top ranked ones here if you get the chance.... It was shockingly better!

[@JerryTheVeganRockstar]

The Kite Hill with chives is awesome

[@MsBeckly]

The Miyoko’s and Kite Hill flavored options are really delicious! Perhaps not cream cheese like but good dips. I’m not a fan of the plain flavors either but I also never liked dairy cream cheese

[@giuliettamassina7787]

There is an excellent one. You can't tell it's vegan. But it is only available at bagel shops. I live in Brooklyn, NY and my local shop advertises it on a sandwich board. I will get the name.

[@purplegill10]

Any updates?

[@Ermude10]

There's a Swedish brand that's been making the rounds in the NY bagel scene lately called Stockeld Dreamery. Not sure if it's accessible but sounds like it's better than most, at least according to bagel loving New Yorkers.

[@ushere5791]

my favorite vegan cream cheese is my own recipe: mock lox. you mix a tub of your fave vegan cream cheese with 1 tbsp each smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and kelp flakes (more to taste) along with 1 tsp each garlic powder and onion powder and s&p (also to taste). serve on well toasted bagels with capers and thinly sliced tomatoes and red onions. :)

[@tinaferr]

This sounds amazing! I love(d) lox

[@ushere5791]

me too. :) @@tinaferr

[@bernardettea9046]

Kite Hill chive cream cheese is my ride or die. I won't eat anything else. It's so good.

[@JJJLongHair4u2c]

Thanks for the review! I will be revisiting the TJ Cream Cheese after 5 years. It was the first one I tried but it looks like its been reformulated (it used to be light gray) I have been using the whipped tofutti. (better than the reg one) Fun watching your expressions and opinions

[@Fclwilson]

Thanks. I like the kite hill scallion cream cheese. Even my cat likes it. I appreciate the demo. I just converted my kitchen to veganism this week.

[@weevil8025]

You are right, allium plants in general are dangerous for cats. Thankfully, they're only toxic in large amounts, so if they stop feeding them it now it should be fine if the cat hasn't reacted already. I would take them to the vet to have their blood levels checked. The main issue with allium plants is it causes damage to their red blood cells. @@loverofsong9830

[@almostawesomeali]

I love kite hill too, congratulations on veganizing your kitchen!

[@Fclwilson]

@@almostawesomeali thank you. It is liberating for me as well as the animals.

[@InkdBaker]

I really enjoy these types of videos! The oatly is going to be a bit sweeter as I've just found out that in processing the oats, it naturally beings out a sweetness. I was doing some vegan frying at work and didn't want a sweetened vegan milk. Turns out the regular milks have to list it as added sugar, but it isn't. Oatly ice cream is soo good,the fudge brownie is just mmm. I'd love to see you guys do an ice cream one.

[@jillschwartz2442]

I personally LOVE the VioLife! But absolutely agree about Tofutti. I’ve been saying for years it’s tastes and smells like play dough, never got the hype, but they have been around for a long time and works great in recipes! Now I’m definitely going to try the Trader Joe’s version, thank you for taste testing and sharing! 🫶🏼🌱

[@kaffeekuchen1929]

Tree-line is cashew based and very yummy. The kite hill chive cream cheese is great. And I agree, the Trader Joe’s one is awesome.

[@jawzobang8062]

Thanks for all the testing that you and Monica did . I do not eat cream cheese but glad that you did this, thanks.

[@Barbara-wi3mp]

Perhaps a follow-up taste for Nurishh - the TJ shape tub version, not the cup version. I recall this being the best, but more challenging to find.

[@SauceStache]

I probably won't be doing one of these in a while... its also not available in my area as far as I can tell

[@KariEatsPlants]

Nurish should be available to you. I can get it in the midwest.

[@DA-js7xz]

I haven't had Kite Hill in years because we have nothing in Canada, but I remember it being delicious! Was a huge dairy cream cheese person in the past.

[@theetravelhippie]

please make this a series!

[@landrytheraccoon]

Miyokos is my fave! I love "sharp" or tart flavors. My mom really can't stand it 😅 Think the sour taste throws off most people!

[@weevil8025]

The sharp flavour shows that it's full of good bacterias which is healthy for your gut.

[@landrytheraccoon]

@@weevil8025 true! Now I feel even more justified in it being my favorite 😅 Another thing to note for Miyokos, it's made from cashews and whole ingredients. I think it's the only one on their list that isn't made of oil!

