May 2026 Cheese of the Month
Rebel Cheeses
About the business
It can be hard for vegans to find cheese that tastes just as good as traditional dairy cheeses.
Rebel Cheese is a woman and veteran owned company that produces artisanal vegan cheeses rivaling the best traditional dairy cheeses. Kirsten Maitlin and Fred Zwar are life-long foodies turned vegan who were unable to find vegan cheeses that met their high taste standards. After learning from dairy experts, they began experimenting in their own kitchen with the mission to create vegan cheeses that are “defiantly good” and that appeal to everyone. With the help of Shark Tank investors Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner in 2024, they now own a 9,000 square foot factory in Austin, Texas that produces 8 million wheels of cheese annually. They also operate a bistro in Austin, a shop in NYC, and caters in both locations.
About vegan cheese
Vegan cheese production causes 71% fewer greenhouse gas emissions from methane and uses 97% less fresh water as compared to dairy. Because of this, Rebel Cheeses consider themselves rebels for animals, the earth, and people. It is a healthy alternative to traditional dairy cheeses, made from plants, nuts, and seeds and contains no animal products. Not only does vegan cheese offer a delicious and nutritious option for those who follow plant-based diets, but it also offers numerous health benefits. From improved digestion to reduced risk of heart disease, vegan cheese can be an integral part of a healthy diet. It also avoids all the issues associated with the factory-farmed dairy industry.
The Cheeses:
Rebel Cheese was the 2025 Veggie Award Winner, and voter & editor pick for “Best Artisanal Cheese” by VegNews, the #1 plant-based magazine.
Rebel cheeses are 100% vegan and are nut based, many using cashews but some include other nuts as well. Potential allergens include nuts and soy. They are dairy-free, cholesterol-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and honey-free. Each cheese is 5-8 ox. They offer a large variety of cheese ranging from hard cheese to soft spreads. Some of their offerings are their Honee Pistachio Chèvre, Tomato Herb Fromage, Pepper Jack, and Balsamic Fig and Walnut Fromage.
Honee Pistachio Chèvre
Honee Pistachio Chèvre is a soft cheese with a tangy base, complemented by a sweet and salty coating that creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Uses: Serve on its own or on bruschetta with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Enjoy with fresh fruits, spread on warm gooey cinnamon rolls or on toast with jam. Spread it on crackers or try it as a topping for waffles.
Tomato Herb Fromage
This beloved “pizza cheese” is a unique fromage featuring a Mediterranean herb coating and a sun-dried tomato center.
Uses: this fromage can be melted in a pan to become a decadent pasta sauce, added to Italian dishes for creaminess, or spread on sandwiches or veggie burgers for extra flavor.
Pepper Jack
Pepper Jack has a firm texture and is crafted with roasted jalapeños and a blend of red chili flakes. It has bold authentic heat that complements rather than overwhelms its creamy base. It is a perfectly balanced, rich, smooth and spicy cheese.
Uses: Enjoy cubed Pepper Jack for snacking, with apricot jam, on cold sandwiches or grated over tacos and scrambles. Try it in grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos and nachos.
Balsamic Fig and Walnut Fromage
Balsamic Fig and Walnut Fromage is a spreadable and meltable cheese that is a blend of sweet and savory flavors. It features sweet figs, delicate swirls of a rich balsamic reduction and is coated with crushed walnuts.
Uses: Balsamic Fig and Walnut Fromage can be melted into a sauce for roasted veggies or dolloped on a cinnamon roll for a fancy flavor explosion. Enjoy it in a sandwich with peppery arugula, caramelized onions and meats (regular or vegan) or just on its own.
Guaranteed refrigerator shelf lives, unopened:
Bries: 30 days
Fromages: 30 days
Chèvres: 18 days
Firm cheeses: 3 months (Pepper Jack, 1 month)
Dips/Spreads: 14 days
It is recommended to consume cheeses within 7 days of opening.
All chèvres and fromages can be frozen for up to 6 months. Any dips and spreads can also be frozen – just be sure to stir once thawed. Defrost in refrigerator and consume within the number of days allotted prior to freezing.
Freezing brie or firm cheeses is not recommended as it may affect texture.
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