Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a popular ingredient in pasta, pizza, and soups. However, it is not strictly vegetarian. The ingredient that makes Parmesan non-vegetarian is rennet, an animal byproduct enzyme that coagulates milk and separates curds from whey. Rennet is traditionally obtained from the stomach lining of young grazing animals like calves, goats, or lambs. While Parmigiano Reggiano is not vegetarian, some brands offer vegetarian Parmesan made with microbial or vegetable rennet. These alternatives use microbial enzymes or plant sources like artichokes or thistles to mimic the coagulating effects of rennet. To ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian, look for labels that specify vegetarian or plant-based, or check the ingredient list for enzymes instead of rennet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Animal enzymes, rennet, chymosin, microbial enzymes, vegetable rennet, microbial rennet, kosher label |
| Rennet Source | Stomach lining of cows, calves, goats, lambs |
| Rennet-Free Alternatives | Boiling cardoon thistle, artichokes, nettles in water and straining with cheesecloth, Bel Gioioso, Organic Valley Shredded Parmesan, Tesco's Pecorino, Asda's Italian Hard Cheese, Whole Foods' alternatives, Vevan plant-based cheeses |
| Production Region | Reggiano region of Italy |
| Production Requirements | Must be produced using nothing more than cow's milk, salt, and calf rennet |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan is not strictly vegetarian
Parmesan cheese is not strictly vegetarian. While Parmesan is a cheese, and therefore not vegan, it is also not vegetarian due to the use of animal enzymes in its production. Rennet, a crucial component in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, is usually obtained from the stomach of a young grazing animal, such as calves, goats, or lambs. This source of rennet is favoured due to the high concentration of the enzyme chymosin, which is responsible for milk coagulation.
The traditional method of extracting rennet involves slicing the stomachs of these animals and soaking the pieces in salt water or whey, along with an acidic substance like wine or vinegar, to draw out the enzymes. This process is an essential part of the age-old production of Parmigiano Reggiano, which is protected by its designation of origin status. The strict artisanal and natural methods of production, including the use of rennet, are inspected and certified by the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano.
The use of animal rennet in the production of Parmesan cheese means that it is not suitable for strict vegetarians. However, it is important to note that there are vegetarian alternatives available. Some companies produce Parmesan cheese without the use of animal rennet, instead using microbial enzymes or vegetable-based enzymes obtained from plants like artichokes or thistles. These alternatives are often labelled as vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly, making it easier for consumers to identify and choose vegetarian options.
It is worth mentioning that food manufacturers are not legally required to label their products as vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly. Therefore, it is essential for consumers who wish to avoid animal products to carefully read the ingredient lists on food labels. In the case of Parmesan cheese, the presence of "enzymes" or rennet on the label may indicate the use of animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, seeking out kosher-certified cheese products can also help ensure that no meat products have come into contact with the cheese during production.
While the discovery that Parmesan cheese is not strictly vegetarian may be disappointing for those following a plant-based diet, it is important to remember that there are viable alternatives available. These alternatives allow individuals to make informed choices that align with their dietary preferences and beliefs.
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Rennet: an animal byproduct
Rennet is an animal byproduct that is commonly used in the production of cheese. It is a set of enzymes usually produced in the stomachs of ruminant mammals, such as calves, goats, lambs, and sheep. The stomach lining of these animals is a source of an enzyme called chymosin, which is crucial to the cheese-making process as it helps separate milk into curds, creating the final product.
The use of rennet in cheese production is a traditional method that has been used for centuries, particularly in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, which is made in the Reggiano region of Italy. This type of Parmesan cheese is not vegetarian-friendly due to the use of animal rennet. However, it is important to note that not all Parmesan cheese is made with animal rennet. There are vegetarian alternatives available that use microbial enzymes or vegetable rennet obtained from plants like artichokes, thistles, or nettles.
When shopping for vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese, it is essential to read the labels carefully. Look for cheeses labeled explicitly as vegetarian or check the ingredient list for enzymes instead of rennet. Some stores, like Whole Foods, offer clearly labeled vegetarian alternatives, and a kosher label on cheese products also signifies that no meat products were used in the production process.
While it may be challenging for strict vegetarians to avoid animal byproducts like rennet, it is possible to find vegetarian-friendly cheese options with a little research and label reading.
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Vegetarian alternatives to Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is not strictly vegetarian, as it is made with animal enzymes or rennet. Rennet is usually taken from the stomach of a young grazing animal, and is crucial to the production of Parmigiano Reggiano. However, there are some vegetarian alternatives to Parmesan that you can try.
In the Czech Republic, Gran Moravia is a popular vegetarian alternative to Parmesan. It is also available in the UK. Another alternative is Lithuanian cheese Džiugas, which can be used on vegan pizzas, but it does not melt well. Follow Your Heart also makes a vegan Parmesan that can be sprinkled on pasta. Nutritional yeast is another alternative that can be used in place of Parmesan.
