The Secret to Dairy-Free Cheesy Flavor (No Fake Cheese Needed!)
Plus: Easy Homemade Dairy Free Pesto Recipe
Going dairy-free means missing out on satisfying cheesy flavors… or does it?
Actually, there’s a simple way to get that umami hit—without a single drop of dairy.
Most people think dairy-free cooking is just about swapping ingredients—milk for plant-based, cheese for alternatives.
But if you’ve ever followed a recipe that should be delicious and ended up disappointed, you know those store-bought swaps alone don’t always work.
The real key? Rebuilding the deep, savory flavors dairy brings.
Dairy-free cheese will never taste exactly the same—but there’s a simple pantry staple that brings back some of that rich, cheesy depth, no processed substitutes needed.
Chances are, you already have it in your kitchen but aren’t using it to its full potential.
Keep reading for this month’s Ingredient Spotlight—plus a great recipe to try it out!
In this Month’s ‘Big’ Newsletter:
💡 Ingredient Spotlight: The powerhouse ingredient that makes dairy-free food actually taste amazing.
🌿 Recipe: A simple pesto that brings all the bold, cheesy flavor—without the cheese.
🎧 Podcast Pick: If you're struggling with food intolerances, this month’s podcast recommendation is a must-listen! Get expert advice on what's really happening in your body and how to take charge of your health.
Happy listening, reading and cooking!
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💡 Ingredient Spotlight: Nutritional Yeast
Or as the cool kids call it, ‘nooch’.
Nutritional yeast is my number one pantry staple for any dairy free cook!
It can be used in so many recipes and is the closest you can get to cheesy flavour without using real cheese.
What is it?
Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast that has a cheesy, nutty, umami-packed* flavour. It’s also full of B vitamins, making it nutritious as well as great-tasting.
How to Use It (Beyond Just Sprinkling)
Most people shake a bit onto popcorn and call it a day. But if you really want to take your dairy-free cooking up a notch, try this:
🌿 Make your own ‘cheesy’ seasonings – Mix it with garlic powder, salt, and a blend of nuts and seeds for a homemade dairy-free “Parmesan”.
🍲 Add big flavour – Stir a spoonful into stews, soups, or sauces to deepen the flavour. Try our df pesto recipe below!
🥔 Crispy coatings – Mix it into breadcrumbs for a cheesy, crunchy crust on roasted veggies, meats or baked tofu.
*What’s ‘umami’ flavour, you ask?
It’s that taste that makes food extra savoury and delicious–kind of like the deep, rich flavour of mushrooms, broth or cheese.
Some people call it the ‘YUM’ flavour because it makes food more satisfying.
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Want to try out nutritional yeast in an easy recipe…? Make our 5 minute Dairy Free Homemade Pesto!
🌿 Homemade Dairy Free Pesto Recipe
Pesto without Parmesan? Sounds impossible, right?
But trust me—this dairy-free pesto is just as creamy, herby, and packed with flavor. Try it and you’ll see how great nutritional yeast is.
Plus, we’ve got a fab tip for using it beyond pasta!
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves
3 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon cashew nuts
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3-6 tablespoons water
Click here for the full instructions.
Notes
Switch it up: Substitute the pine nuts for sunflower or pumpkin seeds for alternative flavour and to make it more budget friendly. Pine nuts can be pricey, so feel free to play around with the nut and seed combo!
Storage: Keep your pesto in the fridge in an airtight container (I use a little lidded jar) or freeze for up to 3 months. A great way to freeze pesto is in ice cube trays. Once they’re frozen, keep in a zip-locked bag and pick them out as you need them.
Serving ideas:
Toss it with hot pasta for a quick and easy meal.
Spread it on toast or mix into mashed avocado for a quick snack.
Swirl it into soups (my favourite is this dairy free tomato soup!) or drizzle over roasted veggies for a flavour boost.
Use it as a sauce for homemade pizza (which you definitely want to try).
👉 Subscribe now and get my Best Ever Homemade Pizza recipe next month—where pesto is one of the secrets to all your dairy-free pizza dreams!
🎧 Podcast Pick: What’s the Story With Food Intolerance? From the ZOE Podcast
We’re back with the ZOE podcast this month, with one of my favourite gut health experts, Dr Will Bulsiewicz.
In this episode, Dr B dives into the science behind food intolerances and how gut bacteria influence them. He explains why cutting out foods may not always fix the problem and suggests some smart strategies for managing symptoms. If you're navigating food intolerances, this episode is packed with practical advice.
Catch the full episode here or watch below.
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