Full Moon Formaggio
Poughkeepsie
Full Moon Formaggio launched out of the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory late in 2021. Organic cashews fuel these flavorful, handmade nut cheeses. In addition, all of the products are free from gluten, soy, dairy, and preservatives (which is why they’re good for about six weeks in the fridge). This woman-owned business sells cheeses in limited batches online, and at a variety of Hudson Valley purveyors. Find these colorful creations at Sweet Maresa’s in Kingston, Lagusta’s Luscious Commissary in New Paltz, Good Choice Kitchen in Ossining, and Damn Good Honey Farm in Kerhonkson.
Full Moon Formaggio specializes in interesting (and healthy) combinations of ingredients. For savory situations, try the aged truffle and nigella seed cashew cheese. Blue Moon gets its color from organic blue spirulina, and features chickpea miso.
On the other side of the flavor spectrum, brighten up cheese and charcuterie boards with the hibiscus-fennel, matcha-rose, or orange blossom-chamomile. Of course, the smoky cheddar is a great option for snacking. Turmeric, tomato, chipotle, and smoked paprika create a cheddar with complexity.
Be sure to follow the brand on Instagram for stock updates and pop-up collabs with fellow vegan businesses in the Valley (like Peaceful Provisions in Beacon).
Treeline Cheese
Kingston
Treeline Cheese has been a leader in the non-dairy cheese space since they debuted over a decade ago. The Kingston-based kitchen produces a variety of styles, suiting all types of culinary needs.
To start, the brand creates all of its products from ethically sourced Brazilian cashews. This zero-cholesterol nut is a great choice for those seeking to lower their blood pressure. In addition, one serving of cashews contains the same amount of protein as most meats. Of course, they taste delicious and lend cheeses a creamy consistency. Then, Treeline cultures each cheese with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, a vegan probiotic culture.
The line of “slices and shreds” melts just like conventional cheese. Mozzarella shreds are perfect for plant-based pizzas while a slice of pepperjack pairs beautifully with a black bean burger. Cheddar fans rejoice: Treeline offers this classic in both slices and shreds, elevating vegan macs and grilled cheeses alike.
Craving a bagel with a schmear of cream cheese? Choose between Treeline’s three flavors: plain, strawberry, and chive and onion. Feeling funky? Try the original and garlic-basil goat cheeses in salads or on pastas. Treeline also recommends pairing the partly sweet, partly tart blueberry goat cheese with a drizzle of syrup and a bright, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
In addition, the line of French-style soft cheeses is incredibly versatile. For instance, the chipotle-serrano pepper version serves Mexican dishes quite well, fitting in with enchiladas or spicy nachos.
Plus, the artisanal cheese wheel—aided by a dash of hickory-smoked sea salt—was designed for elaborate snack boards. Find Treeline Cheeses at Nature’s Pantry locations, or order them online directly.
Wendy’s Vegan Kitchen
Phoenicia
This Phoenicia plant-based food brand crafts incredibly creative nut-based cheeses. In fact, every cheese at Wendy’s Vegan Kitchen derives from a base of cashews or soy milk. Wendy Grossman, founder, owner, and head chef, draws upon her decades of culinary experience to pair novel flavors through local, nutritious ingredients. Of course, the small-batch blues and cheddars are 100-percent organic.
Her cheese selection, dubbed “Wendy’s Nutty Cheeses,” shifts every month. So, stay tuned on social media to the many limited release cheeses. Or, you could visit a few of the spots around the Valley that carry Wendy’s Nutty Cheeses, namely Art Bar in Kingston, Sunflower Natural Foods Market in Woodstock and Rhinebeck, and the Migliorelli Farm Stand in Rhinebeck and Mt. Tremper.
Of all the products, perhaps The Garden of Eden cheese best represents what makes this brand special. Like many other Wendy’s Nutty Cheeses, The Garden of Eden is especially breathtaking on a snack board. Lovely pinks and greens adorn this cashew-based creation. Beets, carrots, white truffle, miso, and other interesting flavors play together beautifully.
On the other hand, Taste of India reflects Grossman’s culinary studies in Southeast Asia. Spices like garam masala and cumin seeds play beautifully with apricot and maple syrup. For cheddar fans, Grossman currently offers three styles: Spicy Cheddar, Chipper Cheddar, and Almond “Chedda.” The spicy variety gets its heat from organic red peppers and jalapeños, while apple cider vinegar brings a beautiful bite to the chipper cheddar.
Other highlights include the funky Baby Blue, the Italian-inspired Fig and Fennel, and Mt. St. Helens, a cheese featuring porcini mushroom powder, vegetable black ash, and hickory-smoked salt.
Want to try all of Wendy’s Nutty Cheeses? Sign up for vegan cheese of the month program to have a different small-batch plant-based cheese shipped to your door each month (or in intervals of 3 months).
