• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Damn Tasty Vegan
  • Vegan Spring Recipes
  • Recipe index
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegan Spring Recipes
  • Recipe index
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Contact
  • Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Vegan Spring Recipes
    • Recipe index
    • Lifestyle
    • About
    • Contact
  • Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Helpful guides

    How to stop eating cheese and go vegan

    Published: Aug 6, 2020 · Modified: Feb 2, 2023 by Maria · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    How to stop eating cheese with these simple steps and how to change your mindset. How to go from “I could never give up cheese” to “that was easier than I thought”. Tips on switching from vegetarian to vegan by quitting cheese.

    Five different types of cheese stacked on top of each other on a wooden cutting board.
    Jump to:
    • 🧐 We’ve been duped into thinking we need it
    • 🤔 Make a connection and find your WHY
    • 😤 The dairy industry is cruel
    • 🐮Organic and free range dairy isn't more kind for the cows
    • 🖼 Challenge your beliefs and reframe them
    • 🥛 Replace one ingredient at a time (don’t stop until you find your favorites)
    • 🧀 My favorite vegan dairy alternatives
    • Don’t expect alternatives to taste the exact same as dairy
    • Your tastebuds will acclimate
    • 🥑 When you crave cheese, you’re craving fat (add some fat to your meals)
    • 🥣 Easy dairy free recipes to get you started
    • ❓ FAQ's
    • ❤️ To sum it all up

    🧐 We’ve been duped into thinking we need it

    About 65% of the human population is allergic to dairy. Most of which are East Asian, African American and African.

    It’s only with a gene mutation that some of the population is able to digest it properly.

    We’ve been brainwashed to believe that milk is the only source of calcium and that it “does a body good”. This is no accident.

    The billion dollar dairy industry spends millions lobbying the government to put dairy requirements into nutrition guidelines.

    The industry also funds and publishes studies, showing dairy in the best possible light, before getting peer reviewed.

    The dairy industry also spends millions on advertisements, shoving the message down our throats that milk is healthy, natural and necessary.

    Milk is the breast milk of a mother cow that just gave birth. We don’t need to be drinking breast milk as adults.

    Cows don’t even drink that shit in adulthood. It’s bizarre when you really think about it.

    Needing milk and dairy is not a fact, it’s advertising.

    Three cows with their heads sticking through a fence with tags on their ears.

    🤔 Make a connection and find your WHY

    To make any big changes in our lives, we have to have a strong, emotional reason to do it.

    Why do you want to make this change?

    Is it because you don’t want to pay for the pain and suffering that dairy cows and their offspring go through?

    Is it because it’s more environmentally friendly to eat plant milks?

    Maybe it’s because you want better health or to clear your skin and you heard that the hormones and antibiotics in dairy can cause skin issues.

    Find your reason for wanting to do this, and then KEEP connecting to it.

    It’s very easy to get off track if we don’t focus and refocus on our Why.

    😤 The dairy industry is cruel

    Watch the video below for motivation on why the dairy industry sucks.

    It’s called Dairy is scary and it’s only 5 minutes and it sums up all of the inherent cruelty involved with dairy products.

    It took me a while, but I finally got the vegan lifestyle to stick when I repeatedly watched those hard-to-watch documentaries of the everyday, necessary cruelties in the animal agriculture industry.

    In order for us to have milk, newborn cows have to be taken away from their mothers within 24 hours of giving birth.

    To make their customers feel better the dairy industry lies and says that this is what is best for the animal. They say the calf runs the risk of infections, or getting trampled on by their mother.

    I don’t know about you, but all the large animals in the wild do just fine rearing their children without our interventions.

    It is standard practice to take the baby calf away from their mother within 24 hours because they claim that “they form a less strong emotional bond”.

    How fucked up is that? Can you imagine getting your child taken away from you a few hours after you just gave birth?

    The mother cows moo in distress and pace for days after.

    In order to take the baby calf away, farmers sometimes use tractors to keep themselves from getting plowed by the mother cow.

    Let’s pretend that every comfort was given to the cows. Even in that perfect situation, we can’t escape that the cows will be turned into hamburgers once they are no longer producing milk.

    So, they live a life of having their reproductive organs exploited, their babies getting taken away and then it still ends in a slaughter house .

