Follow Your Heart

The Follow Your Heart Dairy-free Smoked Gouda earns a rating of 3 out of 5 green leaves on our scale for cleaner food options. This product serves as a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese, aiming to provide a similar taste experience for those avoiding dairy or following a vegan diet. It is not certified organic, which detracts from its score, given our criteria.

The ingredients list for this smoked gouda alternative is relatively straightforward, featuring filtered water and coconut oil at its base. The use of modified potato and corn starches, along with potato starch, contributes to its texture. While the product has the advantage of being non-GMO, the inclusion of natural smoke flavor and corn starch leads to a reduction in its overall score due to potential health concerns associated with additives.

Moreover, the olive extract serves as a stabilizer, and beta carotene is added for color, enhancing the visual appeal of the product without the use of artificial dyes. The absence of organic certification implies that the ingredients may have been cultivated with conventional farming practices, which often involve the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

The product positions itself in the market as a middle-ground option. It offers a dairy-free cheese experience without resorting to artificial colors, which is a positive aspect for consumers looking for cleaner food alternatives. However, the presence of additives and the lack of organic certification mean that it does not reach the highest echelons of health-conscious food products.

Consumers seeking a balance between a cleaner ingredient profile and the practicalities of non-organic food production may find this product aligns with their needs. The Follow Your Heart Dairy-free Smoked Gouda stands as an average choice within the plant-based cheese category, embodying a compromise between health considerations and broader accessibility.