[@weevil8025]

Yeah, I love them for that. I don't like eating too much oil, and it's so hard to find Vegan alternatives without it nowadays. @@landrytheraccoon

[@swgaguy7710]

ill put it to ya this way. im not vegan nor have i tried gegan products. i am considering however eating more veggies n fruit in my diet because of you. you creat good content

[@AndrewYT-007]

Loved this! I really liked violife but haven’t tried the TJs one yet. I do hope the vegan cream cheese market improves this year (2024). You guys should do more of this video format! Cheers!

[@nhuslage]

Glad to have this review. Boursin has been, hands down, my favorite.. For plain cream cheese, Violife has been my favorite up until now,, although, not totally satisfactory. I'll try Trader Joe's.

[@petulantbreeze9766]

The Trader Joe's one finally pulled me off of Tofutti after years of using it. I really think it has the positive reputation because it's been around for longer than most of the others

[@VeganRecipesPlaylists]

TJ one has only been around a few years, in its current formulation. It used to taste great and spread easily, but with production issues it used to have a liquid separation sometimes but it truly sucks now.

[@aictopus]

Tofutti is the best one for making frosting and I stand by it no matter what.

[@slporter]

I've reached vegan cream cheese brand frustration to the levels of just never trying to replace cream cheese ever again. Harder stronger vegan cheeses, yes, but cream cheese, no. All of them by themselves have been pretty disappointing (to me) and I started eating this stuff when Tofutti was the only one available. (btw palm oil = bad. Palm oil has been and continues to be a major driver of deforestation). I reverted to avocado toast for morning cream cheese replacement. It hits all the buttons for a rich and creamy topping for my bagels. If I ever make it to TJs, I'll try their's though. I'll always try a new one LOL.

[@mistybaylock]

The Trader Joes cream cheese is fantastic! It also melts beautifully into sauces and adds a really nice cheesy tang to a cream sauce or cheese sauce. I also always put some melted in my mashed potatoes to add that dairy tang that most milks/butter alternatives don't have.

[@optimiss]

TJ is definitely the best and I've tried almost all of those. I like to grate a fresh jalapeno pepper into it since that is my fave flavor of cream cheese. The Boursin is excellent too. Bel knows how to make a good non-dairy cheese. I don't know who produces the TJ cream cheese but my guess is Follow My Heart since it tastes very similar. Great video!

[@maddieadams75]

Thank you for trying all these,❤❤ I’ve only tried the Philly vegan cream cheese and I liked it.

[@necoxus1061]

I've only tried the tofutti, but I liked it. That being said, I've never been a bagel or cream cheese person. I basically hate bagels with cream cheese. I bought the tofutti to make a vegan cream cheese frosting and it worked well for that. I even got my non-vegan family members to eat it and they had no complaints either. I care more about how it holds up in other recipes and less how it does on its own. If there's a good vegan cream cheese for making cheesecake, I'd love to know! I wish philidephia would make a vegan cream cheese that comes foil wrapped and works like it should for cheese cake.

[@veganelduderino9392]

My favorite is Sheese , look it up it has the same texture as cream cheese.

[@angelnevin3385]

I have just discovered a brand, Vitalife, not to be confused with Violife… It’s amazing! I’m in Southern California and buy it at my local (so cal chain) grocery store, Stater Brothers.

[@potridge]

Thank you so much for showing the ingredient labels!

[@lilo19951995]

kite hill is the only one I’ve ever liked and I buy it now cuz I like it better than regular cream cheese lmao! interesting to see different tastes try it. goes to show you can’t know if it’s good until you try it yourself, but it’s good to know your thoughts

[@dibamoca9885]

So the top two are both available at TJ's!! Good to know! I also just finished a tub of the Boursin - I liked it very much too.

[@tomfondly5266]

I love these taste test. Would love to see more of these.

[@USColdplayFan]

I cook with Tofutti but I have never eaten it plain like your taste test...but I swear by it for my vegan cheesecake recipe!

[@DA-js7xz]

Just liquify tofu with lactic acid.

[@galewohlf4729]

This is exactly the video I needed. About to run to the store!

[@SauceStache]

hahaha I needed to do it myself!!!

[@Makeupkat1959]

I love Boursin the best! I actually found it first at Costco. I agree, and I'll head out to TJ to get theirs. I'm with Monica, some are ok, once you add all the fixings.

