Picking the right vegan ricotta can be tricky — should it be creamy, nut-free, or packed with protein? Whether you’re layering lasagna, stuffing cannelloni, or whipping up a dessert, the right alternative makes all the difference. Cashew-based ricotta is rich and buttery, almond versions are mild and spreadable, and tofu ricotta is a no-nuts, protein-packed substitute perfect for spinach-stuffed shells and pasta dishes.
Not all vegan ricotta cheeses get it right — some are too grainy, others too bland. That’s why we’ve ranked the best options to help you find the perfect match for your next recipe. Whether you need a healthy, dairy-free swap or a foolproof alternative, this guide has you covered!
Quick List - Top Vegan Ricotta Cheese
Lyrical Foods, inc
Almond Milk-Based Ricotta for Sweet and Savory Dishes
Lyrical Foods, inc
Whipped Almond Milk Ricotta for Spreads and Toppings
Treeline Treenut Cheese
Cultured Cashew Ricotta With a Simple Ingredient List
David is a law graduate (LL. B) with a keen eye for the specifics and a commitment to helping people make smarter decisions. Since joining mybest in 2020, he’s been creating buying guides to make finding the best products, from everyday must-haves to niche finds, easy. Whether he’s teaming up with dietitians to find the best probiotic yogurts or sharing expert tips on the top supplements, his work makes it easier for US readers to navigate the clutter of online shopping. Beyond his work with mybest, David has written for Grotto Network, a digital platform by the University of Notre Dame, and has experience as a special educational needs assistant. These pursuits have sharpened his talent for reaching people and making explanations personal and practical. His love for nature and reflective moments keeps him grounded, adding a thoughtful touch to every piece he writes for mybest.
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Almond Milk-Based Ricotta for Sweet and Savory Dishes
Whipped Almond Milk Ricotta for Spreads and Toppings
Cultured Cashew Ricotta With a Simple Ingredient List
Vegan ricotta cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional ricotta, typically made from ingredients like tofu, cashews, or almonds. These ingredients help replicate the creamy, slightly grainy texture of dairy-based ricotta while providing a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Depending on the brand or recipe, some versions may include additional thickeners or cultures to enhance the texture and taste, creating a more authentic ricotta-like experience.
This dairy-free ricotta is a versatile ingredient commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes. It works well in lasagna, stuffed pasta, and dips, while also serving as a creamy base for desserts and spreads. Whether blended into a pasta filling or used as a topping for toast, vegan ricotta offers a satisfying alternative for those avoiding dairy.
Checking the fat and sodium content is essential, especially if you're mindful of your diet. Some vegan ricotta varieties are rich and creamy, with higher fat levels that closely mimic traditional ricotta, while others offer a lower-fat alternative for those watching their intake.
Sodium levels can also vary significantly between brands, so it’s important to compare labels to avoid excessive salt, particularly for those aiming for a heart-healthy choice. In a survey of United States cheeses, researchers found that non-dairy products are twice as likely to have high sodium levels, making it even more crucial to check nutrition labels.
Protein content is another factor to consider, as some plant-based ricotta options provide a decent protein boost, while others are lower in this nutrient. If you're looking to incorporate more protein into your meals, ricotta made from nuts or legumes may be a better choice.
Balancing fat, sodium, and protein will help ensure you choose a vegan ricotta that aligns with your nutritional goals without compromising on taste and texture.
Choosing vegan ricotta with simple, recognizable ingredients ensures better quality and fewer unnecessary additives. Options made from whole foods like almond milk, cashews, or tofu are minimally processed and free from artificial stabilizers or hydrogenated oils. Nuts like almonds and cashews also provide essential minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants, making them a nutrient-dense choice.
The right type of vegan ricotta depends on whether you're making a savory dish like lasagna or a sweet dessert.
For lasagna, tofu and almond ricotta tend to work best, while cashew-based ricotta shines in desserts. Selecting the right option ensures the best texture and taste for your cooking needs.
If you have allergies, checking labels for common allergens in vegan ricotta is essential. Many varieties contain soy or nuts, which can be problematic for those with sensitivities. Some brands also include gluten-based additives for texture, so it’s important to read ingredient lists carefully. Choosing allergen-free options ensures a safer and more enjoyable eating experience.
For those avoiding soy, nut-based ricotta made from almonds or cashews can be a good alternative, while people with nut allergies may prefer soy-based versions.
If you prefer clean-label options, checking for Non-GMO certification is a smart choice. Many consumers look for Non-GMO Project Verified products to avoid artificial modifications in plant-based ingredients. Since soy and nuts are common in vegan ricotta, opting for a non-GMO version ensures that these ingredients are sourced naturally without genetic engineering.
