People Are Shocked to Learn that Parmesan Cheese isn’t Vegeterian. : The Hearty Soul

Unlike vegans, who avoid all animal-derived food, many vegetarians consume eggs and dairy products. However, vegetarians may be surprised to learn that parmesan cheese is not vegetarian-friendly. This hard cheese contains rennet, an enzyme sourced from animal stomachs, typically from calves, lambs, or kids.

Parmesan Cheese is not Vegetarian-Friendly

Parmigiano Reggiano is made from milk, whey, and rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomach lining of ruminant animals. This process of coagulation involves separating the curds from the liquid, forming a solid ball that is then aged in a salt bath for at least a year.

“When we talk about whether a cheese is vegetarian, we are focusing on the type of rennet used in its production,” explains Josh Windsor, caves manager at Murray’s Cheese. Some rennet types are vegetarian, while others are not.

Many people are horrified to discover the origin of parmesan cheese, with some expressing their shock online. It’s essential to differentiate between Parmigiano Reggiano and parmesan, as the former adheres to strict quality standards in the EU, whereas the latter may vary in production methods, potentially using rennet.

A Hard Cheese to Swallow

While authentic Parmigiano Reggiano contains animal rennet, there are vegetarian-friendly versions of parmesan available. It’s crucial to check for ingredients like vegetable rennet or microbial enzymes in cheeses, as traditional rennet is commonly used in European cheeses.

For cheddar cheese, vegetarians should be cautious of clothbound varieties that may use lard in the aging process. Checking labels for vegetarian-friendly indicators like vegetable rennet is crucial when selecting cheeses to ensure they align with a vegetarian diet.