[@SauceStache]

the TJ version was awesome, but as far as being a great CC Boursin nailed it! Its wildly good

[@stephaniegonzalez3575]

That’s crazy! Natures fynd was my absolute favorite ! Gonna have to try it again. Garlic spread is my top favorite too

[@pinktink77vp]

Hi. Love your videos. I make trips to Trader Joe's specifically for cream cheese after watching this video. Thanks for everything you do. Question - Are there enough vegan ricotta cheeses on the market to taste test? If so, I would love to see it, if you consider making it. 💖

[@paulkieffer4536]

Cool new video Mark! I always wondered how they stack up. Also, ARE GETTING A RESUPPLY OF NOT STEAK SAUCE? lol... seriously though. I blew through mine so fast and the fam LOVED it!!

[@christinabrugger7058]

In Austria we have the Philadelphia (which is ok) and the Oatley (which I also don't like). The best Creamcheese I had so far is from a small Company in Czech. It's made from Tofu and Soymilk. But I can't get it in my Area. There is also SimplyV, which tastes way to much of Almond Milk. Lidl has it's own brand - that's the one I get the most.

[@marladiamond7849]

I’ve tried several in the past, but, once I found the Violife cream cheese, I knew I had found the perfect vegan cream cheese. To me, it looks, smells, spreads and tastes just like cream cheese. Of course, even with real cream cheese, different brands differ. I haven’t tried the TJs brand yet, but maybe I will, although I’m very happy with the Violife. I also love the Violife feta.

[@Marmelder]

Thank you posting this comparison video. The only one I’ve tried is the Trader Joe’s and it works for me so I never ventured out but I’m glad you made me see that I don’t need to try the other brands.

[@edennathenson5054]

We have a great brand in the U.K. called Nush. The best I have ever tasted by far. I recommend it if you can get hold of it. Thanks for the awesome video as always !

[@MakingThisUpAsIGo]

You should try the Trader joes vegan onion dip it's basically made of the same stuff as the cream cheese and it is so good.

[@johncongdon76]

I've had most of these brands. I do like Tofutti, I think it was the first one I didn't hate after going Vegan over 5 years ago. We usually only have cream cheese on bagels, so I don't recognize some of the issues you had with it. That Boursin one though, we love it (a little too much). Kitehill and Violife also take up room in our fridge, all depends on what the store has when we need more. Like all food, there'll be stuff you love, stuff you hate, and stuff that's just ok and you can deal with it. :)

[@missw8700]

Miyoko's is really good. I don't taste what they are and I use it daily.

[@calebbreckon3643]

This was an interesting perspective on how subjective these things will always be. I’ve tried all but 2 of these and the Miyoko’s is my favorite by a mile.

[@ljhx7804]

i’ve tried them all too and miyokos is also my fave! I think I like the “weird” taste everyone describes it having 😂 it also spreads better and holds on hot bagels better than most. but i’ve also never had non vegan cream cheese.

[@hellyvillarreal8813]

Omg i was so glad you said playdoh for tofitui cuz dont get me wrong it was the first one out for me here in south texas and I loved it but yeah I agree with you. I'll have to try the Philadelphia and the traders Joe one. I'm also into sweet so I'll try oatly too. I agree on the scale completely on how yall ranked. I love violife but I never thought of it like butter but I love me some butter haha so it's a win

[@Bettyspaghetti666]

I was happy to see the Violife product. This brand makes amazing cheddar and this cream cheese ofc is rly nice. A product from Greece

[@IlluminatingJules61284]

Funny you guys posted this a day after I tried vegan cream cheese for the first time. I picked up Violife BOGO at Publix yesterday lol. I do see what youre saying about it being more of a buttery texture, a little thicker/harder to spread, but I thought it was a pretty decent taste. Would probably make for a pretty good vegan fettuccine alfredo. Can't wait to try your squash based mac n cheese, btw! 😊

[@jenerlee]

In the Netherlands, violife does a "gold" version of the cream cheese - it's the 💣!! 🤤

[@MarcyStuart5x5]

Ugh! No Trader Joe's in my area! I'm really wanting to try it because I haven't been happy with any of the other cream cheeses. Thanks for this; I never would have known what rated best without your help.

