Randy Chandler
Sargento is a brand that produces a variety of staple foods, including cheese. The process of making cheese often involves the coagulation of enzymes, which can be derived from animal sources, making cheese a potentially unsuitable option for vegetarians. However, Sargento offers a range of cheeses that are suitable for vegetarians, as they are made with non-animal, synthetic rennet. These cheeses include both sliced and shredded varieties, such as mozzarella and cheddar.
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What You'll Learn
Most Sargento cheeses are made with non-animal rennet
Sargento is committed to treating cattle raised for milk production ethically and does not tolerate the willful mistreatment of animals. The company ensures that the milk used in its cheese is free from commonly used antibiotics. Sargento also does not use any artificial hormones, artificial flavors, or antibiotics in its cheese products.
The Sargento cheese-making process only uses natural ingredients such as milk, cheese culture, enzymes, and sometimes salt. The company also states that its cheese is professionally tested to ensure the highest quality. Sargento cheese is also an excellent source of protein, providing 5 grams of protein per serving.
However, it is important to note that not all Sargento cheeses are vegetarian-friendly. Some Sargento natural cheeses may contain animal enzymes, particularly those considered traditional Italian cheese styles such as Romano, Provolone, Asiago, and Fontina. These cheese varieties can be found in Italian blends, sliced Provolone, grated Parmesan, and Romano, as well as any product with these cheese types listed. Additionally, the cheese dips in the non-refrigerated MooTown Snacks, including Cheese Dip & Cracker Sticks, Cheese Dip & Pretzel Sticks, and Cheese Dip & Crackers, are made with beef rennet and are therefore not suitable for vegetarians.
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Some Sargento cheeses contain animal enzymes
Sargento is a brand that makes a lot of staple foods, including several types of vegetarian cheese. However, some Sargento cheeses contain animal enzymes.
The process of making almost all kinds of cheese involves the coagulation of enzymes. Rennets (enzymes) are added when making cheese to thicken the milk to form curds. These milk-clotting enzymes originate from microbial (synthetic) and animal sources. Most Sargento shredded and sliced cheeses and all of their refrigerated natural cheese snacks are made with non-animal rennet.
The Sargento natural cheeses that may contain animal enzymes are those considered traditional Italian cheese styles such as Romano, Provolone, Asiago, and Fontina. These cheese varieties are found in Italian blends, sliced Provolone, grated Parmesan and Romano, and potentially any product with this cheese type listed. Other Sargento cheeses that may contain animal enzymes include Artisan Blends Shredded Parmesan & Romano Cheese, Shredded 6 Cheese Italian Cheese, Shredded Reduced Fat 4 Cheese Italian Cheese, and Deli Style Sliced Jarlsberg Cheese.
The cheese dip in Sargento's MooTown Snacks products, including Cheese Dip & Cracker Sticks, Cheese Dip & Pretzel Sticks, and Cheese Dip & Crackers, is made with beef rennet and is therefore not suitable for vegetarians.
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Sargento cheese is an excellent source of protein
Sargento cheese is a natural source of calcium, with each stick containing 10% of the recommended daily intake of calcium and contributing 90% of calories. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and Sargento cheese can help individuals meet their daily calcium requirements.
The cheese-making process for Sargento involves the use of non-animal rennet, specifically microbial (synthetic) rennet, which is added to thicken the mixture and form curds. This sets Sargento apart from other cheese brands, as they prioritize using vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Most of their shredded and sliced cheeses, as well as their refrigerated natural cheese snacks, are made with these non-animal rennet, ensuring that their products cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
While Sargento cheese is a good source of protein, it is important to note that it is not a complete protein source. Complete proteins contain all the essential amino acids that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. However, pairing Sargento cheese with other plant-based sources of protein can help individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets meet their complete protein requirements.
Sargento cheese is versatile and can be used in various dishes, from soups to omelets. Its full-flavored taste and creamy texture can complement strong seasonings, making it a dynamic ingredient in the kitchen. The cheese is also free from artificial hormones, flavors, and antibiotics, ensuring a natural and high-quality product.
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Sargento cheese is a good option for cooking with strong seasonings
Sargento cheese is made with natural ingredients such as milk, cheese culture, enzymes, and sometimes salt. The company's cheese-making process does not involve any processed ingredients. Additionally, Sargento cheese contains no added artificial hormones, flavors, or antibiotics. The company tests each tanker of milk for commonly used antibiotics to ensure they do not enter the milk supply. This commitment to quality and safety makes Sargento a reliable choice for consumers.
The freshness of Sargento cheese is also a notable advantage. The cheese is packaged with an Easy-close FreshLock feature, which helps keep the cheese fresh for longer. However, it is recommended to use the cheese within five days of opening to maintain optimal freshness. Sargento's attention to freshness and quality makes their cheese a convenient option for home cooks.
While Sargento offers a variety of cheese options, it is important to note that not all of their cheeses are vegetarian-friendly. Some Sargento cheeses, such as Romano, Asiago, and Jarlsberg, contain animal enzymes or rennet. These cheeses are not suitable for vegetarians. However, most Sargento natural cheeses are made with non-animal rennet, making them a good choice for those following a vegetarian diet.
Overall, Sargento cheese is a versatile and high-quality option for cooking with strong seasonings. Its mild flavor, freshness, and natural ingredients make it a convenient and reliable choice for home cooks looking to enhance their dishes.
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Sargento MooTown Snacks contain beef rennet
The MooTown Snacks are made from a Cheddar Cheese base, but the beef rennet used in the cheese dips means that they are not suitable for vegetarians. Rennet, or enzymes, are added to cheese during production to make the mixture thicker and help form curds. While rennet can be produced synthetically, it can also be sourced from animals, and in this case, it is derived from beef.
Sargento does offer a variety of vegetarian cheese options, with most of their shredded and sliced cheeses made with non-animal rennet. Their natural cheese snacks, such as cheese sticks, are also vegetarian-friendly and produced in manufacturing plants that are nut-free. However, it is important to note that their Sweet Balanced Breaks and Balanced Breaks Cheese and Crackers varieties do contain gluten.
The company is committed to ethical treatment of animals and does not tolerate any mistreatment of animals in their production processes. They also test their milk supply for antibiotics to ensure that no residues enter the final product. While Sargento MooTown Snacks are not vegetarian due to the presence of beef rennet, the company does offer a range of vegetarian cheese options for consumers who are mindful of animal-derived ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sargento cheese is generally considered vegetarian as it is made with non-animal, synthetic rennet. However, some Sargento cheeses do contain animal enzymes, such as Romano, Asiago, and Jarlsberg.
Sargento Cheddar Cheese is made from a combination of natural ingredients such as milk, cheese culture, enzymes, and sometimes salt.
Sargento Cheddar Cheese is a shredded, natural cheese that is usually sold fresh from the block. It is known for its mild and creamy taste, making it a good choice for dishes with strong seasonings.
Sargento advises that their cheese should be consumed within five days of opening to maintain maximum freshness.
Yes, there are several vegetarian cheese options available. Some examples include mozzarella, parmesan, and feta cheese, but it is always a good idea to check the ingredients to confirm.
