The base for these vegan cheeses can vary depending on the desired product. They can be made from nuts — sometimes processed nuts that are pulverized to resemble cheese, and sometimes nut milks that are curdled and aged in a fashion similar to dairy cheese. They can also be made from soybeans, nutritional yeast, tofu, modified food starch mixed with oil, and more.

Vegan Cheese is in the Adoption stage – this ingredient is primarily found at fast-casual restaurants and restaurants on the West Coast.

Ahimsa Vegan Cafe – Long Beach, Calif.

• Pizza Dog – hot Italian Beyond bratwurst topped with pizza sauce, shredded vegan cheese, romaine, lettuce, roasted peppers, and sliced olives, served on a poppy seed bun.