Randy Chandler
Kosher cheese is hard to come by, especially when compared to the variety of non-kosher artisanal cheeses. For cheese to be certified kosher, it must be made under special rabbinical supervision, as stipulated by the Talmudic prohibition of Gevinat Akum. This is due to the use of the rennet enzyme, which traditionally comes from calf stomach lining, and the possibility that the cheese may contain non-kosher calf flesh rennet. Kosher cheese can be found at specialty grocers, such as Zabars.com, which offers a variety of kosher cheeses, including sliced Muenster and Camembert. Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery in California and Vermont Creamery also offer kosher cheeses. Online retailers such as Amazon and igourmet also offer a variety of kosher cheeses, including cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kosher Cheese Certification | Certified by a mark that can be a capital "U" or "K" outlined by a circle, the letters "KSA", or the OU-D symbol (Kosher Dairy) |
| Where to Find Kosher Cheese | Online: Amazon, igourmet, Zabars, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods |
| Physical Stores: Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery in Sebastopol, California, Vermont Creamery, Zi |
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What You'll Learn
Kosher cheddar cheese brands
For a cheese to be considered kosher, it must be made under special rabbinical supervision and from milk curdled using kosher rennet, as stipulated by the Talmudic prohibition of Gevinat Akum. This is because, traditionally, rennet comes from calf stomach lining, and Halacha (Jewish Law) forbids cheese that is manufactured without onsite rabbinical supervision, so as to avoid the possibility that the cheese contains non-kosher calf flesh rennet.
In recent years, some of the top brands in the US have become kosher. These include Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery in Sebastopol, California, and Vermont Creamery, which sought kosher certification for its cow's milk products. Lake Country Dairy, which produces kosher mascarpone, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and fontina, is another example. These cheeses are sold under the brand names Bella Rosa, Cello Riserva, and Pastures of Eden.
Any cheese product that is certified kosher will bear the OU-D symbol (or the OU-D-P symbol for Kosher for Passover cheese products). This symbol is the most recognised kosher symbol today, and it is chosen by many major companies. However, it is important to note that a product's kosher status may change at any time.
Some specific brands of kosher cheddar cheese include the raw cheddar mentioned in an article by Culture: the word on cheese, which was found at a specialty kosher grocer in San Francisco. Another option is the beer cheddar produced in cooperation with a dairy farm in Vermont, although the brand name is not mentioned.
Other brands of kosher cheese, which may also produce cheddar, include Les Petites Fermieres, which makes Camembert (Kosher), and Natural & Kosher, which makes Chef's Blend (Kosher) and Sliced Muenster (Kosher).
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Online kosher cheese retailers
To be certified as kosher, cheese must be made under special rabbinical supervision, as outlined by the Talmudic prohibition of Gevinat Akum. This is because, traditionally, rennet (an enzyme used in cheese-making) is derived from calf stomach lining. As a result, Halacha (Jewish Law) forbids cheese made without onsite rabbinical supervision, to ensure that the cheese does not contain non-kosher calf flesh rennet.
There are a number of online kosher cheese retailers. For example, igourmet.com claims to sell thousands of gourmet kosher foods from over 100 countries. Amazon.com also has a selection of kosher cheeses available for delivery, including kosher cheddar cheese.
In addition, Zabars.com has a kosher cheese offering, including sliced muenster and camembert cheeses. Growandbehold.com also delivers kosher cheese, alongside kosher meats.
It is worth noting that, while some cheesemakers are pursuing kosher certification, they may not market themselves as kosher cheese producers. For example, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery in California makes kosher cheese, and some of Vermont Creamery's fresh cheeses are certified as kosher.
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Kosher cheese requirements
Kosher cheese is a cherished part of Jewish culinary tradition, with a rich history dating back centuries. For a cheese to be considered kosher, it must meet several requirements. Firstly, the milk used must come from a kosher animal, such as a cow, goat, or sheep, that chews its cud and has split hooves, and it must be slaughtered according to the Jewish ritual method of shechita. The cheese must also be made without natural rennet (keivas neveilah), which is the enzyme that separates the milk's casein protein and fat and is commonly derived from the lining of a calf's stomach. Instead, kosher cheese is typically acid-set or made with microbial rennet from a kosher source, such as a vegetable, a microbe, or a properly slaughtered kosher animal.
Additionally, all ingredients in kosher cheese, including salt, cultures, and additives, must be kosher and free from any animal, insect, meat, or dairy products. The equipment used, such as vats, molds, knives, and presses, must also be kosher and not come into contact with non-kosher substances. The production process must be supervised by a rabbi or a certified kosher agency to ensure that all requirements are met and that no contamination occurs. This requirement is stipulated by the Talmudic prohibition of Gevinat Akum, which forbids cheese manufactured without onsite rabbinical supervision to avoid the possibility of non-kosher calf flesh rennet.
