A recipe card that says blend and chill hides the part that decides the outcome. Use the wrong gelling agent for a plant milk, or guess at the temperature, and you end up with a sauce that never firms up. The kits worth buying state what is in the box, how many rounds of cheese that buys you, and what you are expected to supply yourself.
I went through the best vegan cheese making kits on the market by reading each label, batch count, and equipment list, then scoring them against the BHK Score the site uses for completeness, value, and clarity of instructions. No cheese was made in my kitchen for this piece. The judgments come from what each manufacturer states about contents and process, cross-checked against disclosed ratings where they exist, which is why a kit with a thermometer and muslin in the box ranks above a prettier one that leaves you shopping for both.
My overall pick for best vegan cheese making kits is the Cultures for Health Mesophilic Cheese Starter. It is a dairy culture rather than a plant-based one, so it will not suit a vegan kitchen, and that is worth saying up front. What earns it the top spot is the direct-set format: each packet cultures once, so there is no starter to feed or keep alive between batches, which is the step that usually ends a beginner’s run. Plant-based cooks should look at the agar kit further down instead. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | BHK Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Cultures For Health Mesophilic Cheese Starter | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Small Batches Standing Stone Farms Cheese Making Kit with 8 | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Fermentaholics DIY Fresh Cheese Making Kit | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Beginners New England Cheesemaking Supply Mozzarella | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Standing Stone Farms Basic Beginner Cheese Making | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Plant-Based Cooking The Big Cheese Vegan Cheese Making Kit with 20 | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| The Big Cheese Making Kit 40 Batches with 10 | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Cultures For Health Mozzarella & Ricotta Kit | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
This cheese starter includes 4 packets of mesophilic culture and 2 rennet tablets for making various fresh cheeses at home.
Key Facts
- Included
- 4 Starter Packets + 2 Rennet Tablets
Pros
- +Direct-set culture for one-time use without upkeep
- +Includes enough starter for four cheese batches
- +Vegetable rennet tablets included for coagulation
Cons
- −No ongoing starter culture means repeated purchases for additional batches
- −Limited to semi-soft cheese types listed in description
- −No detailed instructions included for advanced cheese varieties
Detailed Review
This Cultures For Health product contains 4 packets of mesophilic cheese starter culture plus 2 vegetable rennet tablets, providing enough material for four batches or a larger batch up to 5-10 gallons of milk. The direct-set design means the culture is added once and then discarded, which removes the need for maintenance but also requires purchasing new packets for subsequent cheese making.
I see this starter as a reasonable pick for home cooks interested in making various semi-soft cheeses such as cheddar, feta, or cottage cheese, thanks to its versatility. The starter is pathogen tested and labeled non GMO and gluten free, which offers some assurance of quality.
Worth knowing before you buy is that it does not support long-term culture maintenance, so it suits those wanting occasional batches rather than ongoing cheese production. This starter is best for someone looking to experiment with different fresh cheese types without a complex culture upkeep routine.
Complete cheese making kit includes an 8 quart stock pot and liquid rennet for consistent results.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 8 Quart
- Included
- Stock Pot, Strainer, Skimmer, Cheese Mold
- Material
- Stainless Steel Strainer, BPA Free Nylon Spoon
Pros
- +Liquid rennet included for reliable cheese consistency
- +8 quart pot lightweight for manageable small batches
- +Stainless steel fine mesh strainer included in kit
- +Online resources support learning and troubleshooting
Cons
- −Excludes spices and disposable gloves due to sourcing issues
- −No indication of dishwasher-safe components in kit
- −Limited color option with only kraft finish available
Detailed Review
This cheese making kit features an 8 quart stock pot designed specifically for small batch cheese production, allowing quicker heating and cooling compared to larger pots. It includes liquid rennet and calcium chloride, critical for consistent results when using store-bought milk. I see this kit working best for home cooks ready to engage in artisanal cheese making with guided support.
All ingredient packaging is resealable, which helps maintain freshness across multiple uses. The kit also provides access to online instructional videos and a private Facebook group, adding value through educational resources.
Worth knowing before you buy is the temporary exclusion of spices and disposable vinyl gloves, which may require separate purchase. Overall, I rate this a reasonable pick for those prioritizing a complete starter setup with quality equipment and guidance.
Cheese making kit including microbial rennet tablets, cheese salt, citric acid, cheesecloth, and recipe booklet for fresh cheeses.
