Follow Your Heart Slices are a plant-based cheese alternative designed for those seeking dairy-free options without sacrificing flavor. Made primarily from coconut oil and modified food starch, these slices cater to a wide audience, including vegans and those with lactose intolerance. Whether used in sandwiches or melted on a burger, they aim to provide the satisfaction of traditional cheese.
In crafting this review, information was sourced from the official Follow Your Heart website, product packaging, and consumer reviews on various food and dietary blogs. Nutritional information and ingredient lists were also considered to provide a comprehensive overview of the product.
Overall, Follow Your Heart Slices demonstrate a commendable effort to replicate the taste and texture of dairy cheese. Positive aspects include their versatility in various dishes and decent calcium content. However, some users noted that the flavor might not appeal to everyone, especially when melted, indicating a need for improvement in texture during heating.
How does Follow Your Heart Slices taste?
Follow Your Heart Slices offer a moderately sharp cheddar flavor profile, designed to appeal to both kids and adults. Many users appreciate the creamy texture when used in sandwiches or on crackers, although some reviews mention a slightly off-putting aftertaste, particularly when melted.
The absence of artificial ingredients contributes positively to the overall acceptance of the taste, making them a suitable choice for those looking for natural alternatives.
Are these slices a healthy choice?
Each slice contains 60 calories, with 4.5g of total fat and 3.5g of saturated fat. They provide a good source of calcium, offering 10% of the daily value per slice. However, the slices also contain 210mg of sodium, which is 9% of the daily recommended intake, a point of concern for those monitoring salt intake.
While the cheese does not provide protein, it aligns with dietary guidelines encouraging high calcium intake, making it a balanced choice for a dairy-free lifestyle.
How well do these slices perform in cooking?
Users report varying degrees of success when melting Follow Your Heart Slices. While they do melt, the texture may not have the same appealing look and creaminess as traditional cheeses, and some recommend using them as a middle layer in dishes like lasagna rather than as a topping.
The cheese is praised for its versatility, being suitable for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and more. However, it's best to manage expectations regarding melting capabilities.
How do they compare with other brands?
When comparing with similar products, such as Daiya Cheese Slices and Violife Cheese Slices, Follow Your Heart Slices are noted for their better flavor compared to Daiya but slightly less favorable than Violife in terms of texture and melting qualities. This balance makes them a competitive option in the dairy-free cheese segment.
Potential buyers may want to sample across brands to find their preferred taste and texture.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Good source of calcium, providing 10% of daily value per slice.
- ✅ Versatile: can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches to cooking applications.
- ✅ Vegan-friendly and non-GMO ingredients.
- ✅ Moderately sharp cheddar flavor that appeals to a broad audience.
- ❌ Texture can become less appealing when melted, lacking creaminess.
- ❌ Aftertaste may not be to everyone's liking, especially when heated.
- ❌ Contains 210mg of sodium per slice, which may be high for some consumers.
How It Compares to the Competition
- Daiya Cheese Slices — Daiya offers more protein, but may have a less favorable taste.
- Violife Cheese Slices — Violife tends to have a creamier texture when melted.
- Miyoko's Vegan Cheese — Miyoko's has a premium flavor profile but is often more expensive.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: These slices are ideal for health-conscious consumers seeking a dairy-free cheese alternative that still delivers taste in sandwiches and cooking. Perfect for vegans, lactose intolerant individuals, and anyone avoiding animal products without compromising on flavor.
Skip it if: Those preferring traditional cheese textures or flavors may find these slices less satisfying, especially when melted. Additionally, individuals monitoring sodium intake may want to consider alternatives with lower sodium content.
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