Daiya "cheese"

[HouseOfDialysis]

http://www.daiyafoods.com/

Anybody try this yet? I'm curious.

[pagandialysis]

From their website it seems the products contain high amounts of sodium. I emailed them to ask about the levels of phosphorus and potassium in their products and here is what they said:

"Our Report of Analysis concluded that there are 513ppm of phosphorus and 598ppm of potassium in the Cheddar flavor. Daiya Mozzarella results were 462ppm of phosphorus and 437ppm of potassium, and our Pepperjack flavor was found to possess 416ppm and 671ppm of potassium."

If my research is correct 1 ppm (parts per million) is equal to 1 mg (milligram) so if that is true this is a bad food for any renal failure patient.

 

[Restorer]

PPM means there's 1 part substance to 1 million parts total, the same as 1 mg per kg. Unless you're going to eat a kilogram of fake cheese, that's not much. A typical serving might be closer to one ounce (28 grams).

Converted: Phosphorus and potassium per 1 oz serving (1/4 cup shreds)
Cheddar - 14.4 mg P, 16.7 mg K
Mozzarella - 12.9 mg P, 12.2 mg K
Pepperjack - 11.6 mg P, 17.3 mg K

Looks pretty good to me!

I hope my calculations are correct.

[drgirlfriend]

If someone tries this, please let us know! I'd have to drive an hour to buy it but I'd do it if it's good.

[Restorer]

I've tried the mozzarella flavor. It kind of tastes like fake cheese the way margarine tastes like fake butter, but it's not bad. It melts well enough for nachos and pizza.

[drgirlfriend]

If I could put together a convincing pizza for my honey, that would be awesome! Thanks, Restorer!

[Restorer]

I haven't had a chance to put everything together at once yet, but on a diet-safe pizza I like a sauce made of garlic and caramelized onions or "melted" leeks, Daiya cheese, shiitake mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. Maybe a little bit of pepperoni or prosciutto too.

[drgirlfriend]

 
When I was in Durham I stopped at Whole Foods and picked up a bag of each of the cheeses. I put 2 in the freezer and we tried the Mozzarella. Not bad! It melted pretty well and the taste is actually reminiscent of mozzarella. The bf was happy to put it on his pizza. Thanks for the tip!!

[Restorer]

I can't afford it right now, but as soon as I can, I'm going to get some Daiya and cream cheese and make mac & cheese and post the recipe here. 

[Whamo]

Oh, man, I love mac and cheese, and I haven't had any for years.  I'm going to beg my wife to make one of these recipes.  Reading this blog also made me crave hot chocolate.  I indulge my cravings for a sweet hot beverage by going to "Fast and Easy" and tasting their free samples with sugar and cream.  It's very small, and it hits the spot.

[pagandialysis]

I found something I like called Almond Cheese. I really need to email their company and ask about the phosphorus levels. Here is a picture of the cheese, not the shredded that I buy but close enough: Picture

[Restorer]

They list their phosphorus levels in their FAQ:

In a 1 oz. serving there are 149 mg in THE ORIGINAL Almond Cheeze, 137 mg in RiceCheeze, and 146 gm in SoySation.

I was wary of that when I read the ingredients: almonds, casein, and sodium & calcium phosphates.

[pagandialysis]

O.O

I think I will try Daiya next time I go to the store.

[Riverwhispering]

I'd suggest omitting cheese from your pizza and go with a nice garlic sauce instead.  you can never have too much garlic 

[cindysue125]

Daiya cheese has been a god send, I just received an email from the company, the cheddar and mozzarella shreds have 15mg of phosphorus, the pepperjack has 10mg, about the same for potassium for a 28g serving

[Deanne]

I bought some Daiya chedder. It was in my "normal" grocery store, not a specialty grocery store, in their small organic/holistic section. It does seem a bit salty, but overall it's better than not having cheese at all. It doesn't have a firm texture like normal cheddar. It's soft/squishy, not quite spreadable, but almost. I haven't tried it melted yet, but I think it'll make a good grilled cheese sandwich.

[Angiepkd]

Thank you for the Daiya tip!  I made myself nachos with the shredded cheddar tonight and they were awesome!  It has been almost 8 months since I had cheddar cheese.  It wasn't exactly the same, but darn close.  I can't wait to try some other flavors.  Thanks again!

[Whamo]

I love the taste of this "D" cheese, but it's a bit salty.