Randy Chandler
Kraft grated parmesan cheese is a hot topic for vegetarians. While traditional Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is made in Italy with strict guidelines and is not vegetarian, its close cousin, Parmesan, can be made elsewhere without such stringent regulations. Kraft grated parmesan uses microbial rennet, which is not derived from animals, but it may sometimes contain lipase, an animal-derived enzyme. Therefore, Kraft grated parmesan cheese can be vegetarian, but consumers must check the ingredient list to ensure it does not contain lipase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian-friendly | Yes, Kraft grated parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly as it uses microbial rennet, which is not derived from animals. However, some products may contain lipase, an animal-derived ingredient, so it is important to check the ingredient list. |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, cellulose powder, potassium sorbate |
| Alternatives | Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, BelGioiso, and the Whole Foods 365 brand offer vegetarian alternatives to Kraft grated parmesan cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft grated parmesan uses microbial rennet, not animal rennet
- Kraft grated parmesan may contain lipase, which is animal-derived
- Kraft grated parmesan does not contain rennet or other non-vegetarian enzymes
- Kraft grated parmesan contains milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and cellulose powder
- Kraft grated parmesan may be vegetarian, depending on the definition of vegetarianism
Kraft grated parmesan uses microbial rennet, not animal rennet
Kraft grated parmesan cheese uses microbial rennet, which is suitable for vegetarians. Rennet is a complex grouping of enzymes produced in any mammalian stomach to aid in the digestion of milk. Traditional rennet is sourced from the stomach lining of slaughtered cows, sheep, goats, or pigs, and is therefore not vegetarian.
Microbial rennet, on the other hand, is produced by a pure culture of microorganisms such as molds and yeast. This type of rennet is suitable for vegetarians as it is not derived from animal tissue. Kraft has confirmed that their grated parmesan cheese uses microbial rennet and does not contain animal-derived rennet.
It is important to note that some Kraft grated parmesan cheese products may contain lipase, which is an animal-derived enzyme. Lipase is used to develop the flavor of cheese. If "lipase" appears in the ingredient list of a Kraft product, it indicates that the product is not vegetarian. However, if "lipase" is not listed as an ingredient, the Kraft grated parmesan cheese is considered vegetarian.
In addition to Kraft, there are other brands that offer vegetarian-friendly grated parmesan cheese. For example, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and BelGioiso all offer vegetarian options, as indicated on their product packaging.
It is worth mentioning that traditional Parmesan cheese, known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is made in Italy under strict regulations and typically uses calf rennet, making it non-vegetarian. However, in the United States, generic parmesan cheeses made with different ingredients are common, and some of these may be vegetarian-friendly.
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Kraft grated parmesan may contain lipase, which is animal-derived
Kraft grated parmesan cheese may or may not be vegetarian. While Kraft has stated that they use microbial rennet in their grated parmesan cheese, which is not derived from animals, some of their products may contain lipase, which is derived from animal sources.
Lipase is an enzyme that is commonly used in cheese-making to develop the flavor of mild to older cheeses. It is typically sourced from the stomachs of slaughtered calves and lambs, or other milking mammals. While microbial rennet is suitable for vegetarians, lipase is not, as it is derived from animal tissue.
Kraft has been contacted by multiple sources inquiring about the ingredients in their grated parmesan cheese, and they have consistently responded that they use enzymes purchased from reputable suppliers for processing their various lines of cheese. They have also stated that they only use microbial rennet, which is not derived from animals. However, they have not specifically addressed the use of lipase in their products.
As a result, it is important for consumers who are concerned about the presence of animal-derived ingredients to carefully read the ingredient list on the product packaging. If "lipase" appears in the ingredient list of a Kraft grated parmesan cheese product, then it contains animal-derived ingredients and is not suitable for vegetarians. If lipase is not listed as an ingredient, then the product is likely vegetarian-friendly, as it suggests that Kraft's claim of using only microbial rennet is accurate.
It is worth noting that traditional Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is made using calf rennet, which is derived from the stomach lining of a calf. This is a highly regulated process that can only be legally performed in certain parts of Italy. However, in the US, generic parmesan cheeses made with different ingredients are both legal and common, and some of these may be suitable for vegetarians.
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Kraft grated parmesan does not contain rennet or other non-vegetarian enzymes
Kraft grated Parmesan cheese does not contain rennet or other non-vegetarian enzymes. The product uses microbial rennet, which is not derived from animal tissue. However, it is important to check the ingredient list as Kraft grated Parmesan may contain lipase, an animal-derived enzyme. If "lipase" appears in the ingredient list, it is not suitable for vegetarians as it is taken from the stomach of slaughtered calves and lambs.
Traditional Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is made in Italy under strict guidelines and often uses calf rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomach lining of a calf or other milking mammal. This form of Parmesan is not suitable for vegetarians.
