Randy Chandler
In 2019, Pizza Hut confirmed that its cheese is made with a microbial fermentation ingredient. This means that while most of the enzymes used are microbial, the Parmesan Romano cheese blend added to P'Zones, Breadsticks, and Ultimate Cheese Pizza, as well as some dine-in products, contains animal-based rennet. Customers can request that the 'breadstick seasoning' or 'Parmesan parsley blend' not be added to their products. However, Pizza Hut does not claim any of its products to be vegetarian or vegan as all products are prepared in a common area with meat products and cooked in the same oven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Rennet in Pizza Hut Cheese | Microbial Rennet |
| Brand Name of Rennet | Chymax™ |
| Parmesan Romano Cheese Blend | Contains Animal-based Rennet |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan Romano cheese blend contains animal rennet
The Parmesan Romano cheese blend used in Pizza Hut's P'Zones, Breadsticks, Ultimate Cheese Pizza, and some dine-in products contains both microbial enzymes and animal-based rennet. Customers can request that the 'breadstick seasoning' or 'Parmesan parsley blend' not be added to their orders.
Pizza Hut does not claim any of its products to be 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' as all products are prepared in a common area with meat products and cooked in the same oven. However, the restaurant team will use additional caution when preparing products for guests with dietary concerns.
In 2010, a Quality Assurance Specialist at Pizza Hut Headquarters in Dallas told the Vegetarian Journal that Pizza Hut cheeses were made with a non-animal enzyme. The VRG also received confirmation from a source at the Pizza Hut corporate level that the enzyme used to make the cheese was microbial.
In 2019, a Pizza Hut customer service representative stated in an email that the enzymes used in the production of pizza cheese for Pizza Hut are microbial fermentation ingredients and are not of animal origin.
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Pizza Hut uses microbial rennet
Chymax™ is a microbial rennet that is used to curdle the milk during cheese production. According to VRG, microbial rennet accounted for 80-95% of all enzymes used in cheese-making in the United States as of 2008. While Pizza Hut does not claim that its products are vegetarian or vegan due to the common preparation and cooking areas with meat products, customers can request that certain ingredients, such as the "breadstick seasoning" or "Parmesan parsley blend," not be added to their orders.
It is important to note that information about ingredients can change, and it is always a good idea to do your own research or seek further confirmation if you have specific dietary requirements or concerns. Additionally, Pizza Hut offers an online nutrition calculator that provides detailed ingredient information for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
While Pizza Hut does not offer vegan cheese at this time, they have stated that they are exploring options to meet the diverse needs and preferences of their customers.
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Animal byproducts in Pizza Hut crusts
There are no animal byproducts used in any Pizza Hut crusts. The enzymes present in some of the dough, including the breadstick dough, are used as a dough conditioner and are from a microbial origin.
Pizza Hut does not claim any of its products to be 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' as all products are prepared in a common area with meat products and cooked in the same oven. However, upon request, the restaurant team will use additional caution when preparing products for guests with dietary concerns.
In 2010, a representative from Pizza Hut stated that all Pizza Hut cheeses were made with a non-animal enzyme. However, a VRG reader was told by a Pizza Hut representative that animal rennet was used to make the cheese. This was found to be dubious information, considering what Pizza Hut had stated previously. In May 2010, The VRG received confirmation from a source at the Pizza Hut corporate level that the enzyme used to make the cheese was microbial.
The Parmesan Romano cheese blend that is added to P'Zones, Breadsticks, and Ultimate Cheese Pizza, as well as some dine-in products, contains both microbial enzymes and animal-based rennet. Customers can request that the 'breadstick seasoning' or 'Parmesan parsley blend' not be added to their products.
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Cheese sources and ingredients
Pizza Hut uses a variety of cheeses in its products, and the ingredients and sources of these cheeses can vary depending on the specific menu item and location. Here is a detailed breakdown of Pizza Hut's cheese sources and ingredients:
Cheese Sources
Pizza Hut sources its cheeses from various suppliers and manufacturers. In 2010, it was confirmed by a source at the Pizza Hut corporate level that the company's sole supplier for all six varieties of its cheeses uses microbial rennet. This supplier provides cheese made with Chymax™, a microbial fermentation product used to curdle the milk during cheese production.
Cheese Ingredients
The specific ingredients used in Pizza Hut's cheeses can vary, but it has been confirmed that they use microbial rennet in all their cheeses. This means that the rennet is produced by microorganisms rather than animals. However, it is important to note that not all of Pizza Hut's cheeses are vegetarian or vegan-friendly. For example, the Parmesan Romano cheese blend added to P'Zones, Breadsticks, Ultimate Cheese Pizza, and some dine-in products contains both microbial enzymes and animal-based rennet. Customers can request that this blend be left off their orders if desired. Additionally, Pizza Hut's products are prepared in a common area with meat products and cooked in the same oven, so they do not claim any of their products to be vegetarian or vegan.
Other Ingredients
In addition to the cheese, Pizza Hut also uses a specially-blended mix of Parmesan cheese and spices, known as "fairy dust," which is automatically sprinkled on all pizzas. Customers can request that this be left off their pizzas as well. While Pizza Hut's doughs are free from animal by-products, they do contain enzymes from microbial origins used as a dough conditioner.
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Vegetarian and vegan options at Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut offers several vegetarian and vegan options. However, it is important to note that Pizza Hut does not claim any of its products to be 'vegetarian' or 'vegan', as all products are prepared in a common area with meat products and cooked in the same oven. Nevertheless, the restaurant team will use additional caution when preparing products for guests with dietary concerns.
For vegetarians, Pizza Hut offers a range of cheese options, including the Parmesan Romano cheese blend added to P'Zones, Breadsticks, and Ultimate Cheese Pizza. While this blend contains both microbial enzymes and animal-based rennet, customers can request that it be left off their orders. Additionally, Pizza Hut's sauces, including pizza sauce and marinara sauce, classic, buffalo, and bean sauce, are vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat products.
For vegans, the options are more limited. Pizza Hut does not currently offer vegan cheese, so any pizza ordered must be without cheese. However, most crusts are vegan-friendly, except for the stuffed crust (unless in the UK). The Butter Blend crust is accidentally vegan, and the taco pizza's bean sauce is also vegan-friendly. Vegan customers can also opt for salads or the salad bar, adding extra vegetables to their pizzas.
While Pizza Hut may not have vegan cheese yet, they have shown an interest in exploring vegan options. In 2017, they trialed Violife in select UK locations, and it has since become a staple menu item there and in Australia and Germany. Additionally, they tested Beyond Meat pizzas in 2020, offering the Beyond Italian Sausage Pizza and The Great Beyond Pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
The Parmesan Romano cheese blend added to P'Zones, Breadsticks, and Ultimate Cheese Pizza, as well as some dine-in products, contains both microbial enzymes and animal-based rennet.
Yes, customers can request that the 'breadstick seasoning' or 'Parmesan parsley blend' not be added to their products.
No, Pizza Hut does not currently offer vegan cheese. However, they are looking into options.
No, Pizza Hut does not claim any of its products to be vegetarian or vegan as all products are prepared in a common area with meat products and cooked in the same oven.
No, there are no animal byproducts used in any Pizza Hut crusts.