In the UK, Twineham Grange makes a vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese, which can be purchased online or from Waitrose. Tesco's pecorino is another alternative, which is a hard cheese similar to Parmesan. Waitrose and Sainsbury's sell an Italian hard cheese that is vegetarian. Violife, a vegan cheese, is said to taste exactly like Parmesan. Marks & Spencer also sells an Italian hard cheese that is vegetarian. Morrisons offers a vegetarian hard cheese under their "M Savers" brand, which is available grated or as a solid wedge. Whole Foods stores in the UK have a couple of varieties of vegetarian Italian hard cheese. Biona Organic Montello Parmesan Style Cheese is another option, which can be found in some health food shops. Colla Vegetarian Italian Cheese Stick, from Ocado and Waitrose, is also a good alternative.
Some people also make their own vegan Parmesan, using a mix of raw sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds.
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Reading food labels
When examining food labels, there are a few key terms and considerations to keep in mind:
Rennet:
Rennet is a common ingredient in cheese that can be derived from animal or vegetarian sources. Traditional rennet comes from the stomach linings of calves or other mammals, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. However, vegetarian rennet is becoming more widely used and is typically made from plants, fungi, or microbial sources. Look for terms like "vegetarian rennet," "vegetable rennet," or "microbial rennet" on the label to indicate the use of vegetarian rennet. If the label only mentions "rennet" without specifying the source, it is likely animal-based.
Enzymes:
Enzymes listed on a food label can refer to either animal, plant, or microbial sources. Parmesan cheese, in particular, often uses animal enzymes, also known as animal rennet. If the label simply lists "enzymes" without specifying the source, it may be advisable to contact the manufacturer for clarification.
Kosher Certification:
Kosher certification on cheese products can be a helpful indicator of vegetarian-friendliness. Due to Jewish dietary laws prohibiting the mixing of milk and meat, certified kosher cheese will not contain animal rennet or other meat products. Look for symbols like a "K" or "OU" to indicate kosher certification.
Ingredient Lists:
Carefully reviewing the ingredient list can provide valuable information. Some cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, or paneer, are typically made without rennet and are thus more likely to be vegetarian-friendly. Soft cheeses, in general, tend to be safer options for vegetarians as they often do not require coagulation and do not contain rennet.
Manufacturer Information:
If the food label does not provide sufficient information, consider contacting the manufacturer directly. Many companies provide detailed information on their websites regarding the ingredients and processes used in their products. This can be a helpful way to confirm whether a product is suitable for vegetarians.
While reading food labels is a crucial step in making informed choices, it is also important to stay informed about the latest developments and variations in product offerings. Some manufacturers may use innovative techniques or ingredients to create vegetarian-friendly alternatives to traditional non-vegetarian cheeses. Staying informed and proactive in your research can help ensure that you make choices that align with your dietary preferences and values.
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Rennet-free cheeses
Rennet is a crucial part of the Parmigiano Reggiano production process. It is usually derived from the stomach of a young grazing animal, such as calves, goats, or lambs. The stomach is a rich source of an enzyme called chymosin, which is essential for the cheese-making process. However, for vegetarians, there are now rennet-free alternatives to Parmesan and other European cheeses.
Some cheeses are made with vegetable-based enzymes obtained from plants like artichokes, thistles, cardoon thistle, nettles, and even microbial-based substitutes made from mold enzymes. For example, Organic Valley Shredded Parmesan makes a vegetarian-friendly version. Bel Gioioso also offers a vegetarian parm that is guaranteed to be animal rennet-free. Kraft Philadelphia cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and cottage cheese are also safe rennet-free options.
While it may be challenging to find vegetarian alternatives to traditional cheeses, it is not impossible. Websites like Vegetatio offer comprehensive lists of vegetarian cheese brands, and some companies, such as Beligioso, Cypress Grove, and Beecher's, are known for using vegetarian rennet. Additionally, some cheeses, like mozzarella, are traditionally made with vegetable rennet.
It is important to note that not all cheese is vegetarian, and even if a product is labelled as vegetarian, it may still contain animal-derived ingredients, such as lipase. Therefore, it is always a good idea to read the ingredient list carefully and research the brands to make an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Check the ingredients list on the packaging. If it simply says "enzymes", look for a product that specifies "vegetarian enzymes" or "microbial rennet".
Rennet, an animal enzyme that comes from the stomach lining of cows, is traditionally used to make Parmesan. This is why you should look for a product that specifies "vegetarian enzymes" or "microbial rennet".
Rennet is an animal enzyme that comes from the stomach lining of cows. It is traditionally used to make Parmesan because it helps separate milk into curds.
Yes, Bel Gioioso, Organic Valley, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Kraft are some brands that sell vegetarian Parmesan cheese.