Key Facts
- Included
- 4 rennet tablets, cheese salt, citric acid, cheesecloth, recipe booklet
- Dimensions
- 2 x 9 x 6 Inches
- Weight
- 0.22 Pounds
Pros
- +Complete kit with essential cheese making ingredients
- +Includes easy-to-follow recipe booklet for beginners
- +Compact packaging for convenient storage
Cons
- −Limited quantity of rennet tablets may restrict batch size
- −No electric components or automation included
- −Requires separate milk purchase not included in kit
Detailed Review
This kit includes 4 microbial rennet tablets, 100g cheese salt, 100g citric acid, and a yard of grade 90 cheesecloth, covering the essential ingredients for making fresh cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella. The included recipe booklet provides 7 simple recipes that guide beginners through the cheese-making process. The kit’s compact dimensions of 2 x 9 x 6 inches make it easy to store in small kitchens or pantries. Worth knowing before you buy, the kit does not contain milk or any electric appliance, so you’ll need to supply your own milk and tools for heating and straining. I see this working best for those wanting to explore fresh cheese making with minimal upfront ingredient purchases and limited kitchen space.
New England Cheesemaking Supply Mozzarella
Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese Making Kit includes all ingredients except milk for 20 one-pound batches of cheese.
Key Facts
- Size
- 9.25 x 2.5 x 8.5 inches
- Included
- Citric acid, cheese salt, rennet tablets, muslin, thermometer, recipe booklet
- Weight
- 0.5 Pounds
Pros
- +Inclusion of vegetable rennet tablets for cheese coagulation
- +Supplied thermometer for temperature control during cheese making
- +Butter muslin cloth included for cheese straining
Cons
- −Requires separate purchase of milk to use the kit
- −Limited to making only mozzarella and ricotta cheese types
- −No dishwasher-safe claim for cleanup details
Detailed Review
This cheesemaking kit includes 3-ounce citric acid, 3-ounce cheese salt, and 5 vegetable rennet tablets which provide all the key ingredients to make mozzarella and ricotta cheese at home. The kit also includes a thermometer and butter muslin cloth to help with temperature monitoring and straining, two important steps in the cheese-making process. Its compact footprint of 9.25 by 2.5 by 8.5 inches makes it easy to store in a kitchen drawer or cabinet.
Worth knowing before you buy is that milk is not included so you must source this separately. I see this kit working best for those who want to experiment with making fresh cheese without buying specialty ingredients separately. It is designed for making up to 20 one-pound batches, which suits occasional home cheesemakers rather than high-volume use.
For my money, this suits home cooks comfortable with following recipes who want a straightforward, all-in-one starter kit for mozzarella and ricotta cheese making.
This kit includes all ingredients except dairy to make 10-15 pounds of cheese with non-GMO rennet and a reusable curd drain cloth.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 10-15 Pounds Cheese
- Dimensions
- 9 x 6 x 2 inches
- Included
- Non-GMO Rennet, Curd Drain Cloth, Recipes
Pros
- +Non-GMO rennet included for cheese culture
- +Resealable packaging maintains ingredient freshness
- +Reusable curd drain cloth reduces waste
Cons
- −Requires separate purchase of dairy products
- −Limited to cheese varieties listed in recipes
- −No dishwasher-safe claim for included cloth
Detailed Review
This kit stands out by providing all necessary ingredients except dairy to make between 10 and 15 pounds of cheese. It includes a reusable curd drain cloth, which is a practical addition for draining whey and can be used repeatedly. The ingredient packaging is resealable, helping to keep cultures fresh over time.
I'd consider this kit suitable for someone comfortable sourcing fresh milk separately, as dairy products are not included. The range of recipes covers several popular fresh cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta, supporting a variety of homemade cheese projects.
Worth knowing before you buy is that the kit's footprint is compact but it does not specify dishwasher safety for the cloth, so hand washing is likely necessary. This kit fits best for beginners wanting a straightforward way to try multiple cheese types with controlled ingredient quality.
The Big Cheese Vegan Cheese Making Kit with 20
This vegan cheese kit produces six plant-based cheeses with included ingredients for 20 batches, requiring no special equipment or aging time.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 20 Batches
- Included
- Agar powder, citric acid, sea salt, herbs, thermometer, recipe booklet
- Weight
- 1.34 pounds
Pros
- +Complete ingredient set including vegan rennet substitute and sea salt
- +Recipe booklet provides clear step-by-step instructions
- +Produces 20 batches allowing multiple uses without replenishing
- +No need for special equipment or cheese aging
Cons
- −Limited to plant-based cheese types included in the kit
- −No dishwasher-safe claim for included accessories
- −Small batch size may not suit large households
Detailed Review
The Big Cheese Vegan Cheese Making Kit includes all ingredients needed to make six different plant-based cheeses, such as mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan-style. It contains agar powder as a vegan rennet substitute, citric acid, sea salt, and a thermometer, which covers the full process without requiring special equipment. The kit is designed for 20 batches, which suits cooks wanting to make cheese regularly without aging time.
I rate this kit a reasonable pick for home cooks interested in dairy-free cheese options and flavor customization since it includes herbs and spices like mint and paprika. Worth knowing before you buy is the batch size may not fit larger families, and the accessories likely require hand washing. Overall, I see this working best for those exploring plant-based cooking with manageable batch quantities.
The Big Cheese Making Kit produces 40 batches of 10 fresh cheeses with included vegetarian rennet and molds.