    Because of the demands of constantly being pregnant and then lactating, dairy cows are ‘spent’ after 4-5 years (cows can live to be 20 years old) and get sent to get a bolt gun to the head.

    I couldn’t justify putting them through that anymore, just for the sake of my tastebuds. Especially when there is now an abundance of other delicious things I could be eating.

    🐮Organic and free range dairy isn't more kind for the cows

    If you’re vegetarian for the animals (like I was) dairy is still cruel.

    Don’t believe the lies about organic or free range being less cruel.

    Baby cows still have to get taken away for us to drink their mother’s milk (so the industry makes a profit) and dairy cows are still killed.

    The dairy industry is not an animal welfare sanctuary, it’s a business built on exploiting animals.

    There are many stories of dairy cow farmers that woke up one day and couldn't continue doing their jobs because the cruelty of it finally caught up to them.

    Making money is their highest priority, not animal welfare. They keep their animals as comfortable and happy as they need to be, in order to make a profit from them.

    It takes time to adjust, just keep with it.

    Even if you slip up now and then (I slipped up so much in the beginning).

    Just get back on the wagon.

    🖼 Challenge your beliefs and reframe them

    A hand making she shape of a frame with a desert in the background

    Changing your diet is about finding your limiting beliefs and reframing them.

    It all really does start in the mind.

    Once again, because of the dairy industries’ lobbying, bunk-ass funded studies and advertising campaigns, we have a shit ton of thoughts and beliefs that just aren’t true.

    Here are some common false beliefs around dairy and cheese and how to reframe them:

    “I can’t live without cheese or my favorite foods”

    Reframe it to: I can still eat all of my favorites. I never have to miss out on any food. There is a vegan version of everything. I just have to look for the recipes and alternatives.

    “Vegan food is too expensive”

    Reframe it to: I’m investing in my future health. Medical bills are expensive. Environmental devastation from the animal agriculture industry is expensive. Yes, some vegan products are expensive, but once you get used to the transition, you tend to eat those special products less and less and rely more on whole plant foods, which are some of the cheapest foods on the planet.

    “I won’t get enough calcium”

    Reframe it to: The calcium myth was put into my head from the dairy industries’ advertising campaigns. Many foods have calcium in them such as dark leafy greens, dried figs, soybeans, fortified orange juice and plant milks and fortified whole grains.

    “I don’t want to feel left out at dinner parties”

    Yes, the initial transition is a bit awkward. But I promise, once you stay strong and politely inform your friends and family, they eventually come around and may even cook you food. Offer to bring your own dish, or send them a recipe. People get over it after a little while and it becomes less of a big deal. Host your own dinner party to show your friends and family how delicious foods are without dairy.

    “I only buy organic, free range, grass fed, local dairy”

    Sure, this stuff may have less antibiotics, but it still has hormones. Milk is full of hormones from the mother cow being pregnant. Cheese has one of the highest concentrations of estrogen. On top of that, baby cows are still taken from their mothers, and cows are still killed after they’re no longer useful.

    “Dairy doesn’t kill or hurt the animals”

    Once again baby cows are still taken from their mothers, and cows are still killed after they’re no longer useful. The dairy industry is a business, not an animal welfare sanctuary. Don’t be fooled.

    “Almond milk and plant milks are just as bad for the environment

    Yes, almonds use a lot of water, but even the environmentally “worst” plant milk is way better for the planet than raising animals:

    • When we raise animals for food we have to water and grow the food to feed them in addition to watering the cows themselves (90% more water usage than growing plants to milk)
    • Then we have to deal with them shitting everywhere and their shit running off into streams and causing e-coli outbreaks on spinach and other vegetables.
    • Then, they spew methane (which is a greenhouse gas that is way more potent than co2) into the air from their burps and farts and shits…… You see what I’m getting at? Growing plants to eat doesn’t do half of that shit.
    • According to this study, if you want the most sustainable plant milk, go with organic oat milk.

    Read this article next, from New York Times about how our diet affects the planet and which foods are worst (spoiler: it’s meat, eggs and dairy)

    🥛 Replace one ingredient at a time (don’t stop until you find your favorites)

    Soy milk being poured into a glass with a bowl of soy beans next to it.

    Don’t overwhelm yourself by doing this overnight. Replace one thing in your fridge at a time.

    If you don’t like one brand or flavor, try another. There are endless options now.

    You can order things online, like from Thrive market, if you don’t have a well stocked store near you.

    But, you’ll be surprised, most grocery stores offer plant based milks and cheeses now.

    Learn where the plant based options are stocked in your grocery store.

    Sometimes the vegan foods are in their own sections, so make sure to look around the store a little bit or ask an employee.

    🧀 My favorite vegan dairy alternatives

    My favorite vegan cheese brands:

    • Violife (you will flip over their vegan feta)

    • Miyokos (it’s expensive so I save this for holidays)

    • Chao

    • Daiya (used to hate this brand, but then they improved their recipe)

    My favorite vegan coffee creamers:

    • Oatly barista blend creamer

    • Full fat canned coconut milk (it’s doesn’t really taste like coconuts, it’s just super creamy)

    • Silk half and half

    • Silk heavy whipping cream

    • So Delicious coconut milk coffee creamer (it doesn’t taste like coconuts)

    • Califa farms barista blend coffee creamer

    My favorite plant based milks:

    • Organic Soy milk is my OG favorite, doesn’t even matter what brand. I use this for cereals and chai lattés.
    • Unsweetened plain Oat milk is amazing for cooking savory foods, when you need to add cream but don’t want a weird after taste. It’s amazing for adding to mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and alfredo sauces.

    • I don’t really care for the taste of almond milk, but some people rave about it. Just try all of them until you land on one you love.

    Favorite vegan heavy cream alternatives:

    • Silk heavy whipping cream

    • Full fat canned coconut milk

    • Unsweetened cashew yogurt

    • Soaking and blending cashews with various seasonings, depending on the recipe. Blended cashews can make anything from cheese and alfredos, to creamy soups and sauces.

    My favorite vegan ice creams:

    • Ben and Jerry’s has a whole line of dairy free ice creams with creative flavors

    • So delicious is also very good

    • I enjoy ice creams made from coconut, oat or cashew milk. There are so many vegan ice cream options, you just have to look.

       

    Don’t expect alternatives to taste the exact same as dairy

    If you go in with super high expectations, you will constantly be disappointed.

    Yes, vegan cheeses have come a long way.

    But when you compare them directly to cheese, you will be disappointed.

    Create a separate space in you mind for these cheeses.

    Eventually, you will see that they’re tasty in their own ways.

    Your tastebuds will acclimate

    Your tastebuds will change and eventually you won’t crave these foods as much, or not at all.

    I accidentally ate a bite of cheese pizza last year and I couldn’t get over how sour and “off” it tasted.

    I realized quickly that they had messed up my order and instead of using Daiya cheese, they put cow cheese on it.

    My tastebuds had changed completely and got used to the taste of vegan cheese instead.

    The cow cheese tasted weird to me, just like how vegan cheese may taste weird to you in the beginning.

    🥑 When you crave cheese, you’re craving fat (add some fat to your meals)

    Four avocados on a table with one of them cut open.

    If meals are unsatisfying, add some fat to it. You can go for whole fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, tahini and nut butters.

    Or, you can go for the vegan versions of dairy products like vegan mayo, vegan cheese, vegan sour cream, vegan cream cheese, vegan ice cream and many more

    But don’t try to be too healthy in the beginning. It’s stressful enough changing your diet and going against the mainstream. Make it as easy as possible in the beginning.

    No, it’s not great to live off of cheese alternatives and vegan ice cream, but they’re great for satiating cravings in the beginning.

    🥣 Easy dairy free recipes to get you started

    • Homemade Vegan cream in a small glass mason jar.
      Easy Vegan Cream (Heavy Cream Substitute)
    • Tofu cream cheese spread out over a toasted bagel topped with green onions.
      Tofu cream cheese
    • Vegan dairy free pesto in a small glass jar next to lemon slices, garlic and fresh basil.
      Super Easy Vegan Pesto (Dairy Free)
    • Hand dipping a chip into vegan nacho cheese
      The Best Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce (Dairy Free Queso)
    • Vegan Jackfruit Nachos
      Easy jackfruit nachos
    • Piece of bread dipped in vegan fondue
      Easiest vegan fondue (dairy free cheese fondue)
    • Vegan wings surrounded by a bowl of vegan ranch dressing
      Creamy vegan ranch dressing
    • Nut free vegan mac and cheese in a bowl.
      Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese Without Cashews

    ❓ FAQ's

    Don't we need dairy for strong bones?

