Woolworths’ Dairy-Free Cheese 2026: The Ultimate Plant Powered™ & PlantLove™ Guide
Is Woolworths’ dairy-free cheese worth the hype in 2026?
We explore the complete Plant Powered™ and PlantLove™ dairy-free cheese range.
This includes cheddar blocks, salad cheese, cream cheese, ingredients, and, of course, how well they melt.
Introduction: The Dairy-Free Cheese Revolution at Woolworths
Have you heard about the dairy-free cheese revolution at Woolworths?
If not, we have an answer for you.
For years, vegans and flexitarians have struggled to find a decent cheese substitute.
But in 2026, those days are firmly in the past, thanks in large part to Woolworths South Africa.
Woolworths has invested a significant amount of money in its own plant-based dairy products. You’ll find these mainly under the Plant Powered™ and PlantLove™ brands.
These aren’t just “cheese-flavoured” products. They are creative and practical choices. They can be grated, spread, and melted just like real dairy cheese.
This guide explores the diverse range of dairy-free cheeses available at Woolworths. It includes various types, key ingredients, and honest reviews on cooking and snacking.
The Core Plant Powered™ Range: Versatility for Every Kitchen
The Plant Powered™ range is your kitchen’s workhorse. It offers familiar textures and functions, often using coconut oil for a creamy feel.
| Product Type | Format & Size | Key Application | Melts? (2026 Verdict) |
| Cheddar Flavoured Cheese | 300g Block | Grating over pasta, sauces, and shaving onto salads. | Good to Great. Melts relatively well on toasties and pizzas, achieving a gooey texture. |
| Cheddar Flavoured Cheese Slices | 160g Pack | Sandwiches, burgers, toasties. | Excellent. Designed for easy melting in a sandwich press. Highly recommended by users. |
| Dairy Free Hard Cheese | 260g Block | Grating over pasta, sauces, shaving onto salads. | Functional. Excellent for texture (firm and grates well) but melts to a softer consistency rather than stringing. |
| Dairy Free White Salad Cheese | 260g Block (similar to Feta) | Salads, pasta dishes, Mediterranean wraps. | Fantastic. Highly rated by users as a delicious, salty, zesty substitute for feta. Does not melt, which is correct for this style. |
| Dairy Free Cheese Spread | 300g Tub | Crackers, dipping, spreading on toast. | Grating, slicing, and charcuterie boards. |
Ingredient Focus: Coconut Oil and B12
The core Plant Powered range utilises coconut oil for its high fat content and structure. This ensures consistency, especially when the product is chilled.
Many manufacturers add Vitamin B12 to their products, like Cheddar blocks and slices. This nutrient is often missing in vegan diets that aren’t fortified.
2. The Premium PlantLove™ Range: Nut-Based Sophistication
The PlantLove™ line enhances dairy-free cheese with gourmet, nut-based ingredients. It features locally sourced macadamia nuts. These options bring a richer, more complex flavour. They also have different textures.
Macadamia Nut-Based Highlights
PlantLove™ Dairy Free Macadamia Nut-Based Cream Cheese (175g)
A top-tier alternative to cream cheese, perfect for bagels, dips, and baking. Macadamia nuts lend a subtle sweetness and luxurious creaminess.
PlantLove™ Dairy Free Macadamia Nut-Based Cheddar Flavoured Sliced Cheese (160g)
A rich, nut-based slice for those wanting a more gourmet taste than regular Plant Powered™ slices.
PlantLove™ Marinated Soya Feto™ (260g)
A sophisticated take on the feta alternative. This soya-based product gets marinated in oil and herbs. It’s perfect for snacking, grazing boards, or crumbling over warm dishes.
PlantLove™ Dairy Free Smoked Gouda Flavoured Cheese Portions (6 x 15g)
Try these individual portions coming in 2026! They’re made with coconut oil and have a smoky, savoury flavour. They’re great for lunchboxes and quick snacks.
3. The All-Important Melting Test: How Well Does it Perform?
For many consumers, the ability to achieve a gooey, stringy melt is the accurate measure of a good vegan cheese.
The Woolworths range has undergone significant evolution since its inception.
Toasted Sandwiches & Quesadillas
Most consumer reviews agree that Plant Powered™ Dairy Free Cheddar Flavoured Slices are great for toasting. They melt nicely and get gooey, making them perfect for toasted cheese sandwiches and grilled burgers.
Pizza and Baking
Melting on an open surface (like a pizza) can be trickier for all vegan cheeses. Users say Woolworths’ cheddar block melts “pretty well.” However, some mention it can have a crunchy edge instead of a smooth, creamy string.
Tip: For the best melting cheese on pizza, shred it finely. Then, add a tiny splash of water or oil on top before baking.
Hard Cheeses
The Plant Powered™ Dairy Free Hard Cheese and the Macadamia Nut-Based version taste best when grated or shaved cold. They soften under heat but won’t achieve the elastic melt of a mozzarella.
Expert Take: “The main difference between Woolworths’ vegan cheddar and the dairy version is the fat content.” The coconut oil base gives it a smooth texture when cold. It softens well with heat, making the sliced versions almost perfect for toasting.”
4. Why Woolworths Cheese is a Top Vegan Choice
The Plant Powered™ and PlantLove™ lines provide more than just taste and function. They offer extra value for mindful consumers:
Nutrient Fortification
High Vitamin B12 labels on products like Cheddar Slices are a big plus for people on a plant-based diet.
Clean Label
Many manufacturers label their products as Preservative Free. This appeals to shoppers who want fewer additives.
Ethical Sourcing
Woolworths commits to sustainability. These products are 100% plant-based. They support ethical and cruelty-free choices. They are also certified Halaal and Kosher.
5. Dairy-Free Cheese Comparison Table (2026 Snapshot)
To help you decide which cheese is best for your needs, here is a quick-reference guide:
| Product Name | Base Ingredient | Flavour/Texture | Best For |
| P. Powered™ Cheddar Block | Coconut Oil | Strong Cheddar Flavour, Firm | Grating, General Cooking |
| P. Powered™ Cheddar Slices | Coconut Oil | Mild Cheddar, Flexible | Toasted Sandwiches, Burgers |
| P. Powered™ White Salad Cheese | Coconut Oil | Salty, Zesty, Crumbly | Salads, Greek-style dishes |
| P. Love™ Macadamia Cream Cheese | Macadamia Nuts | Rich, Creamy, Slightly Sweet | Bagels, Frosting, Dips |
| P. Love™ Marinated Soya Feto™ | Soya | Marinated, Herbaceous | Charcuterie Boards, Warm Salads |
| P. Love™ Smoked Gouda Portions | Coconut Oil | Smoky, Mild, Firm | Snacking, Lunchboxes |
Conclusion: A Staple in the Vegan Trolley
Woolworths offers a strong and versatile range of dairy-free cheese in 2026. It’s also highly praised by the community.
Woolworths offers two lines: the budget-friendly Plant Powered™ and the gourmet PlantLove™. This way, every shopper can find a quality option for snacking, cooking, or indulging.
Looking to switch to plant-based eating or try something new?
Try the Plant Powered™ Dairy Free Cheddar Flavoured Cheese Slices in your next toasted sandwich!