One Reddit user poses a problem, “I was raised vegan but I want to try cheese.” Redditors came to the rescue with many recommendations to try basic cheeses with weaker flavors first, like parmesan, cheddar, and Havarti. Further Reddit cheese suggestions are fans of mozzarella, brie, and goat cheese.
One Redditor advises finding a tasting session at a neighborhood cheese shop. Other suggestions include testing cheesecake and not giving up on previously disliked flavors — people are noting how they now enjoy some cheeses they once hated. Users also encourage eating cheese at room temperature and teaming it with different companions, such as savory foods (especially crackers) or wine.
The user updated the original post last month with the cheeses they had tried and their opinion on them. Pepper Jack and Monterey Jack are favorites, while Gruyère is deemed “disgusting.” While noting “I’m very much enjoying this journey and I look forward to many more,” the user did reveal that they were getting backlash from the vegan community.
It seems when incorporating cheese into your diet for the first time, or after a long time, starting simple and slow may be the way to go.