Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a beloved staple in many kitchens, but it's not always vegetarian. The use of animal rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomach lining of calves, lambs, or goats, is common in the production of Parmesan cheese, making it non-vegetarian. However, some brands offer vegetarian alternatives, and certain soft cheeses are reliably vegetarian. With the rise of plant-based alternatives, vegetarians can now find viable substitutes for their favourite cheeses, although some claim that the taste is not the same.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian or not | Depends on the type and source |
| Animal product | Rennet, derived from the stomach lining of cows, calves, goats, or lambs |
| Vegetarian alternatives | Yes, made with microbial enzymes or vegetable rennet |
| Vegetarian-friendly brands | Organic Valley, Trader Joe's, BelGioioso, GOOD PLANeT Foods, Mauro & Gianni, Whole Foods, Kinara by Fiandino, Twineham Grange |
| Non-vegetarian brands | Kraft Grated Parmesan (contains lipase) |
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What You'll Learn
- Parmesan is made with animal enzymes, also called animal rennet, meaning it’s not vegetarian
- Rennet is derived from the inner lining of the fourth stomach of calves
- Rennet is used to separate milk into curds, which creates the final product
- Some companies use microbial rennet, which is suitable for vegetarians
- There are viable vegetarian alternatives to Parmesan, but they may be less tasty
Parmesan is made with animal enzymes, also called animal rennet, meaning it’s not vegetarian
Parmesan cheese is not always vegetarian. While Parmesan is made with pasteurized milk and salt, it also contains enzymes, which can be derived from either animal, plant, or microbial sources. Parmesan is traditionally made with animal enzymes, also known as animal rennet, which means it is not vegetarian.
Animal rennet is an enzyme extracted from the stomach lining of cows, calves, sheep, goats, or even pigs. It is added to Parmesan and many other cheeses to help separate milk into curds, creating the final product. The use of animal rennet in Parmesan is so integral that, according to European Union regulations, a cheese can only be legally called Parmesan if it is produced in the "Reggiano" region of Italy using cow's milk, salt, and calf rennet.
However, it is important to note that not all Parmesan cheeses are made with animal rennet. Some companies produce vegetarian-friendly Parmesan by using microbial enzymes or vegetable rennet derived from plants like artichokes, cardoon thistle, nettles, or dried caper leaves. These alternatives can mimic the effects of animal rennet in the cheese-making process.
When purchasing Parmesan, it is essential to read the labels carefully. In most cases, it is up to the consumer to check the labels and ensure that the product is truly vegetarian. Some companies clearly label their Parmesan as vegetarian or specify the use of microbial rennet, while others may list specific enzymes like "lipase," which indicates an animal source. Additionally, a kosher label on cheese products guarantees that no meat products were involved in the production process.
While traditional Parmesan made with animal rennet may be the most common, the availability of vegetarian alternatives shows that it is possible to enjoy Parmesan cheese while adhering to a vegetarian diet.
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Rennet is derived from the inner lining of the fourth stomach of calves
Parmesan cheese is not always vegetarian. While it is made with pasteurized milk and salt, it also contains enzymes, which can be derived from either animal, plant, or microbial sources. Animal enzymes, or rennet, are used in the production of Parmesan cheese, and are extracted from the inner lining of the fourth stomach of calves, usually destined for veal. This type of rennet is also used in other European cheeses such as Gruyere, Manchego, and Camembert.
The calves' stomachs are ground and soaked in an enzyme extraction solution, which is then used to separate milk into curds, creating the final product. This process is not considered vegetarian by most standards.
However, there are vegetarian alternatives to traditional Parmesan cheese. Some companies produce Parmesan cheese using microbial enzymes, which are produced by pure cultures of microorganisms such as molds and yeast. There are also plant-based enzymes, obtained by soaking plants like artichokes or thistles, which can be used to create a "vegetable rennet." These alternatives are suitable for vegetarians, as they do not contain animal products.
It is important to note that food manufacturers are not required by law to label a product as vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly. Therefore, it is up to consumers to carefully read labels and check for ingredients like enzymes or lipase, which may indicate the presence of animal-derived rennet. Some companies, like Kraft, have confirmed that their grated Parmesan cheese uses microbial rennet and does not contain animal products.
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Rennet is used to separate milk into curds, which creates the final product
Parmesan cheese is not always vegetarian. While some cheeses, like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and paneer, are reliably vegetarian, others are not. Parmesan cheese is one of the latter.
Parmesan cheese is made with a mix of pasteurized milk and salt, but it also contains enzymes that are difficult to identify on food labels. These enzymes are either animal, plant, or microbial. Parmesan is always made with animal enzymes, also called animal rennet, meaning it is not vegetarian.
