Bushra Griffith
Tombstone Pizza is a brand of frozen pizza that offers a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, onions, bell peppers, and sausage. The company was founded in 1962 and has since become a household name for pizza lovers. While the brand offers a range of meat-topped pizzas, their cheese pizzas have sparked curiosity among vegetarians, prompting questions about the source of enzymes in the cheese. With concerns about animal-derived rennet and enzymes in frozen pizzas, consumers are keen to know if Tombstone's cheese pizza is suitable for vegetarian diets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pizza | Cheese Pizza |
| Brand | Tombstone |
| Vegetarian | No |
| Cheese Used | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Imitation Mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, Romano |
| Available At | Walmart, Amazon, Super 1 Foods |
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What You'll Learn
Tombstone cheese pizza contains a blend of cheeses
Tombstone is a brand of frozen pizza that offers a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, onions, bell peppers, and sausage. The company was founded in 1962 and has since become a household name for frozen pizzas.
The Tombstone Cheese Pizza, also known as the Original 5 Cheese Pizza, contains a blend of several cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, asiago, and romano. The blend of cheeses is a key ingredient that gives the pizza its distinct flavour and texture.
Mozzarella, the primary cheese in the blend, is a soft, stretchy, and mildly flavoured Italian cheese. It is made from cow's milk and has a high melting point, making it ideal for pizzas as it melts evenly and creates a stretchy, stringy texture.
Cheddar cheese, another prominent component of the blend, adds a sharp and tangy flavour to the pizza. It is a hard, dense cheese that is aged to develop its characteristic flavour and texture. The cheddar used in Tombstone pizzas is likely a blend of mild and sharp cheddar to create a well-rounded taste.
Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a granular, nutty, and savoury cheese that contributes umami flavours to the pizza. It is made from cow's milk and aged for several months to develop its distinctive flavour and crumbly texture.
The Asiago and Romano cheeses are blended together and contribute a strong, pungent flavour to the pizza. Asiago cheese is an Italian cow's milk cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, while Romano is made from sheep's milk and has a sharp, salty taste.
The combination of these cheeses creates a unique flavour profile that has become synonymous with Tombstone pizzas. The blend is carefully crafted to ensure each cheese complements the others, resulting in a harmonious and indulgent taste experience.
While the pizza primarily features these five cheeses, it is important to note that Tombstone offers variations and limited-edition pizzas that may include additional or alternative cheese blends.
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Some of these cheeses contain enzymes derived from animals
It is unclear whether Tombstone cheese pizza is vegetarian-friendly. While some sources suggest that most of the cheeses used by the brand do not contain animal-derived enzymes, others indicate that certain cheeses in Tombstone pizzas, such as Romano and Asiago, do contain enzymes derived from lamb.
The concern about animal-derived enzymes in cheese is primarily due to the use of rennet, which is commonly extracted from the stomachs of young ruminant animals, typically calves, lambs, or goats. Rennet contains chymosin, a crucial enzyme in traditional cheese-making that causes milk to curdle and form solid curds, separating it from whey and resulting in cheese.
Some cheeses, including those used in frozen pizzas, may contain animal rennet. This is a concern for vegetarians as it renders the cheese non-vegetarian. However, it is worth noting that not all cheese contains animal rennet, and some cheeses are made with vegetarian-friendly alternatives like microbial enzymes or plant-based sources such as microbial transglutaminase, fungal proteases, or cardoon thistle extract.
In the context of Tombstone cheese pizza, there seems to be conflicting information. On the one hand, some sources suggest that the pizza may not be vegetarian-friendly due to the potential presence of animal-derived enzymes in certain cheeses. On the other hand, it is important to note that the parent company of Tombstone, Nestlé, has stated that most of their cheeses do not contain animal-derived enzymes. Specifically, they mention that mozzarella, cheddar, brick, colby, and Monterey Jack contain enzymes exclusively from microbial sources.
However, it is important to scrutinize the cheese blend used in the Tombstone pizzas. For example, the Parmesan, Asiago and Romano Cheese Blend listed in the ingredients of the Tombstone Original 5 Cheese Pizza is a cause for concern for vegetarians as Romano and Asiago cheeses are confirmed by Nestlé to contain enzymes derived from lamb. Therefore, it is advisable for vegetarians to scrutinize the ingredients and reach out to the company for clarity before consuming Tombstone cheese pizzas.
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Romano and asiago cheeses are derived from lamb enzymes
It is important to note that Romano and Asiago cheeses are not always derived from lamb enzymes. The type of enzyme used depends on the cheesemaking tradition of the region and the availability of ingredients.
Romano cheese, also known as Pecorino Romano, is a traditional hard cheese with a nutty flavour. It is often used as a flavour enhancer in small quantities due to its rich taste. The process of making Romano cheese involves coagulating raw, whole ewes' milk with a starter culture and rennet. While calf rennet is commonly used in cheesemaking, Romano cheese is traditionally made with lamb rennet paste in some regions, particularly Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. This lamb rennet paste contains enzymes derived from lamb, specifically the abomasa (fourth stomach) of lambs or kids. The lamb rennet paste is essential in giving Romano cheese its characteristic flavour and texture.
