Veganism has surged in the past decade, and the quality of plant-based alternatives has improved significantly. Cheese alternatives, however, can vary widely from place to place – and ironically, this often becomes a barrier to adopting a vegan lifestyle. Many plant-based cheeses are made from oils, starches and artificial flavourings which, besides being unhealthy, fail to replicate the flavours we seek to enjoy, all while avoiding the cruelty of the dairy industry.

MUKA was founded with the aim of creating better-tasting, more environmentally friendly, and healthier vegan cheese. What started as home kitchen experimentation and tastings with friends and family soon evolved into something exceptional – a simple yet wholesome plant-based alternative designed to delight the palates of those keen to explore new flavours.

MUKA stands for "green change," a transformation essential to addressing today’s environmental and ethical challenges. The company believes that humans, animals, and nature can coexist in harmony.

Tasty and healthy vegan alternatives

  Muka

Muka’s range of cheeses is crafted using a blend of organic ingredients: cashew nuts (a minimum of 50%), water, salt, and fermentation cultures (probiotics). Handmade in small batches, these cheeses are fermented and cured for several weeks or months.

Inspired by traditional cheese-making techniques, Muka follows artisanal, time-honoured production methods and is certified organic by KIWA SATIVA.

The cheeses come in a variety of flavours, including smoked and mushroom, along with two delicious cream cheeses (perfect for a bagel). The flavour, texture, and appearance of these cheeses result from careful fermentation and curing, where an intricate balance of microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and fungi) creates unique characteristics. Perhaps the most impressive varieties are Brito and Cajuberto – incredibly realistic and tasty alternatives to Brie and Camembert – where the white rind is naturally formed by a fungus.

Are cashew nuts sustainable?

Cashew nuts are rich in protein, fat, and natural sugars, providing a creamy texture ideal for plant-based cheese. Unlike some other nuts, Muka’s cashews are sourced from Burkina Faso – a region with abundant water resources, meaning minimal irrigation is needed. These nuts come from small-scale producers with Fairtrade and organic certification, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.

Despite the geographical distance, cashew nuts contribute only 5% of the total CO2e emissions from food products. In general, what we eat has a much greater environmental impact than its origin, particularly for products with long shelf lives that do not require refrigeration during transport.

Interestingly, most cashews reaching Europe – labelled as "made in" Vietnam or India – are actually grown in Africa, then shipped to these countries for processing and packaging. Muka ensures that their cashews are processed locally, reducing unnecessary transportation and making their product significantly more sustainable.

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The importance of sustainable packaging

Determined to uphold sustainability at every level, Muka exclusively uses recyclable, compostable, or reusable packaging.

Their cream cheeses are packaged in recyclable and reusable glass jars, while their other cheeses are encased in 100% recycled and recyclable FSC-certified cardboard, wrapped in vacuum-sealed biodegradable films. Additionally, Muka offers a small discount for every returned jar, encouraging reuse and further reducing waste.

Unique & delicious

Muka

Last year, Muka launched its first-ever advent calendar – it sold out almost instantly, which was hardly surprising! We’ll certainly be on the lookout for its return this December.

Without a doubt, Muka will continue to delight us with more delicious flavours in the future. Our current favourites at VegClub are the Curado de Boletos – a vegan cured cheese with wild mushrooms, boasting a rich and earthy flavour – and, of course, the Brito, a perfect cruelty-free alternative to Brie.

Muka cheeses can be found at almost every vegan market in Lisbon, with shipping available throughout Portugal.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out clean, green and cruelty-free: Ireland is leading the way with vegan beauty. Perhaps take a look at running on plants: Harvey Lewis on ultra endurance, veganism and inspiring change. Or explore from chaos to CAOS: The sweet revolution of vegan pastries in Portugal.