Gluten Free, Vegan Cheese that Melts

So I've been told that Daiya cheese is the vegan cheese of all vegan cheese! It's supposed to simulate cheese the best, and actually melt like regular cheese. While I love my dairy-containing cheese, I had to know for myself what the buzz was all about. The company offers three cheese options: mozzarella, cheddar, and Italian, but currently Italian is only offered in 5Lb bags, while the other two flavors come in both 5 lbs and 8 Oz packages. I picked up one mozzarella and one cheddar so I could try both out.

Immediately I can tell you this is not cheese. It does not smell cheese, look like cheese, or really taste like cheese, but it's a good solid alternative. Once I cut the packages open, the first thing that hit me was the smell. It reminded me of taking a whiff from the inside of a box of cheese it's: salty, and floury. It makes sense because this cheese alternative is not soy based, but who's base is tapioca and arrowroot.

And yes, it does indeed melt, but it takes longer than regular cheese. It's also not as stringy as hot cheese can get. Despite that, I give this brand of cheese a 7.5 out of 10, 10 being real cow's milk cheese. If you've had cheese, and was given Daiya without being told, you would most likely notice, but you wouldn't be put off. In other words, I now understand the positive buzz that's going around about Daiya.