Do Vegetarians Eat a Lot of Cheese? The Surprising Truth About Rennet

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Vegetarian Society, most vegetarians eat dairy products like cheese, eggs, and milk. This common practice, however, often leads to the question: Do vegetarians eat a lot of cheese, and is all cheese even vegetarian? The answer involves understanding different vegetarian types and the crucial role of rennet.

Quick Summary

This article explores the eating habits of vegetarians regarding cheese, clarifies misconceptions surrounding rennet, and discusses the health impacts of high cheese intake within a vegetarian diet.

Key Points

Rennet is key: Not all cheese is vegetarian; many traditional hard cheeses use animal rennet, while vegetarian-friendly options use microbial or plant-based alternatives.
Check the label: To ensure a cheese is vegetarian, look for labels specifying 'microbial rennet,' 'plant rennet,' or a vegetarian society logo.
Soft cheeses are often safe: Fresh, soft cheeses like paneer, ricotta, and cottage cheese typically do not use rennet and are safe for vegetarians.
Health impacts of moderation: Excessive cheese consumption can be high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories, so a balanced diet is important for health.
Protein and calcium source: Many vegetarians rely on cheese for protein and calcium, but it should be balanced with other nutrient-rich foods like legumes and nuts.
Vegan options are available: For stricter diets, vegan cheese made from plant-based ingredients offers a cruelty-free alternative.

Why Vegetarians Turn to Cheese as a Staple

For many lacto-ovo and lacto-vegetarians, cheese is a central component of their diet, providing a valuable source of nutrients that might otherwise be missed. When meat, poultry, and fish are removed from meals, cheese can step in to provide protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. Its versatility makes it a popular and easy addition to countless dishes, from pasta and salads to sandwiches and baked goods. For a vegetarian, cheese can transform a simple meal into a satisfying and flavorful experience. This reliance on cheese, however, can sometimes lead to excessive consumption, which carries its own set of health considerations. Many vegetarian meals are built around dairy, such as cheese-laden pizzas, creamy pasta sauces, or cheesy casseroles. This emphasis can sometimes overshadow other crucial vegetarian food groups like legumes, nuts, and vegetables, leading to a nutritional imbalance.

The Crucial Rennet Dilemma: Not All Cheese is Vegetarian

One of the most significant and often surprising factors for vegetarians is the use of rennet in cheesemaking. Traditionally, rennet is an enzyme sourced from the stomach lining of young calves, a by-product of the meat industry. For vegetarians who avoid products that require the slaughter of an animal, this renders many traditional cheeses non-vegetarian. However, consumer demand has led to widespread adoption of vegetarian alternatives. These can include:

Microbial rennet: Derived from molds and fungi, this is a very common vegetarian-friendly alternative used in mass-produced cheeses today.
Plant-based rennet: Sourced from plants with coagulating properties, such as thistle, fig, or nettle.
Fermentation-Produced Chymosin (FPC): A lab-created enzyme that replicates the curdling function of traditional rennet without using animal cells in the final product. It is also suitable for vegetarians.

To determine if a cheese is truly vegetarian, checking the product label is essential. