Vegan Ricotta Cheese (Best Brands + Tofu Ricotta Recipe)

Discover more about this creamy and delicious, dairy-free ingredient in this Vegan Ricotta Cheese guide. Learn how to create your own luscious, plant-based version of a beloved Italian classic that's perfect for both your taste buds and the planet.
post featured image Ricotta Alternative by Kite Hill Foods (Source: @kitehillfoods on Instagram)
Two white bowls filled with pasta with spinach and vegan ricotta, alongside a small yellow tub of Kite Hill ricotta cheese against a yellow background. Ricotta Alternative by Kite Hill Foods (Source: @kitehillfoods on Instagram)
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Say goodbye to dairy, but not to creamy, dreamy cheese, because vegan ricotta is here to steal the show! This plant-powered alternative brings the same lusciously lumpy texture and vivacious versatility to your kitchen, minus the moo. It’s a good thing, too!

Thankfully, we now live in a world where dairy is no longer the only route to creamy indulgence—yippee! With that said, we’ve collected a list of the top tasty vegan ricotta cheese brands. You’ll find many delectable, dairy-free alternatives that will certainly delight your palate. Plus, we’ll sweeten the deal with an enticing Vegan Ricotta cheese recipe that will totally knock your socks off.

If you’re ready to delve into all things creamy and cheesy, let’s get started!

A bowl of red lasagna soup with tomato sauce, basil, noodles, and topped with dairy-free vegan ricotta cheese.

What is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a creamy, soft cheese of Italian origin made from the whey leftover during the production of other cheeses like mozzarella and provolone. It has a slightly grainy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.

Some popular recipes made with ricotta cheese include:

A slice of vegan lasagna with tofu ricotta.

While traditional ricotta is made from dairy, vegan alternatives have become increasingly popular, using plant-based ingredients to recreate its texture and taste.

Is Ricotta Cheese Vegan?

Traditional ricotta cheese is not vegan because it uses whey from cow’s milk (or possibly goat’s milk). Dairy-free ricotta cheese brands use tofu, almond milk, or cashews as a base.

Small bowl full of raw tofu cubes with some cubes scattered around the bowl.

The nubbly-bubbly texture is more difficult to create without the animal products, but the brands below have worked their magic and made us proud!

Best Vegan Ricotta Cheese Brands

Navigate the vegan ricotta cheese corner with our handpicked list of standout brands. They offer a variety of rich and creamy plant-based choices to enhance and flavor your favorite dishes. From a luscious lasagna dinner casserole to a light and crispy bruschetta appetizer, these cheeses have got you covered—delish!

Kite Hill

Plant-based ricotta cheese by Kite Hill is artfully crafted from almond milk and captures the flavor and texture of traditional Italian ricotta. It has a lovely, velvety texture and rich, nutty undertones, making it a versatile and delectable dairy-free choice. Also available in a whipped version.

Two white bowls filled with pasta with spinach and vegan ricotta, alongside a small yellow tub of Kite Hill ricotta cheese against a yellow background.
Ricotta Alternative by Kite Hill Foods (Source: @kitehillfoods on Instagram)

New Roots

Dairy-free “La Cotta” from New Roots is a European-inspired ricotta cheese with a foundation of organic cashews. This brand boasts a light, creamy, artisanal texture, and a wonderful blend of flavors. Lactose-free and made in Switzerland.

A hand holding a slice of bread covered in New Roots La Cotta cheese with sprouts. A plastic container of New Roots cheese is on a wooden cutting board nearby and an orange napkin against a wooden table background.
La Cotta Vegan Cottage Cheese by New Roots (Source: @New_Roots on Instagram)

Reine

Reine’s vegan almond ricotta offers a smooth and creamy dairy-free alternative, providing a mild and neutral flavor perfect for a wide range of savory and sweet dishes. This non-melting variety is perfect hot or cold and contains no coconut oil, gums, or starches.

A large white bowl of rolled lasagna noodles, zucchini, tomatoes, and parsley along with Reine vegan cottage cheese against a white background.
Vegan Almond Ricotta by Reine (Source: @reine.vegan.cuisine on Instagram)

Tofutti

Better than Ricotta from Tofutti is a versatile and soy-based option with a creamy consistency, making it a convenient addition to your plant-based recipes and a go-to choice for those seeking a mild, neutral flavor. Excellent for pasta, lasagna, cheesecake, pizza, cannoli, salads, bruschetta, and adding to flatbreads.

A dark wood cutting board topped with six cannolis that are filled with Tofutti vegan ricotta cheese. A black labeled plastic container of Tofutti ricotta is next to the cutting board.
Better Than Ricotta Cheese by Tofutti (Source: @tofuttibrands on Instagram)

Treeline

Treeline’s delicious non-dairy cashew ricotta uses a foolproof formula of creamy cashews and live, active cultures. The beautifully balanced flavor has a subtle tanginess, delivering a versatile, dairy-free choice for all ricotta lovers. Their blend is also free of soy, gluten, and lactose.

A stack of three containers of Treeline Plant-Based Cheese starting with pimento, then ricotta and finally sour cream on the bottom against a white background.
Non-Dairy Cashew Ricotta by Treeline (Source: @treeline_cheese on Instagram)

Dairy-Free Ricotta Cheese FAQs

Can you buy vegan ricotta cheese at Whole Foods?

It depends on which Whole Foods Market you are visiting. But, Whole Foods does sell Kite Hill, Treeline, and Tofutti products at most stores.

Is vegan ricotta cheese available at Publix?

Yes! Although the availability might be different from store to store, Publix does list Kite Hill Vegan Ricotta on their website.

What can substitute for vegan ricotta cheese in a recipe?

You’re in luck! There are many dairy-free swaps you can use such as vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, plant-based yogurt, or just plain tofu. The consistencies will be slightly different, but will give you a similar outcome and flavor.

How To Make Vegan Ricotta Cheese

Although you can easily find vegan ricotta cheese recipes online, this tofu ricotta recipe from Allison Rivers Samson is our favorite! It’s a simple and delicious plant-based ricotta recipe for beginners, as well as a great choice for more experienced vegan cheese crafters.

Vegan Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Author: Allison Rivers Samson | The Dairy Freedom Cookbook
5 from 5 votes
This recipe will free you from any fear you may have of tofu. Used as a blank canvas, tofu takes on the flavors of what it’s mixed with, and in this case, creates a robust, creamy, protein-rich cheese that can be added to any dish that calls for ricotta. Stuffed pasta shells, anyone?
Bowl of vegan lasagna soup with tofu ricotta and basil and marinara sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1.5 cups, about 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces extra firm tofu, rinsed and squeezed to remove the water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced into ribbons or chiffonade
  • ½ cup canned olives, Allison’s favorite is Santa Barbara’s ripe green olives in a can
  • teaspoons capers, drained

Instructions

  • In a food processor, purée tofu, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Process until desired smoothness is achieved.
  • Add basil, olives, and capers. Pulse 2-3 times for a rough chop.
Course Appetizer or Snack, Condiment, Dip, Spread
Keyword dairy-free ricotta recipe, tofu ricotta, vegan ricotta

More Creamy and Delicious Vegan Cheeses

  • For those that savory the “stinky” cheese, this Vegan Blue Cheese guide is your best bet!
  • Bagel lovers will find a variety of wonderful creamy cheeses in the Vegan Cream Cheese collection.
  • The perfect pizza needs just the right type of Vegan Mozzarella cheese, like these!
  • There’s nothing bedda than chedda! Check out our Vegan Cheddar guide for all things cheesy.
  • It’s hard to find just the right flavored feta, you might find this Vegan Feta round-up really helpful. Bonus, there’s a feta cheese recipe to try, too!

Vegan ricotta cheese recipe shared with permission from The Dairy Freedom Cookbook by Allison Rivers Samson and Michelle Cehn.

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Recipe Rating




5 comments
  1. 5 stars
    Love putting this in lasagna!

  2. 5 stars
    This vegan ricotta cheese recipe is so delicious! Love the simple ingredients and rich taste!

  3. Andrea White says:

    5 stars
    I’m a sucker for good vegan cheese. This recipe turned out amazing!

  4. 5 stars
    It’s great that vegan brands are now coming up with ricotta cheese options! But, I still like making my own. This recipe is easy and tastes incredible. Yum!

  5. 5 stars
    We use both tofu and cashew based ricotta in both lasagne and pasta! Delicious.

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