Non-GMO certification also aligns with a preference for more natural, minimally processed foods. Some brands go further by using organic ingredients, which guarantees they are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Choosing a non-GMO vegan ricotta helps support a cleaner diet while providing peace of mind about ingredient sourcing.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Calories | Total Fat Content | Sodium Content | Calcium % DV | Protein Content | Base Ingredient | Gluten-Free | Soy-Free | Nut-Free | Non-GMO | |||||
1 | Lyrical Foods, inc Kite Hill|Almond Milk Ricotta Cheese Alternative | ![]() | Almond Milk-Based Ricotta for Sweet and Savory Dishes | 140 | 12g | 230mg | 4% | 5g | Almond-based | |||||
2 | Lyrical Foods, inc Kite Hill|Whipped Almond Milk Ricotta Cheese Alternative | ![]() | Whipped Almond Milk Ricotta for Spreads and Toppings | 120 | 10g | 230mg | 4% | 4g | Almond-based | |||||
3 | Treeline Treenut Cheese Non-Dairy Cashew Ricotta | ![]() | Cultured Cashew Ricotta With a Simple Ingredient List | 160 | 13g | 150mg | 4% | 5g | Cashew-based | |||||
4 | Tofutti Brands Inc. Better Than Ricotta Cheese | ![]() | Tofu-Based Ricotta Alternative for Cooking Applications | 100 | 7g | 150mg | unknown | 2g | Tofu-based | unknown | unknown | unknown |
Base Ingredient | Almond-based |
---|
This almond milk-based ricotta alternative offers a dairy-free option with 5 grams of protein per serving and a formulation free from soy, gluten, and artificial preservatives. It’s made with cultured almond milk and contains a small amount of tartaric acid, which helps create a texture suitable for both cooking and baking.
With a moderately high fat content (12g per serving) and a smooth consistency, this ricotta alternative can be used in dishes like lasagna, pancakes, or even desserts as a mascarpone substitute. It’s Whole30-approved and Non-GMO Project verified, catering to various dietary preferences.
Calories | 140 |
---|---|
Total Fat Content | 12g |
Sodium Content | 230mg |
Calcium % DV | 4% |
Protein Content | 5g |
Gluten-Free | |
Soy-Free | |
Nut-Free | |
Non-GMO |
Base Ingredient | Almond-based |
---|
This whipped version of Kite Hill’s almond-based ricotta has a lighter, airy texture compared to the original. With 4 grams of protein per serving, it retains a similar ingredient profile, using cultured almond milk and tartaric acid while remaining free from dairy, soy, gluten, and artificial preservatives.
The whipped consistency makes it a spreadable option for crackers, toast, or crostini. While still rich in fats (11g per serving), it provides a different application than traditional ricotta, making it a versatile choice for both savory and sweet preparations.
Calories | 120 |
---|---|
Total Fat Content | 10g |
Sodium Content | 230mg |
Calcium % DV | 4% |
Protein Content | 4g |
Gluten-Free | |
Soy-Free | |
Nut-Free | |
Non-GMO |
Base Ingredient | Cashew-based |
---|
Treeline’s cashew-based ricotta is made with simple ingredients, including cashew cream, cultured brown rice, and high-oleic sunflower oil. It’s naturally cultured, which contributes to its texture and mild tangy flavor. The formulation is free from dairy, soy, gluten, sesame, and palm oil, making it suitable for those with multiple dietary restrictions.
This ricotta alternative is lower in saturated fat than some nut-based options while maintaining a creamy consistency. Without added starches or gums, it functions well in recipes where a mild, slightly nutty plant-based cheese is needed.
Calories | 160 |
---|---|
Total Fat Content | 13g |
Sodium Content | 150mg |
Calcium % DV | 4% |
Protein Content | 5g |
Gluten-Free | |
Soy-Free | |
Nut-Free | |
Non-GMO |
Base Ingredient | Tofu-based |
---|
Tofutti’s ricotta alternative is made primarily from tofu and soy protein, providing a slightly firmer texture compared to nut-based versions. It contains a blend of vegetable oils, including palm, soybean, and olive, which contribute to its creamy consistency. Each serving contains 100 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein.
Designed for cooking applications, this tofu-based ricotta works in a range of Italian dishes like lasagna, ravioli, or pizza. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a potential alternative for those avoiding animal products while seeking a soy-based option.
Calories | 100 |
---|---|
Total Fat Content | 7g |
Sodium Content | 150mg |
Calcium % DV | unknown |
Protein Content | 2g |
Gluten-Free | |
Soy-Free | unknown |
Nut-Free | unknown |
Non-GMO | unknown |
No. 1: Lyrical Foods, inc|Kite Hill|Almond Milk Ricotta Cheese Alternative
No. 2: Lyrical Foods, inc|Kite Hill|Whipped Almond Milk Ricotta Cheese Alternative
No. 3: Treeline Treenut Cheese|Non-Dairy Cashew Ricotta
No. 4: Tofutti Brands Inc.|Better Than Ricotta Cheese
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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