I just received my registration confirmation for 2026’s Natural Porducts Expo West, and to celebrate, let’s spotlight 2025’s star of the show (in my eyes): Darë Vegan Cheese!

Pronounced like “dairy”, Darë Vegan Cheese is a cashew-based cheese and dessert company that is woman-owned, non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and just a few years old. Founded in 2019 by Gwendolyn Dare Hageman in the basement of the restaurant where she worked, sprouted the dream of her own business and the freedom it would allow her and her selected employees. Starting as small-batch in Asheville North Carolina, Darë has since grown to nationwide audiences and refrigerated store shelves.

When sampling at 2025 Natural Products Expo, I came across Darë’s booth and immediately gravitated to try their Darë Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. I was instantly transported to a time when I was without dietary restrictions and dessert offerings came easily. A delicate combination of strawberry shortcake and cheesecake, with the crust offering as the shortcake crumble, and a layered filling of New York-style cheesecake and strawberry cheesecake. This slice isn’t overly sweet, but tangy and smooth. When enjoying at home I wanted to add a bit more sweetness, so I topped mine with a homemade strawberry compote (strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice).

After the show I was offered a slice of cheesecake and a tub of Darë Vegan Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip for the road. Pimento Cheese is not something I have ever tried until Darë Vegan Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip, and boy, what have I been missing? Fluffy, smoky, slightly tangy, this cheese dip is nearly irresistible. So far, I’ve only tried it dip-style, but would like to use it as a baked potato topping and maybe even chili. Looking for the ingredients? Find them at the bottom of this post.¹

You can find Darë Vegan Cheese (and desserts) at So-Cal Whole Foods Markets, in Vallejo at Anchor Pantry, and online for home delivery at darevegancheese.com. I am eyeing the Holiday Vegan Cheeseboard Box for upcoming festive gatherings, as it not only includes the famed Darë Vegan Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip but various cheese wedges, crackers, jam, and olives, perfect for hosting and sampling- just provide the board and utensils!

Are you team sweet or savory this round?

Darë Vegan Cheese

1. Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip Ingredients: Cashews, Filtered Water, Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk, Cultures, Roasted Red Pepper, Sundried Tomatoes, ‘Miso Master’ Chickpea Miso, Salt, Nutritional Yeast, Lemon Juice, Lactic Acid, Natural Smoke Flavor, Paprika.
   
   Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Ingredients: Cashews, Coconut Oil, Powdered Sugar, Filtered Water Strawberry Puree (Strawberries, Water, Granulated Sugar), Gluten Free Oats, Coconut Milk, Dates, Salt, Coconut Milk Powder (Coconut Milk, Tapioca Malodextrin, Gum Acacia), Lemon Juice. Granulated Sugar, Tapioca Flour, Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder, Vanilla Paste, Cultures. ↩︎