Prefecture: Ibaraki
Producer: Tokyo Bal
Ingredients: Cashew nuts (Vietnam/India), sake lees, nutritional yeast, salt 
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Soy-free
Size: 100g 
Storage: Refrigerate after opening.
 

Like many of Tokyo Bal’s Easy Vegan/KAWAIINE products, this vegan parmesan “cheese” is made by creatively upcycling what might otherwise become food waste. Sake lees, the filtered by-product of sake brewing, gives this vegan parmesan a slightly sour tang similar to that of yogurt, along with a slightly floral and yeasty aroma akin to aged parmesan. Nutritional yeast gives it a cheesy nuttiness that combines with the creamy richness of cashews to create a convincing vegan alternative to parmesan cheese.

Inspired by the desire to feed her young daughter who has Down Syndrome nutrient-dense food, Ryoko Tsutsui, co-founder of Tokyo Bal’s Easy Vegan/KAWAIINE product line, set out to make healthy and satisfying snacks. The product line is unique in that it transforms the by-products of other food production processes into creative snacks and seasonings. In addition to creating these sustainable food items, the company also promotes vegan and vegetarian lifestyles to benefit society, animals, and the global environment. 
 

Suggested uses: Sprinkle on top of salads, pastas, and more for a boost of salty, umami flavor.