As the public becomes more health conscious, the search for dairy-free cheese is on the rise. Check out a few casein-free, nut- and soy-based alternatives.

If you eat a traditional French meal, you will encounter a cheese course which may include a wheel or wedge of Brie. Or, you may decide to include Brie as one of your hors d'oeuvre offerings. The soft texture and shape of the cheese may make it seem difficult to cut. In reality, cutting Brie is not difficult at all.

Feta is a Greek cheese traditionally made with sheep’s or goat’s milk. Many of the commercial variations available in the U.S. are made with cow’s milk, which produces a firmer cheese. The white cheese is cured and stored in a liquid known as whey brine. Feta has a soft, crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavor.

While a number of different factors can cause constipation, diets that are high in fat are often to blame. The high fat content found in cheese means that people who enjoy eating this food may be at an increased risk for the development of constipation, which is characterized by hard stools that are difficult to pass.

Ricotta cheese is a commonly-available cheese used as a filling for lasagna and stuffed shells, as well as a pizza topping, and even as a filling for Italian desserts such as cannoli. It is made from whey -- a cheese by-product from cheeses like mozzarella and provolone.

Though cheese is often considered a "diet don't," there's mounting research that proves that in moderation, this favorite induglence also has health benefits.

Both feta and goat cheese provide essential nutrients, and you can consume them in a variety of ways as part of a balanced diet.

Although salsa is often associated with tortilla chips, Mexican cheese dip — or queso — is a common side as well. While Mexican cheese dip is not the healthiest food choice, it does provide protein.

Milk, cheese and yogurt are dairy foods, meaning they are products of cow's milk and belong to the Dairy Group, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's My Plate Guide. Foods made from milk, such as cheese and yogurt, retain their calcium content and are considered part of the Dairy Group.

Most women experience cravings for certain foods during pregnancy. Food cravings are likely caused by the hormonal changes your body goes through while you are pregnant. Depending on how you prepare it, a grilled cheese sandwich can be a nutritious food you can safely eat on a regular basis.

Quality post-workout nutrition assists muscle recovery and supports your healthy lifestyle and fitness goals. Eating cottage cheese after a workout gives your body protein and carbohydrates for post-exercise muscle recovery. Low-fat cottage cheese gives you a nutrient-rich snack that's low in saturated fat.

Cream cheese and Neufchatel are fresh, or unripened, cheeses made by curdling milk and draining the whey, while retaining enough moisture to make them soft and spreadable. The two cheeses are similar in taste and appearance -- one could be substituted for the other -- but differ slightly in nutritional value.