Why Homemade Nut Parmesan Is Becoming a Kitchen Staple
A homemade nut-based Parmesan alternative is surging in popularity. The trend is driven by cost savings, richer flavour, and its appeal to both vegan and non-vegan households. This year’s Veganuary has further boosted its profile as a simple, natural substitute for traditional cheese.
The recipe, often called the '10-minute umami hack', combines toasted nuts, nutritional yeast, and spices. The result mimics the savoury depth of Parmesan without dairy. Nutritional yeast, a key ingredient, is frequently fortified with vitamin B12, making it particularly attractive to vegans.
The rise of DIY nut Parmesan fits into the broader 'whole food' movement. This trend favours unprocessed, natural life ingredients over store-bought alternatives. While commercial vegan cheeses—like Dreamfarm’s fermented almond mozzarella—remain popular, many now prefer the freshness and control of homemade versions. Once seen as a niche option, nut Parmesan has moved into mainstream kitchens. It’s now used as an everyday topping and even praised in fine dining. Future trends may blend convenience and freshness, with 'modular' solutions offering pre-mixed bases for quick homemade finishing touches.
The shift towards DIY nut Parmesan reflects changing consumer habits. More people are choosing natural, adaptable alternatives to traditional dairy. With its simplicity and versatility, the trend is likely to keep growing beyond Veganuary.
