Vegan Grated Topping

I am not vegan, but dairy sends me for a loop. I can still eat some, but it makes me bloat heavily. Cream is the worst culprit. Lactose pills have not really helped beyond their placebo effect.

I haven't been able to figure out whether I am intolerant to lactose or some other milk protein (e.g., casein), so whenever I can, I try to avoid milk products altogether. I've had some vegan cheeses, both good and bad, and this is one of them.

Vegan Grated Topping is supposed to emulate that dry parmesean cheese that is normally dusted onto pizza or pasta. It is made from soy and yeast ingredients and comes shelf-stable (refrigerate after opening) for less than $3 at health food stores. In the near-future, I won't be making such random purchases, as I have a steep tuition next semester that is going to somewhat stress my finances.

This tastes slightly cheesy, but I find it somewhat lacking and even somewhat repulsive. I can't explain it. But this is supposedly the best mock-parmesean powder, according to my Internet research. Boo!

Later on when I get back to my own PC, I will tack to this entry a picture of vegan lasagna I made a few months ago. "The Ukrainian" thought it was good and ate it for lunch for days afterward. I didn't use this powder but used nutritional yeast flakes for the tofu-ricotta part, and it actually tasted very good and close to the "real thing." So I am doubtful that I really need this stuff to get my cheese-fix.

I will slowly eat this. I read that it's good on popcorn.

And yes, my marathon is SOON. I don't know if I'm ready, but I am all packed. I will post details on Monday (or thereabouts).