[@VintageVegans]

Thank you for this very interesting video. I really enjoy how well you both describe the taste and textures as well as the smells. I am only very familiar with the Tofutti and the Trader Joes brands. (I actually thought they were the same?) Both of them get nice and soft when left at room temperature for a little while. They make great vegan cheezecakes too. 😊😊

[@FalafelPlease]

Trader Joe's and Tofutti are the best. Every grocery store now only sells Violife for me and it's the worst I'll never buy it again

[@janis3256]

Was so interested in this as my first purchase of plant based cream cheese was Kite Hill. Bought it because I’m trying to stay away from saturated coconut oil products - and most good plant based cheeses seem to be made with it. Kite Hill was so gross! Had a solidified grease texture/flavor. Tossed it out after the first bite, which sucked because it was not cheap!

[@Nyannycake]

I enjoyed this one. I'm hoping for more vegan/dairy free cream cheese options in the future

[@PrettierAfter50]

I've tried all of those except the Trader Joe's .. Only one I like is Violife and Bursin. Bursin has a little after taste so I use in creams or risottos.. Just found Fynd and I like it. May use for sweets..

[@tamcon72]

I don't eat cream cheese as a cheese; I just cook/bake with it. So for me, Tofutti with a pinch of additionl lactic acid powder does the job for sweet and savory preparations. It's broadly available and cheaper than some of the fancier vegan cream cheeses. Vegan dairy still has a way to go, but it's going faster these days. Thanks for posting!

[@MusicInTheKeyOfK]

I think that anyone who has been vegan for 10 or more years has a soft spot for Tofutti--it was the only option available for a really long time. And we don't really remember what dairy cream cheese tastes like. I never really liked any cream cheese but I use Tofutti for some baking recipes and my kids like it on toasted bagels. In general, I don't think vegan cheeses, cream cheeses or sour creams are very much like there dairy laden counterparts and I'm okay with that.

[@extropiantranshuman]

I wish you went to ralphs - they have an intriguing cream cheese that isn't so bad (outside of the coconut oil overload). I like spiro - sunflower, but I know others don't. But that's ok - you did a lot outside of that. I would love to see how this compares to the diy cream cheeses you'd make from butter beans, sunflower seeds, etc. I also wish treeline was in this lineup, but all of this would've easily doubled the video. There's other cream cheese I saw - like follow your heart - that's good too! I truly hope there's a part 2, but I know it's only in my dreams

[@el-bov8034]

My favourite used to be Bute Island Creamy Sheese. Haven't tried it in a while, but was pretty addicted to it for a while. Worst ever was Nurish cream cheese. Was like the most bitter sesame see kinda cheese. I actually complained to the company as I thought it was past it's sell-by date. They sent me a replacement, and...nope! Same nastiness :(

[@janeshead]

Yeah Nurish is vile! I haven't seen the Bute Island one in a while, I used to like it too,

[@el-bov8034]

@@janeshead I can still get this stuff, but it's really outside my budget. I also think I'm kinda over cheese. Every time I've bought it over the last year or so I've not rally enjoyed it. Might try the Sheese once again, though. I seem to remember it being very light.

[@taniaallan5702]

Do you have Nuts for Cheese near you? It’s yummy and they have all sorts of cheese types…they are cashew cheeses made in London Canada.

[@SauceStache]

I do not! I havnt heard of it! I wonder if I do actually need to redo this and order them in

[@JacintaMack]

I didn’t like Miyoko’s either. Oatly tasted sweet to me and I can’t recall Kite Hill. Violife is fine and does the job, but Tofutti is still my favorite. I think the TJ’s version is pretty good too, as well as most grocery store brand vegan cream cheeses. Can’t find vegan Boursin anywhere in Vermont (one of the least vegan-friendly places ever).

[@princess3193]

Do you have Hannafords there?

[@Nerdpainter]

daiya surprised me because their key lime cheesecake is the best. i haven't tried the plain though. my favorite is trader joes. its so close to actual cream cheese just a bit thicker. i like the miyokos too, they ferment their cheeses so they're sour but i think thats what makes them really good. i dont think anything tofuti makes.

[@dianasalter1386]

I’m sorry you did not care for the Kite Hill. I’ve tried many different vegan cream cheeses and Kite Hill is my favorite. I also love their ricotta.

[@patp550]

I also like that it has no coconut or palm oil!

[@tinaferr]

The ricotta is bomb!

[@pac1811]

I love the videos 😁 Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍👍👍

[@DA-js7xz]

I use the It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken "plain cream cheese" recipe, but with half of the miso and a few drops of lactic acid and it's a win every time.

