Chao Vegan Cheese Slices Reviews & Info (by Field Roast) (2024)

Sometimes food manufacturers get it right on the first try. And Field Roast is one of those success stories with their Chao Creamery division. Chao Vegan Cheese Slices launched about five years ago, and quickly became one of the most popular dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Chao hasn’t had to change a thing about their vegan slices formula or packaging – well, except for selling bulk quantities. Early in 2020, they launched Costco packs in the Midwest, Southwest, Texas, and Ontario, Canada regions.

But we had all been waiting for them to expand their product line, and that day has finally arrived. Chao Vegan Cheese Slices now come in five flavors, with Spicy Original and Smoked Original melting into the mix.

Chao Vegan Cheese Slices Make the Cut with Five Flavors

Chao Vegan Cheese Slices were indeed a pleasant surprise, mimicking the unique bite of dairy cheese slices with impressive ease. I found the texture to be remarkably similar to Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese Slices (not their Vegan Gourmet line), and for good reason. The two have nearly identical ingredients. Chao Creamery uses just one special ingredient to set their dairy-free cheese alternative apart: a touch of fermented chao tofu.

Surprisingly, the fermented tofu does add that “umami” factor to each flavor. We enjoyed all three of the flavors we tried, but the Creamy Original was my favorite. It has a provolone meets white cheddar flavor that is rich and just bold enough. My friend Tess loves the subtle earthy flair of the Coconut Herb, spiked with oregano and black pepper. And I think Tony was partial to the spicy heat of the Tomato Cayenne – perfect for quesadillas or kicking up that dairy-free grilled cheese!

As you can see by my picture below, Chao Vegan Cheese Slices do indeed melt easily when broiled or sandwiched and heated. That said, I thought they were quite tasty cold, for noshing as a snack or adding another sandwich layer.

Creamy Original

Ingredients: filtered water, coconut oil, modified corn and potato starch, potato starch, fermented tofu (soybeans, water, salt, sesame oil, calcium sulfate), sea salt, natural flavor, olive extract (antioxidant used as a preservative) and beta carotene. Contains: soy.*

Nutrition (per 20-gram slice): 60 calories, 4.5g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*

Smoked Original (new in 2020!)

Ingredients:filtered water, coconut oil, modified potato and corn starch, fermented chao tofu(soybeans, water, salt, sesame oil, calciuk sulfate), sea salt, natural flavor, smoke flavor, olive extract(antioxidant used as a preservative), beta carotene(color).contains: soy*

Nutrition (per 20-gram slice): 60 calories, 4.5g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*

Spicy Original (new in 2020!)

Ingredients:filtered water, coconut oil, modified potato and corn starch, potato starch, fermented chao tofu(soybeans, water, salt, sesame oil, calcium sulfate), sea salt, dried green jalapeno peppers, dried red bell peppers, natural flavor, olive extract(antioxidant used as a preservative), beta carotene(color).contains: soy*

Nutrition (per 20-gram slice): 60 calories, 4.5g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*

Tomato Cayenne

Ingredients: filtered water, coconut oil, modified corn and potato starch, tomato juice, potato starch, chao tofu (soybeans, water, salt, sesame oil, calcium sulfate), sea salt, green and red dried bell peppers, cayenne pepper, natural flavor, olive extract (antioxidant used as a preservative), paprika extract and beta carotene. Contains: soy.*

Nutrition (per 20-gram slice): 60 calories, 4.5g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*

Garden Herb

Ingredients: filtered water, coconut oil, modified corn and potato starch, potato starch, chao tofu (soybeans, water, salt, sesame oil, calcium sulfate), sea salt, black cracked pepper, oregano, natural flavor and olive extract (antioxidant used as a preservative). Contains: soy.*

Nutrition (per 20-gram slice): 60 calories, 4.5g fat, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*

More Allergen Notes

Chao is one of the few cheese alternative brands that produces in their own dedicated dairy-free facility.

More Facts on Chao Vegan Cheese Slices by Field Roast

Price: $5.99 per 7-ounce package; $10.89 for a 3-pack at Costco

Availability: Chao Vegan Cheese Slices are sold at Target, Safeway, Albertsons, and Sprouts stores in the U.S., and in select Costco regions in the U.S. and Canada. Look for them in the refrigerated section.

Certifications: Chao Vegan Cheese Slices by Field Roast are Certified Vegan.

Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Chao Vegan Cheese Slices are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, vegan, and vegetarian.*

For More Product Information: Visit the Field Roastwebsite at fieldroast.com.

*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you.No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.