    According to nutritionfacts.org a meta analysis study was done, on cow milk intake and hip fractures and it showed no significant protection with cow's milk.

    What are some plant based sources of calcium?

    There is an abundance of calcium in fortified plant based milks, orange juice and cereals. Dark leafy green vegetables like kale, broccoli and bok choy also offer a lot of calcium that is absorbed even better than cow's milk and it has added nutrients like fiber, folate and antioxidants. Tofu, tempeh and soy foods also contain calcium as does dried figs.

    Why don't vegans eat dairy?

    Vegans are against any exploitation and slaughter of animals. For dairy cows to provide milk, they have to be impregnated and give birth about once a year. Since the calf will drink the mother's milk, and cut into their profits, the calf is separated from their mothers. Male calves are often sold into the veal industry or slaughtered for meat later. Female calves are then turned into dairy cows once they grow up.
    Once female cows stop providing milk after an average of five years because of the stress on their bodies (when they can live to be 20+ years) they are then sent to the slaughter house.

    ❤️ To sum it all up

    Quitting cheese and dairy all begins with your mindset. Take a look at your limiting beliefs and reframe them. More than half of the population is allergic to dairy, and we’ve been duped into thinking we need it for calcium. The dairy industry is cruel AF and it’s unnecessary when there are so many alternatives now.

    • Replace one product at a time until you find your favorites
    • When you crave cheese, you're craving fat. Eat some fat in your meals.
    • Your tasteduds will acclimate, give them time.
    • Don't compare plant based products to animal products. They're good in their own way
    • Organic and free range dairy cows still get slaughtered.
    • The animal agriculture industry is a business, not an animal welfare sanctuary.
    • Try one new creamy vegan recipe a week to learn how to cook with plant based creamy ingredients.

    More Helpful Vegan Tips

    • Cup of cooked red lentils with naan bread in the background
      How to cook red lentils
    • Chipotle vegan option - Vegan lifestyle bowl.
      Chipotle vegan options (2024)
    • Vegan panera bread sandwich cut in half
      Vegan Panera Bread options (2024)
    • Close up of a juicy vegan burger with cheese
      Cheesecake Factory Vegan Options (2024)

    About Maria

    Maria is the creator of the blog and YouTube channel Damn Tasty Vegan. She has been a vegetarian since 2005 and vegan since 2015. She loves showing new vegans how easy and delicious living a vegan lifestyle can be. She is passionate about animal welfare and strives to help change the way animals are viewed and treated, by helping people transition to a vegan lifestyle.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Woman with sunglasses sipping a green juice with a straw.

    Hi, I'm Maria Rose! I'm a professional singer by night, and recipe developer by day. I run this blog and am also the creator of the One Month (30 minute) Meal Plan. I love helping people learn how to cook easy and delicious plant based meals.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fresh Spring Recipes

    • Israeli couscous salad in a serving dish.
      Israeli couscous salad (pearl couscous)

    • Overhead view of large mixing bowl filled with rainbow salad.
      Crunchy rainbow salad

    • Roasted asparagus on a plate
      Easy air fryer asparagus

    • Orzo with cashew cream and roasted vegetables in a bowl.
      Creamy vegan orzo with chickpeas and roasted vegetables

    • Couscous stuffed peppers topped with melted vegan cheese in a casserole dish.
      Vegan Chickpea and Couscous Stuffed Peppers

    • Instant pot sweet potato curry in a bowl over quinoa.
      Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potato Curry with Chickpeas and Kale

    Popular Posts

    • Sticky glazed maple miso tofu in a pink bowl on top of rice.
      Sticky Glazed Maple Miso Tofu

    • Vegan Jackfruit Nachos
      Easy jackfruit nachos

    • Piece of bread dipped in vegan fondue
      Easiest vegan fondue (dairy free cheese fondue)

    • Crispy tofu cubes in a glass bowl.
      How To Make Crispy Tofu (Baked & Pan Fried)

    • Baked potato without foil on a plate topped with butter.
      Perfect baked potato (without foil)

    • Close up of banana protein pancakes with bananas and strawberries on top.
      Banana Protein Pancakes without Eggs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Information

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Get your free Vegan High Protein Grocery List Download!

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Damn Tasty Vegan on the Foodie Pro Theme

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    How to stop eating cheese
    How to stop eating cheese