In the United States, generic Parmesan cheeses are made with different ingredients and are often suitable for vegetarians. These cheeses typically use microbial rennet, which can be derived from plants, fungi, or microbial sources. Kraft, for example, uses enzymes purchased from reputable suppliers for their various lines of cheese. While Kraft does not disclose the specific origins of their enzymes, they have confirmed that they do not use animal-derived rennet.
It is worth noting that some vegetarians may still consume dairy products, so Kraft grated Parmesan cheese can be considered vegetarian-friendly in that regard. However, for strict vegetarians or vegans, the presence of lipase or other animal-derived ingredients may be a concern. Therefore, it is always important to carefully read the ingredient list and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.
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Kraft grated parmesan contains milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and cellulose powder
Kraft grated parmesan cheese is made from milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and cellulose powder. The presence of these ingredients raises questions about the product's suitability for vegetarians.
Firstly, milk is a fundamental component of Kraft grated parmesan cheese. While some vegetarians may consume dairy, others may follow a stricter interpretation that excludes dairy products. Therefore, the presence of milk may be a concern for some vegetarians.
Secondly, the cheese culture and enzymes used in the production of Kraft grated parmesan cheese can be derived from various sources, including animal or microbial origins. Enzymes like rennet, chymosin, or rennin are commonly used in cheesemaking and can be extracted from animal stomachs, particularly calves and lambs. However, Kraft has stated that they use microbial rennet, which is not derived from animal enzymes. This information suggests that the cheese culture and enzymes in Kraft grated parmesan cheese are suitable for vegetarians.
The inclusion of salt and cellulose powder in Kraft grated parmesan cheese does not typically conflict with vegetarian dietary restrictions. Salt is a common seasoning, and cellulose powder is often used as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping. While the source of these ingredients may be important to some vegetarians, they are generally considered vegetarian-friendly.
Overall, the suitability of Kraft grated parmesan cheese for vegetarians hinges primarily on the origin of the enzymes and the inclusion of milk. While Kraft has confirmed the use of microbial rennet, indicating vegetarian suitability, the presence of milk may be a personal choice for individual vegetarians. It is always advisable to check the ingredient list and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly for detailed information about the product's suitability for vegetarian diets.
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Kraft grated parmesan may be vegetarian, depending on the definition of vegetarianism
Kraft grated Parmesan may be vegetarian, depending on one's definition of vegetarianism. While traditional Parmesan cheese, known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is made with calf rennet, a highly regulated cheese made in Italy under strict guidelines, Kraft Grated Parmesan utilizes microbial rennet, which is not derived from animal enzymes. This makes it a potential option for those who follow a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, which includes dairy products.
However, it's important to note that Kraft Grated Parmesan may contain lipase, an animal-derived enzyme used to develop the flavor of mild to older cheeses. Lipase is sourced from the stomachs of slaughtered calves and lambs, so if it is present in the ingredient list, the product is not suitable for strict vegetarians who avoid all animal-derived products. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read the ingredient list of Kraft Grated Parmesan to determine its suitability for a vegetarian diet.
The definition of vegetarianism can vary among individuals, and some may choose to avoid all animal-derived products, including those containing lipase. In that case, Kraft Grated Parmesan with lipase listed as an ingredient would not align with their definition of vegetarianism. On the other hand, those with a more flexible interpretation of vegetarianism may be comfortable consuming products with minimal animal-derived ingredients, in which case Kraft Grated Parmesan without lipase listed may be acceptable.
It is worth mentioning that the use of the term "enzymes" on the ingredient list of Kraft Parmesan has been criticized for lacking transparency regarding the origin of these enzymes. While "enzymes" on US-made cheese labels typically denote vegetarian rennet, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer directly or use apps like Fig to scan barcodes and determine the vegetarian status of a product. Overall, the suitability of Kraft Grated Parmesan for a vegetarian diet ultimately depends on an individual's personal definition of vegetarianism and their comfort level with animal-derived ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft grated parmesan cheese is vegetarian if it does not have lipase listed as an ingredient. Lipase is an animal-derived enzyme that develops the flavor of mild to older flavored cheeses. If "lipase" appears in the ingredient list, it is not vegetarian, as it is taken from the stomach of slaughtered calves and lambs. Kraft grated parmesan cheese uses microbial rennet, which is not made with enzymes extracted from animal tissue.
To know if Kraft grated parmesan cheese is vegetarian, check the ingredient list. If it contains lipase, it is not vegetarian. If it does not contain lipase, it is vegetarian. You can also contact the company directly to inquire about the enzymes used in their products.
Yes, there are vegetarian alternatives to Kraft grated parmesan cheese. Some options include the parmesan cheese from Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and BelGioiso. Additionally, vegetarian cheese made with microbial or vegetable-based rennet and vegan cheese derived from plant-based milk are becoming increasingly available in grocery stores, particularly in the US.