[@jenerlee]

Your face with the kite hill. 🤣

[@tamcon72]

Monica has a great poker face; I was watching Mark's face and it was an open book on what to not buy. I could feel his diappointment through his cringing!

[@greenmarcosu]

My current go to is the Kite Hill chive flavor. I will need to see if the plain Kite Hill has the flavor you are describing. I need to try the Trader Joes one!

[@PursuingHeaven]

I make a special trip to tj's for both their cream cheese and the Boursin which they also carry. They used to have a decent vegan sour cream too but I think they discontinued. I like WayFare sour cream alternative and I think Simple Truth is the same thing. You should do that next.

[@sagetl6447]

My wife and I really like the Trader Joe's as well. Great video really enjoyed it. Thanks You're absolutely correct on taste being almost there.

[@shepardbrostv]

Tofutti always gonna be my #1

[@margarett_b]

Never liked cream cheese much but wow, we have so much variety in terms of plant based options these days :D This is just so cool regardless of how good (or bad) some of these are! I am also not surprised you chose Trader Joe's and recently said Philadelphia is the best as they jusy have SO MUCH experience with dairy it is probably easier for them to develop dairy-like products. In the age of animal-free dairy we will probably see many more amazing products which are dairy but at the same time are plant based so I'd be curious to see the market change :D

[@SauceStache]

I think thats a super valid point!! These companies have sooo much history making dairy products. I was shocked by how bad some of these where which came so highly recommend... which to me is always disappointing because someone is going to try one of these for the first time and hate it and judge all vegan dairy products off that experience. I think if more people tried some of these top rated ones more people would enjoy the vegan cheese experience!

[@AngeliqueO]

Can you also do a video based on a recipe needing to bake. I was making quesitos with guava paste and had violife. It failed to hold up. I had to buy miyokos but what other ones hold up to baking.

[@princess3193]

I was hoping Philadelphia would be the best, but I was very disappointed with it. My bf and I like Violife the best at the moment. It doesn't taste like butter at all to us lol!! I cannot cook with it though, for example to make crab rangoon, it dissolves. I only cook with Tofutti. When I dip chips in Tofutti, it reminds me exactly of my stores brand of cream cheese, yum! Another good one is at a local store near me named Shaw's - their brand. I was surprised at how good their brand is! The one I am dying to try is Good Planet, but it's only available at bagel shops and none near me sell it. 😠 I've heard this brand was the closest to dairy. Can you find it where you are? Boursin is an amazing cheese spread! My bf and I love the Daiya strawberry cream cheese, but we cannot find it anymore! I don't like anything from Miyokos! 🤢🤷‍♀️

[@princess3193]

Also don't like Kite Hill! It's nothing like cream cheese and molds in days after opening or even before it's open, with plenty of time before the expiration date! 🤢

[@JacintaMack]

I think I remember the Shaw’s “open nature” brand of vegan cream cheese being decent.

[@princess3193]

@@JacintaMack I just checked in my fridge and yes it is called Open Nature! :) I guess it's not their actual store brand. This one is equal to Violife for me, but my bf prefers Violife lol. I really want to try Good Planet!!

[@zepzour7391]

whoa thats the first vegan ive seen who hates kitehill. I dont like LOVE it but it is like healthier than most other ones so I still get it on occasion, especially if using it in a recipe with other flavors. they have other flavors as well which i prefer to the plain

[@jenniferwicker9701]

Same I get kite hill cause I feel like it’s almond milk made in the style of cream cheese, not just coconut oil

[@cblack5071]

Nothing beats Tofutti.

[@nesutoneko]

Have not tried the TJ's but have been disappointed (or disgusted) with every store bought option I have tried - and I have tried many. I now make my own cream cheese with a cashew/nutritional yeast/white miso base. It will not fool anyone that it is cream cheese but it's yummy and made with non processed, real ingredients. Bonus, it's cheaper too.

[@Amandafuller124]

I always prefer to just use a soft cashew cheese on bagels, the nuts for cheese one is my preferred option!

[@Sabrina8008]

100000% agree, just used TJ's for the first time yesterday....spreading sucked but the flavor and smell were spot on, though

[@eddiemasa77]

I agree with everything except the tuffuti for whatever reason tuffuti is so good, maybe location or weather it’s well kept? Idk but tuffuti goes on top and everything else it’s the same

[@naturelover7]

Miyoko’s onion and smoked fish cream cheeses are good. I didn’t take time to note texture/smell. They had a good flavor.