
Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce is a creamy, dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese sauce, typically made from blended soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and seasonings. It's a staple in plant-based cooking, often used as a topping for pasta, nachos, or vegetables, and has roots in modern vegan and health-conscious culinary movements.
This sauce is generally high in healthy fats from cashews, with moderate protein and low carbohydrates, providing key nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins from nutritional yeast. A typical 2-tablespoon serving contains roughly 50-80 calories, depending on the exact recipe and added ingredients.
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Zinc | 1.0 mg |
| Copper | 0.3 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
Per 1/4 cup (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
What's unique is how it cleverly mimics the umami and cheesy flavor of dairy using plant-based ingredients, making it a popular choice for those with lactose intolerance or ethical dietary preferences. Nutritionally, it offers a good source of plant-based protein and minerals without the cholesterol found in traditional cheese sauces.