Similarly, Asiago cheese is another hard and aged cheese with a nutty flavour. It is often compared to Romano cheese due to its similar flavour profile and usage. While the specifics of Asiago cheese production may vary, it is possible that some producers use lamb enzymes in the coagulation process, similar to Romano cheese. However, it is important to note that the use of lamb enzymes in Asiago cheese production may not be as widespread or traditional as it is in Romano cheese production.
The use of lamb enzymes in cheesemaking is a traditional practice, particularly in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean regions. Lamb rennet paste, derived from the abomasa of lambs or kids, contains a unique set of enzymes, including milk-clotting enzymes (chymosin and pepsin) and lipolytic enzymes. These enzymes play a crucial role in the cheesemaking process by coagulating milk and imparting specific sensory characteristics to the final product. The flavour of the cheese is particularly influenced by the lipolytic enzymes, which release free fatty acids during the ripening process.
In summary, Romano and Asiago cheeses may be derived from lamb enzymes, specifically in the form of lamb rennet paste. This traditional practice imparts distinctive flavours and textures to the cheeses and is commonly used in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean regions. However, it is important to note that the use of lamb enzymes is not universal in cheesemaking, and other sources of enzymes, such as microbial or plant-based sources, are also used to produce vegetarian-friendly cheeses.
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L-cysteine is made from duck feathers
It is challenging to determine whether Tombstone cheese pizza is vegetarian-friendly. While some sources indicate that most of the cheeses in Tombstone pizzas do not contain animal-derived enzymes, others suggest that certain varieties may contain animal rennet.
One particular ingredient of concern is L-cysteine, which is made from duck feathers. L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid that the body can synthesize from other amino acids. It is commonly used as a dough strengthener and flavor additive in baked goods, including bread and pizza crusts. While it can be derived from synthetic or vegetable-based sources, it is often produced from animal byproducts such as duck feathers, hog hair, or human hair. The use of duck feathers in L-cysteine production is of particular concern to vegetarians and vegans due to ethical sourcing issues. The process of obtaining feathers from ducks can involve forcibly removing them, causing pain and injury to the animals.
According to an email response from Nestle, the company that produces Tombstone pizzas, most of their cheeses do not contain animal-derived enzymes. However, they also state that their L-cysteine is sourced from duck feathers. This information suggests that while the cheese itself may not contain animal enzymes, the pizza crust or other ingredients could contain L-cysteine derived from duck feathers.
It is important to note that the use of L-cysteine in food products is regulated by the FDA, which requires labeling if it is used as a dough enhancer. However, if added as a "natural flavoring," it may not be explicitly declared on the ingredient list. Therefore, it is advisable for consumers who wish to avoid animal-derived L-cysteine to contact the manufacturers directly or opt for vegetarian-certified alternatives.
In conclusion, while the cheese on Tombstone pizzas may not contain animal rennet, the presence of L-cysteine made from duck feathers could be a concern for vegetarians and vegans. To make an informed decision, consumers should carefully review ingredient labels, contact manufacturers for detailed information, and consider alternative pizza options that are certified vegetarian or vegan.
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The pizza is available with other vegetarian toppings
The Tombstone Cheese Pizza is a popular choice for pizza lovers, and it's available with a variety of toppings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. While the classic option includes meat, there are also vegetarian-friendly variations to enjoy.
For those who follow a vegetarian diet, it's important to ensure that the cheese used on the pizza is free from animal-derived rennet and enzymes. Some cheeses, such as Romano and Asiago, often contain enzymes derived from lamb, which makes them unsuitable for vegetarians. However, Tombstone offers a range of pizzas with vegetarian-friendly cheese options.
Nestlé, the company that owns Tombstone, has confirmed that most of their cheeses do not contain animal-derived enzymes. Varieties like mozzarella, cheddar, brick, Colby, and Monterey Jack are sourced from microbial enzymes, making them suitable for vegetarians. This means that the Tombstone 5-Cheese Pizza can be a great vegetarian option, as it includes mozzarella, cheddar, and the Romano-asiago blend, which are all confirmed to be vegetarian-friendly by the company.
In addition to the cheese options, the pizza is also available with other vegetarian toppings. For those who want to add some extra flavor and nutrition to their pie, there are plenty of meat-free choices. Mushrooms, olives, onions, and bell peppers are just a few of the tasty toppings that can be added. These vegetables not only enhance the taste but also provide a good source of vitamins and minerals. For those who enjoy a more adventurous flavor profile, dairy-free pesto, tomatoes, and even soy cheese can be excellent additions to a vegetarian Tombstone pizza.
Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking to cut down on meat, the Tombstone Cheese Pizza offers a versatile option that can be customized to your preferences. With a variety of vegetarian-friendly cheese and topping options, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that suits your dietary needs. So, feel free to get creative, add your favorite veggies, and enjoy a meat-free slice of Tombstone pizza!
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Frequently asked questions
Tombstone Cheese Pizza contains a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano cheeses, which use enzymes derived from lamb. Therefore, it is not suitable for vegetarians.
In addition to the lamb-derived enzymes, the l-cysteine in Tombstone Cheese Pizza is made from duck feathers.
Yes, there are several frozen pizza options available that are suitable for vegetarians. Some examples include Red Baron, Francheta, and Amy's Organics.
Yes, there is a vegetarian alternative offered by Tombstone called the "Original Veggie Frozen Pizza".
