A pescatarian diet centers on plant-based foods complemented by fish and other seafood, while excluding meat and poultry. This flexibility allows for a range of variations, and whether or not to include dairy, including cheese, is a key point of personalization. Most pescatarians do eat cheese and other dairy products like milk and yogurt. However, some choose to avoid them for ethical or health reasons, leading to a spectrum of practices within the pescatarian lifestyle.
The Lacto-Ovo-Pescatarian Standard
The most common form of the diet is technically known as lacto-ovo-pescatarian, which includes dairy products (lacto) and eggs (ovo) in addition to fish and plant foods. For those adopting this approach, cheese is a standard inclusion, offering a source of protein and calcium. The primary reason for pescatarians to forgo cheese often stems from one of two factors: either a desire to avoid all non-aquatic animal products or a specific ethical concern over the production of certain cheeses.
Rennet: The Critical Detail for Ethical Pescatarians
For some, the decision to eat cheese as a pescatarian depends on how the cheese is made. Many traditional cheeses use animal rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomach lining of calves, lambs, or kids, to curdle the milk. This process is a byproduct of the meat industry, which many vegetarians and ethically-minded pescatarians seek to avoid. Fortunately, the vast majority of cheeses produced today, especially commercially, use microbial or vegetarian rennet, which is produced from fungi or plants.
How to Identify Vegetarian-Friendly Cheese
- Read the Label: Look for explicit mentions of "vegetarian rennet," "microbial rennet," or "non-animal rennet" on the ingredients list.
- Check for Certifications: In many regions, products suitable for vegetarians carry a special logo, such as the Vegetarian Society Approved trademark, which indicates no animal-derived rennet was used.
- Beware of Traditional Cheeses: Certain protected cheeses like authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, Gruyère, and Grana Padano are legally required to use animal rennet and are therefore not suitable for pescatarians avoiding animal byproducts.
Pescatarian vs. Vegan vs. Vegetarian: A Dairy Comparison
| Dietary Category | Consumes Fish & Seafood? | Consumes Dairy (e.g., Cheese)? | Consumes Eggs? | Consumes Meat & Poultry? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pescatarian | Yes | Optional (mostly yes) | Optional (mostly yes) | No |
| Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vegan | No | No | No | No |
| Omnivore | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This table illustrates the central difference: while vegetarians may include or exclude dairy and eggs, pescatarians specifically add seafood to a plant-based diet. The inclusion of cheese, for most, aligns with the flexibility that defines the pescatarian approach, as long as the cheese is made with vegetarian rennet if ethical concerns are a factor.
Finding Pescatarian-Friendly Cheese Options
With the prevalence of vegetarian rennet, finding suitable cheese is easier than ever. Most mainstream brands of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese are made with microbial enzymes. Many artisan cheesemakers also use vegetarian alternatives. Soft cheeses like ricotta, paneer, and cottage cheese are also typically made using acid coagulation rather than rennet, making them safe options. Experimenting with different cheeses can enrich the pescatarian diet, from incorporating cheddar into pasta dishes to topping a flavorful fish casserole with a parmesan-style cheese made from vegetable rennet.
Conclusion
In short, the answer to "Do pescatarians eat cheese?" is a resounding yes for most. The diet's core principle is the exclusion of land animals, while dairy and eggs are typically optional additions. However, ethically conscious pescatarians will need to check the rennet used in cheese production. By reading labels and seeking out vegetarian-friendly options, it is simple to incorporate cheese into a delicious and varied pescatarian meal plan. This dietary flexibility allows for diverse meals that are rich in nutrients while adhering to the diet's core principles.