Kosher cheese can be challenging to find, especially artisanal varieties, and is often more expensive due to the specialized production process and supervision. However, there are some nationally available brands that offer kosher-certified cheeses, such as Boursin, Narragansett Creamery, and Kraft. Kosher certification symbols, such as the circle U, can be found on packaging to indicate that the cheese has been inspected and approved by a kosher agency. These symbols can help consumers easily identify kosher cheese options.
It is important to note that even if a cheese is kosher, Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut, dictate that cheese cannot be consumed in meals that contain meat. This separation of meat and dairy is a significant aspect of kosher observance. Therefore, when serving cheese to those who follow kosher dietary laws, it is essential to ensure that the cheese is not only kosher but also that the meal is dairy-based rather than meat-based.
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Kosher cheese availability in stores
Kosher cheese is available in stores, but it can be challenging to find a wide variety of options. To be certified as kosher, cheese must be made under special rabbinical supervision, as outlined by the Talmudic prohibition of Gevinat Akum. This requirement is due to the use of the rennet enzyme in cheese-making, which traditionally comes from calf stomach lining. To avoid the possibility of non-kosher calf flesh rennet, Halacha (Jewish Law) mandates onsite rabbinical supervision during the production process.
While some top brands in the US now offer kosher cheese products, the selection in stores can still be limited. For example, a writer for Culture: the word on cheese magazine found only a few kosher cheese options at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, and had to visit a specialty kosher grocer to find a wider range of options.
Some cheesemakers and dairies are now pursuing hechshers, the mark that certifies a product has been prepared and packaged under rabbinic supervision, but they may not market themselves specifically as kosher cheese producers. For example, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery in California and Vermont Creamery both offer kosher-certified cheeses.
When shopping for kosher cheese in stores, look for the OU-D symbol ("Kosher Dairy") on the packaging to indicate that the product is certified kosher. For kosher cheese that is also Kosher for Passover, look for the OU-D-P symbol. These symbols can be found on products from brands such as Cabot Creamery, BelGioioso, Tillamook, and Happy Belly, which are available on Amazon.com. Additionally, igourmet.com claims to offer thousands of kosher gourmet foods from over 100 countries. For those specifically seeking kosher cheddar cheese, Amazon.com offers a variety of options, including some that are eligible for free shipping.
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Kosher cheese alternatives
Kosher cheese is made under special rabbinical supervision, as stipulated by the Talmudic prohibition of Gevinat Akum. This is due to the use of the rennet enzyme, which traditionally comes from calf stomach lining, in cheese-making. As a result, it can be challenging to find a wide variety of kosher cheeses, especially when compared to the variety of non-kosher artisanal cheeses.
However, there are some kosher cheese options available, including:
- Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery in Sebastopol, California, which makes kosher cheeses.
- Vermont Creamery, which offers kosher certification for its cow's milk products, including some fresh cheeses.
- Trader Joe's, which offers a small selection of kosher cheeses, such as chèvre and a raw cheddar.
- Whole Foods, which may have a limited selection of kosher cheeses.
- Specialty kosher grocers, which may have a wider variety of kosher cheeses.
In addition, there are some plant-based and vegan cheese alternatives that are kosher-certified, such as those made by Plant Perks and Seed to Spoon. These products are made from coconut, beans, and oats and include spreads, dips, and cultured dairy products like cream cheese and yogurt. Pleese, a Harlem-based company, is also working on a vegan pizza cheese that will be kosher.
When shopping for kosher cheese, look for the kosher certification symbol on the packaging, such as the OU-D symbol for Kosher Dairy or the hechsher mark, which can appear as a capital "U" or "K" outlined by a circle or the letters "KSA."
Some specific kosher cheese options include:
- Camembert (Kosher) by Les Petites Fermieres
- Chefs Blend (Kosher) by Natural & Kosher
- Part-Skim Slice Mozzarella (Kosher) by Les Petites Fermieres
- Sliced Muenster (Kosher) by Natural & Kosher
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Frequently asked questions
Kosher cheddar cheese can be found at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery in Sebastopol, California, and Vermont Creamery. You can also buy kosher cheese online from igourmet.com or Amazon.com.
A cheese can be considered kosher if it's made under rabbinic supervision from milk curdled using kosher rennet. Any cheese product that is certified kosher will bear the OU-D symbol (Kosher Dairy).
Other types of kosher cheese include Camembert by Les Petites Fermieres, Chef's Blend by Natural & Kosher, and Sliced Muenster by Natural & Kosher. You can also find kosher Mozzarella by Les Petites Fermieres, Mozzarella on Amazon.com, and kosher pastured meats from Grow and Behold, which delivers to the US.
