The landscape of plant-based dairy is shifting. While the early days of vegan cheese were defined by “close enough” substitutes, a new era of craftsmanship has arrived, one defined by fermentation, traditional techniques, and premium whole-food ingredients.
At The Vreamery, our mission is to showcase the pinnacle of this evolution. Leading that charge is Dare Vegan Cheese, a brand that treats cheesemaking as a culinary art form rather than a chemistry experiment.
The Origin: A Kitchen “Dare”
Every great cheese has a story, and this one started in 2019 on a napkin in a dark Asheville dive bar. Founder Gwendolyn Dare Hageman spent a decade in the high-pressure culinary world, from barbecue joints to university cafes, before deciding to merge her chef skills with her values.
Gwendolyn noticed that while people wanted to eat more plant-based, they weren’t willing to settle for the “oils and starches” found in most grocery store vegan cheeses. Using her background in biology, she dared herself to recreate the standard of traditional cheesemaking. What began as a small-batch passion project at Asheville farmers’ markets has since become a benchmark for the industry.
The Anatomy of a Better Cheese
What sets Dare apart from the mass-market options found in grocery aisles is their commitment to the fermentation process. By using high-quality cashews and active cultures, they achieve a complex, tangy depth of flavor that mimics the “bite” of traditional dairy.
This isn’t just “vegan cheese”, it is a cultured, aged product that stands on its own merits. When you browse the curated cases at The Vreamery, Dare products stand out for their distinct textures:
- Firmness: Perfect for clean slicing straight out of the fridge on a charcuterie board.
- Creaminess: A lush mouthfeel that avoids the waxy texture of oil-based alternatives.
- Purity: A clean-label approach that focuses on real herbs, spices, and nuts.
Flavor Profiles That Command Attention
Dare Vegan Cheese is known for its bold, uncompromising flavor profiles. While many brands aim for a “neutral” base, Dare leans into the ingredients.
- The Sharp & Tangy: Their cult-favorite Balsamic Fig uses premium acidity to cut through the richness of the cashew base.
- The Bold & Savory: Varieties like Roasted Garlic offer a pungent, aromatic experience that lingers, making it an ideal pairing for bold red wines.
- The Spicy: Their Pepper Jack isn’t just heat; it’s a balanced profile of peppers that provides a slow, sophisticated burn.
From Asheville to The Vreamery
Crafted in small batches in Asheville, North Carolina, Dare embodies the “maker” spirit we value. By bringing these wedges to The Vreamery’s online shop, we bridge the gap between independent artisans and the foodies who crave their work.
Integrating Dare into your kitchen isn’t just about a dietary swap, it’s about choosing a product that respects the tradition of cheesemaking while looking toward a more sustainable, plant-based future.
