Trader Joe’s Now Carries Vegan Queso!

Queso may literally mean ‘cheese’ in Spanish, but the mention of Queso brings to mind the gooey, glorious goodness of traditional Mexican-style cheesy dip. However, queso fans have to contend with a few uncomfortable truths about queso.

As it’s name implies, the product is mainly cheese, which clogs arteries like nobody’s business. It also requires some pretty questionable treatment of the dairy cows involved. In order to make cheese, that means keeping cows pregnant for most of their lives. Bummer.

That all changed yesterday, when the vigilant vegan account @TraderJoesVegan spotted the dip and posted a picture on their instagram account with the caption “New cashew cheese dip!”

Source: Trader Joe’s Vegan 

Trader Joe’s seems to be offering plenty of warming food this winter season, from Vegan Ramen, and Holiday Seasonal desserts. This vegan queso joins other delicious vegan Trader Joe’s products, such as jackfruit curry, coconut whip cream, and high-protein vegan burgers. Trader Joe’s continues to provide innovative and exotic vegan food on their shelves. With so many vegan products scouted out regularly, it’s hard not to fantasize about which foods they’ll make vegan after this one.

Make Your Own Queso

Of course, you don’t need to visit TJ’s for awsome vegan queso. Check out these queso recipes, courtesy of the Food Monster App.

Queso Dip 

Source:  Queso Dip

Start off simply by mastering this basic recipe for Queso Dip by Maggie Jones. Cashew cream is lightened up with puréed cauliflower and a small amount of carrot for extra veggie-based creaminess and color. The result, while certainly distinguishable from the real thing, is perfectly satisfying. As an added bonus, it’s accidentally gluten-free and intentionally low fat!

Loaded Queso Dip 

Source: Loaded Queso Dip

This Loaded Queso Dip by Kirsten Kaminski is sure to satisfy. Potato, onions, vegetable broth, and spices join together to create the perfect creamy base which you can then top with anything you want! Stick to these traditional queso toppings or go for a fusion dip, up to you!

Fat-Free ‘Cheese’ Sauce 

Source: Fat-Free ‘Cheese’ Sauce

This Fat-Free ‘Cheese’ Sauce by Brandi Doming tastes just as creamy and indulgent as any other recipe.  If you have a nut allergy, then this fat-free cheese sauce made from zucchini (yes, zucchini), potatoes, and spices is perfect for you. Drizzle it over grain bowls and vegetables, use it for dipping nachos, and add it to burritos for that delicious cheesy flavor.

If you enjoyed this tasty take on Trader Joe’s Queso, check out The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Mexican Food, 15 Vegan Mexican-Fusion Recipes for Cinco De Mayo, and Trader Joe’s Launches Vegan Ramen!,Vegan Trader Joe’s Meals for an Easy Weeknight Dinner!

If you’re interested in finding some more delightfully cheesy vegan recipes, then we highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. You’ll find resources on how to make your own vegan cheese, what kinds of delicious plant-based cheeses are available to buy in stores.

Lead Image Source: Trader Joe’s Vegan