Rennet is an enzyme used to clot milk. It is a coagulant that forms curds and separates them from whey. The type of rennet used to make Parmigiano-Reggiano is produced in the traditional way; it is derived from the inner lining of the fourth stomachs of calves, goats, sheep, or lambs—usually slaughtered for veal. Calf stomachs are ground and then soaked in an enzyme extraction solution. This makes the end product not vegetarian by most standards. Rennet is crucial to the Parmigiano-Reggiano production process, and it is this process that separates milk into curds, creating the final product.
While all cheeses labeled Parmigiano-Reggiano contain animal-derived rennet, some Parmesan cheeses are made with microbial rennet, which is suitable for vegetarians. For example, Organic Valley Shredded Parmesan makes a vegetarian-friendly version, and producers like BelGioioso also have their own vegetarian versions.
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Some companies use microbial rennet, which is suitable for vegetarians
While traditional Parmesan cheese is made with animal rennet, some companies produce vegetarian Parmesan by using microbial rennet. Rennet is an enzyme used to clot milk and separate it into curds and whey. Traditional rennet is derived from the inner lining of the fourth stomach of calves, goats, sheep, or lambs, which are usually slaughtered for veal. This animal-derived rennet is not vegetarian.
However, there are now microbial-based substitutes for rennet, which are suitable for vegetarians. These substitutes are made from mold enzymes extracted in a lab. Some companies that produce vegetarian Parmesan cheese include Organic Valley, Trader Joe's, BelGioioso, and GOOD PLANeT Foods. Mauro & Gianni also sells a vegetarian version of Parmesan, but be sure to check the label as they also sell the non-vegetarian kind.
When purchasing Parmesan cheese, it is important to read the label carefully. If the ingredient list includes “enzymes” without further clarification, this likely refers to animal enzymes, and the product is not vegetarian. Look for products that specifically state they use microbial rennet or are labeled as vegetarian. Some stores, like Whole Foods, offer clearly labeled vegetarian Parmesan cheese alternatives. Additionally, you can look for a kosher label on cheese products, which signifies that no meat products were used in the production process.
It is worth noting that some people consider the flavor of vegetarian Parmesan cheese made with microbial rennet to be slightly different from traditional Parmesan. However, companies like Organic Valley have worked to recreate the rich, deep taste of traditional Parmesan in their vegetarian version.
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There are viable vegetarian alternatives to Parmesan, but they may be less tasty
It may come as a surprise to many vegetarians that Parmesan cheese is not vegetarian. This is because it contains rennet, an enzyme that is usually derived from the stomach of a calf, lamb, or goat. This enzyme is crucial to the cheesemaking process, as it separates milk into curds. While there are some vegetarian versions of Parmesan on the market, they are often harder to find and may be less tasty.
The good news for vegetarians is that there are viable alternatives to Parmesan that bypass the use of rennet. These vegetarian cheeses use microbial enzymes that mimic the effects of rennet, or they may use various plants to provide a "vegetable rennet." However, these alternatives can be fussier to make and may have a different flavor. For example, some people find that vegan Parmesan does not taste as good as the real thing.
Some specific examples of vegetarian Parmesan alternatives include Organic Valley Shredded Parmesan, which uses vegetable-based enzymes obtained from plants like artichokes or thistles, and Twineham Grange, which uses vegetable rennet and is approved by the Vegetarian Society. These options allow more people to enjoy the complex flavors of Parmesan without the use of animal products.
When shopping for Parmesan, vegetarians should look for products labeled as vegetarian or check the ingredient list for enzymes instead of rennet. Some brands, like Kraft, use microbial rennet in their grated Parmesan cheese, so it is important to read the labels carefully. Additionally, stores like Whole Foods often sell clearly labeled Parmesan cheese alternatives made with vegetarian enzymes.
In conclusion, while there are viable vegetarian alternatives to Parmesan cheese, they may be less tasty and more challenging to find. However, for vegetarians who want to enjoy the flavor of Parmesan without consuming animal products, these alternatives can be a worthwhile option.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not. Parmesan is made with animal enzymes, also called animal rennet, which is extracted from the stomach lining of cows.
There are some vegetarian versions of parmesan cheese on the market. When in doubt, check the label. Stores like Whole Foods sell clearly labelled parmesan cheese alternatives made with vegetarian enzymes. You can also look for a kosher label on cheese products, which means that meat products did not interact with the cheese product.
Rennet is an enzyme used to clot milk. It is a coagulant that forms curds and separates them from whey. Rennet is usually taken from the fourth stomach of a young grazing animal like calves, goats, or lambs.
