Bushra Griffith
Many cheeses are not vegetarian-friendly because they contain animal rennet. Rennet is a milk protein coagulant derived from the stomach lining of animals like cows and goats. While some cheesemakers have switched to plant-based or microbial rennet, certain traditional European cheeses still use animal rennet, presenting a challenge for vegetarians. This includes well-known varieties like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Manchego, and Emmentaler. Some consumers prefer animal rennet for its perceived health benefits and superior taste and texture compared to vegetarian alternatives. However, the lack of clear labeling makes it challenging to identify cheeses made with animal rennet, and geographical indicators sometimes prevent the switch to vegetarian rennet for specific cheeses.
Characteristics and Values of Cheese Brands That Use Animal Rennet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Types | Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Manchego Don Juan, Emmentaler, Parmesan, Cheddar, Swiss Cheese, White Canadian Cheddar |
| Regions | Italy, France, Netherlands, Dinaric Alps, Switzerland, UK, Texas, US |
| Rennet Sources | Cow, Goat, Veal, Sheep |
| Rennet Alternatives | Microbial, Vegetable, GMO, Synthetic, Vegan, Plant-based |
| Rennet Function | Milk Coagulation, Curdling |
| Consumer Groups | Non-vegetarians, Non-vegans |
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What You'll Learn
Boar's Head White Canadian Cheddar
Rennet, an enzyme derived from the lining of a cow or goat's stomach, is a vital ingredient in the cheese-making process. It helps coagulate milk to curd, changing the structure of proteins from liquid to solid form. While many cheesemakers have shifted to plant-based rennet, some traditional European cheesemakers continue to use animal rennet, impacting the taste and texture of their products.
Boar's Head, a well-known cheese brand, offers a diverse range of cheeses, including the notable White Canadian Cheddar. This particular variety has sparked interest due to its use of animal rennet, a relatively rare practice among packaged cheddars in North America. The presence of animal rennet in Boar's Head White Canadian Cheddar has been confirmed by multiple sources, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking cheese produced with this traditional ingredient.
The Boar's Head White Canadian Cheddar is sourced from a smaller supplier in Canada and marketed in the US under the Boar's Head brand. This cheese is aged over 1000 days and is known for its classic cheddar taste and unique texture. Some describe the texture as slightly "flakey," which may be attributed to the aging process or the use of animal rennet.
While Boar's Head offers a variety of cheeses, not all of them contain animal rennet. In fact, the brand is known for its commitment to producing vegetarian cheeses, with most of their products being suitable for vegetarians. However, the White Canadian Cheddar stands out as one of their few exceptions, making it a sought-after option for those specifically seeking cheese made with animal rennet.
The challenge of finding cheese made with animal rennet has been acknowledged, as many labels do not explicitly disclose the type of rennet used. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. However, Boar's Head distinguishes its cheeses made with vegetarian rennet by labelling them as suitable for vegetarians and listing "enzymes" or "veg rennet" in the ingredients. This attention to labelling provides clarity for consumers who wish to avoid animal rennet in their cheese selections.
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Parmigiano Reggiano
While some cheesemakers have transitioned to using plant-based or microbial rennet, traditional European cheesemakers often continue to use animal rennet to respect longstanding cheesemaking traditions. This presents a challenge for vegetarians who wish to consume dairy products that do not contain animal parts.
In the United States, there are alternatives to Parmigiano Reggiano that do not contain animal rennet. For example, Whole Foods offers a vegetarian plant-based microbial rennet option, and Trader Joe's provides similar alternative options. Tesco in the UK also has a vegetarian Pecorino option.
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Pecorino Romano
In the United States, most Pecorino Romano cheeses will likely be vegetarian as animal rennet is more expensive. However, some brands of Pecorino Romano cheese that use animal rennet include Frank & Sal and Locatelli.
In Europe, geographical indicators legally protect traditional methods of production, which can include the use of animal rennet. This means that certain cheeses with protected designations, such as PDO or PGI, must be made with animal rennet as it is the traditional way of cheesemaking in that region.
Some people may prefer cheese made with animal rennet as it is considered more authentic and has a different taste and texture compared to cheese made with vegetarian rennet. However, for vegetarians and those who wish to avoid animal products, finding cheese made with vegetarian rennet can be challenging due to labelling practices. While all cheese made without animal rennet is considered GMO, these products do not need to be labelled as such, and manufacturers are not required to specify the type of vegetarian or plant-based rennet used.
For those looking for vegetarian alternatives to Pecorino Romano, some suggestions include store-brand or generic grated hard cheese, Kraft shaker cheese, or Grana Padano. Additionally, some brands offer Pecorino cheese made with vegetable rennet, providing a suitable option for vegetarians without sacrificing the authentic taste of this product.
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Manchego Don Juan
Rennet is a vital part of cheese production. While many cheesemakers have shifted to using plant-based rennet, some traditional European cheesemakers still use animal rennet. Animal rennet is derived from the enzyme chymosin, which is found in the stomach lining of animals such as cows and goats. This enzyme helps coagulate the milk during the cheese-making process.
One such cheese that uses animal rennet is Manchego Don Juan, a renowned Spanish cheese made in central Spain's high La Mancha plateau. Manchego has a rich history, having been produced in this region for thousands of years. The cheese is crafted from the milk of the Manchega breed of sheep, which graze on the indigenous vegetation of the dry yet fertile land.
Don Juan Manchego Cheese is certified by the Consejo Regulador, ensuring its authenticity. It is a hand-pressed cheese, aged for a minimum of two months, and boasts a distinct aroma and flavour. Manchego is characterised by its intense flavour with a slight piquancy and a firm yet non-dry texture. The cheese is adorned with a zig-zag pattern etched into its rind, making it easily recognisable.
When shopping for Manchego cheese, it is important to be aware of imposters that may not meet the same standards. To ensure you are purchasing authentic Manchego Don Juan, look for the certification stamp from the Consejo Regulador. This stamp guarantees that the cheese has undergone rigorous inspections and meets the required quality standards.
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Emmentaler
In addition, Emmentaler must be produced in specific cantons in Switzerland, including Aargau, Bern, Glarus, Luzern, Schwyz, Solothurn, St Gallen, Thurgau, Zug or Zurich, or in the See- and Sensebezirk of the canton of Freiburg.
Some varieties of Emmentaler are protected under EU law, including Allgäuer Emmentaler from Bavaria, Germany, which has PDO status, and Emmental de Savoie from Savoie, France, which has PGI status. In many parts of the English-speaking world, the terms "Emmentaler" and "Swiss cheese" are used interchangeably for Emmental-style cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Some cheese brands in the US that use animal rennet include Boar's Head, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Manchego Don Juan, and Jarlsberg.
In Europe, traditional cheesemakers still use animal rennet. Some European cheese brands that use animal rennet include Emmentaler and Parmesan.
Yes, there are several alternatives to animal rennet in cheese. These include microbial rennet, vegetable rennet, and GMO rennet.
