Can You Get Vegetarian Feta Cheese? A Guide to Finding Meat-Free Feta

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

While traditional feta production often involves animal rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomach lining of suckling calves, a growing number of cheese brands now produce vegetarian feta using microbial or plant-based enzymes. This shift means that finding a delicious, cruelty-free version of this tangy cheese is easier than ever for vegetarians.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the difference between traditional and vegetarian feta, outlining what to look for on labels and highlighting vegetarian-friendly brands. It also explores popular dairy-free and vegan alternatives.

Key Points

Rennet is key: Traditional feta often contains animal rennet, making it non-vegetarian, but modern alternatives exist.
Check the label: Look for "microbial enzyme" or "vegetarian rennet" in the ingredients list to ensure the feta is vegetarian.
Trust the brands: Some brands, like Whole Foods 365, Mt. Vikos, and Vermont Creamery, specifically label their feta as vegetarian.
Vegan is an option: Dairy-free feta alternatives made from tofu or cashews are widely available for those avoiding all dairy.
Beware of PDO: Authentic Greek Feta with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status may use animal rennet, so always verify the rennet source.
Ask at specialty shops: Knowledgeable cheesemongers can confirm rennet sources for you.

Understanding the Difference Between Traditional and Vegetarian Feta

For centuries, cheesemakers have used rennet, a complex set of enzymes, to curdle milk during the cheese-making process. Historically, this rennet was sourced from the stomach lining of young mammals, like calves or lambs, making the final cheese product non-vegetarian. However, the modern food industry has developed and widely adopted microbial and plant-based alternatives to animal rennet, making vegetarian feta a common product on supermarket shelves today.

How to Read Labels for Vegetarian Feta

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't require cheesemakers to specify the rennet's origin, you need to be a savvy label reader.

Look for specific wording: Search the ingredient list for terms like "microbial enzymes," "vegetarian enzymes," or "vegetable rennet". The presence of these terms indicates a vegetarian product.
Assume animal rennet: If the label only states "enzymes" without a descriptor, it is safest to assume that animal rennet was used. This is a common practice, and unless a brand explicitly states it's vegetarian, caution is warranted.
Seek certification: Many brands will advertise their products as "suitable for vegetarians" on the packaging, which makes the process much simpler.
Consider kosher certification: Look for a kosher-certified cheese, as kosher law prohibits mixing meat and milk, and therefore, kosher cheese will not contain animal rennet.

Popular Vegetarian and Vegan Feta Options

Beyond just looking for vegetarian rennet, there are both dairy-based and dairy-free options for those seeking a meat-free alternative to traditional feta. Many supermarkets carry their own store brands that are vegetarian, and several national brands have committed to using microbial enzymes.

Some known vegetarian feta brands (always check the label):

Mt. Vikos: This brand has been cited for its vegetarian feta.
365 (Whole Foods Market): The house brand often uses microbial enzymes for its cheeses.
Vermont Creamery: Known for its goat cheese, this brand also makes some vegetarian products.

For those on a vegan diet or who wish to avoid dairy altogether, robust alternatives exist that capture the tangy and crumbly characteristics of feta.

Tofu-based feta: Extra-firm tofu is pressed, cubed, and marinated in a salty, briny solution with lemon juice, vinegar, and herbs to mimic the texture and flavor.
Cashew-based feta: Blending soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, vinegar, and salt can create a rich, creamy, and salty feta substitute.
Commercial vegan brands: There are numerous brands now selling pre-made vegan feta alternatives. Some popular options include Damona and Bio Cheese, which are widely available in stores and online.

Comparison of Feta and Feta Alternatives


Feature	Traditional Feta (PDO Greek)	Vegetarian Feta (Cow/Sheep Milk)	Vegan Feta (Plant-Based)
Rennet Type	Animal-based	Microbial or Plant-based	None (Acid-set)
Milk Source	Sheep and/or Goat	Cow, Sheep, or Goat	Tofu, Nuts, Soy, etc.
Texture	Tangy, crumbly, soft	Milder, softer (if cow milk), less gamy	Varies (firm, crumbly, or soft)
Flavor	Strong, salty, piquant	Milder, less intense flavor	Tangy, salty, savory
Dietary Suitability	Non-vegetarian	Vegetarian	Vegetarian and Vegan
Origin	Greece (Protected Designation of Origin)	Varies globally	Varies globally

Tips for Buying and Sourcing Vegetarian Feta

Boutique Cheese Shops: Specialty stores often have knowledgeable cheesemongers who can confirm the rennet source for specific products.
Online Research: Visit the websites of cheese brands to review their production methods and ingredient lists. Many companies are transparent about their vegetarian status.
Local Health Food Stores: These retailers are more likely to stock and label vegetarian and vegan cheese products clearly.
Ask Before You Buy: When dining out, don't be afraid to ask your server if the feta used is vegetarian-friendly, particularly in Greek restaurants where traditional feta is more common.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Vegetarian Feta Options

Thanks to advancements in food technology, vegetarians no longer need to forgo the delicious tang of feta cheese. While traditional Greek feta is typically made with animal rennet and is not vegetarian, many modern versions made with microbial enzymes are readily available. By carefully reading labels for terms like "microbial enzymes" or looking for kosher certification, you can easily find a suitable dairy-based vegetarian feta. For those seeking a completely plant-based experience, vegan alternatives made from tofu, cashews, and other ingredients provide an excellent and flavorful substitute. With a little knowledge, you can confidently enjoy this versatile cheese in your vegetarian diet. To learn more about identifying vegetarian products, check out this guide on How to Tell If Your Cheese Is Vegetarian from MindBodyGreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional feta often uses animal-derived rennet, an enzyme from a calf's stomach, to curdle the milk. However, many modern brands now offer vegetarian versions made with microbial or plant-based enzymes.

Check the ingredient list for terms like "microbial enzyme," "vegetarian enzyme," or "vegetarian rennet." If the label only says "enzymes," it is safest to assume animal rennet was used.

Rennet is an enzyme used to coagulate milk during cheesemaking, separating it into solid curds and liquid whey. Traditional rennet is animal-based, from the stomach lining of calves, while vegetarian rennet is sourced from non-animal origins.

Microbial rennet is a non-animal-based enzyme, often derived from fungus or mold, used to coagulate milk for vegetarian cheese production. It functions similarly to animal rennet but is suitable for vegetarian consumption.

No, vegan feta is a dairy-free alternative, typically made from ingredients like tofu, nuts, or soy, while vegetarian feta is still a dairy cheese but uses a non-animal rennet.

Yes, some brands, including Whole Foods 365, Mt. Vikos, and Vermont Creamery, are known to make vegetarian feta. Always confirm by checking the ingredient label for "microbial" or "vegetarian" rennet.

Yes, there are many recipes available online for homemade vegan feta using ingredients like tofu, cashews, or chickpea flour to create a tangy, salty, and crumbly alternative.