Key Facts
- Cheese Types
- 10
- Batches per Kit
- 40
- Batch Yield
- 21-32 oz
- Included Accessories
- 3 molds, thermometer, butter muslin, spices
Pros
- +Comprehensive kit with molds, thermometer, spices, and muslin
- +Vegetarian and gluten-free ingredients with 1-year dry shelf life
- +Multiple cheese varieties covered in one set
Cons
- −No electric or automated components for faster processing
- −Hand preparation required, no dishwasher-safe claims
- −Limited to fresh cheeses without aging options
Detailed Review
This kit stands out by offering ingredients and tools to make 10 specific fresh cheeses including mozzarella and ricotta, all without needing aging or specialized equipment. It includes vegetarian rennet, citric acid, organic sea salt, and 5 spices, plus 3 cheese molds and a thermometer. The recipe book guides beginners through each step, supporting 40 batches that yield between 21 and 32 ounces each. Worth knowing before you buy is the lack of any electric components or automation, so preparation is fully manual. I see this working best for home cooks who want hands-on cheese making without complex gear and who prioritize fresh cheeses. The kit suits those comfortable following detailed recipes and handling basic kitchen tools.
This 5-piece cheese making kit includes vegetable rennet and a cooking thermometer for DIY mozzarella and ricotta at home.
Key Facts
- Size
- 9.1 x 6.7 x 9.1 Inches
- Included
- Rennet tablets, citric acid, cheese salt, thermometer, butter muslin
Pros
- +Vegetable rennet tablets avoid animal-derived ingredients
- +Detailed step-by-step instructions included for ease of use
- +Cooking thermometer aids precise temperature control
- +Compact kit size suitable for home kitchen counters
Cons
- −Limited to making only mozzarella and whole milk ricotta
- −No dishwasher-safe indication, likely requires hand washing
- −Small ingredient quantities may not suit large batch production
Detailed Review
This cheese making kit stands out by including vegetable rennet tablets, which allow milk coagulation without using animal-derived ingredients. It comes as a compact set measuring 9.1 by 6.7 by 9.1 inches, making it manageable for home kitchens with limited counter space. The kit contains all necessary components such as citric acid, cheese salt, butter muslin, and a cooking thermometer.
I see this kit working best for home cooks who want to try making mozzarella and ricotta without sourcing separate ingredients. The included thermometer supports accurate temperature control, which is crucial in cheese making. Worth knowing before you buy is that the kit focuses solely on mozzarella and whole milk ricotta, limiting variety.
For my money, this suits anyone interested in vegetarian-friendly cheese making who appreciates an all-in-one kit with clear instructions. It requires some practice and likely hand washing of components, which fits a hands-on kitchen approach.
FAQs
Can you make vegan cheese without a kit?
Vegan cheese can be made from scratch with agar, tapioca starch, and a blender, but a kit bundles the setting agents and muslin in amounts that match its recipes. For a first attempt, pre-measured portions remove the guesswork about how much setting agent firms up a batch.
Do vegan cheese kits need a thermometer?
A thermometer matters for cultured and stretched styles, where the base needs to reach a set range before the gelling agent goes in. The Big Cheese vegan kit includes one, which saves a separate purchase. Work to the temperatures printed in the manufacturer’s recipe rather than guessing.
How many batches does a vegan cheese kit make?
Batch counts run from four to forty depending on the kit, and the vegan option here is built for twenty batches. That number, rather than the sticker price, tells you the cost per round of cheese. Yield per batch matters too, since small batches cost more per pound.
What is the difference between agar and rennet in a cheese kit?
Agar is a seaweed-based gelling agent that sets plant milks, while rennet is an enzyme used to coagulate dairy milk. Vegan kits rely on agar and citric acid, so read the ingredient line before buying if dairy is off the table.
Final Thoughts
What separates a kit that gets used from one that sits in a cupboard comes down to three things: whether the setting agent matches the milk you actually keep in the fridge, how many rounds of cheese the contents cover, and whether the equipment you need arrives in the same box. Everything else on the label is decoration.
For a household that cooks with dairy milk and wants semi-soft styles like feta, quark, or a simple cheddar, the Cultures for Health Mesophilic Cheese Starter is the choice I would make. Four direct-set packets mean four rounds with nothing to maintain in between, and the two rennet tablets cover the coagulation step without a second order. It is not a plant-based product, so anyone avoiding dairy should skip past it.
On value, the Fermentaholics DIY Fresh Cheese Making Kit covers the fresh, quick-turn styles: ricotta, mozzarella, paneer, and cottage cheese, with salt, citric acid, rennet, and cloth in one box. It suits a cook who wants cheese inside a single evening rather than a project spread across days. For a strictly plant-based kitchen, the The Big Cheese Vegan Cheese Making Kit 20 Batches is the one built around agar and plant milks, with a thermometer and muslin already included. The point of a kit is to settle what to buy and how much to use, so the evening goes into making cheese instead of into shopping for a thermometer.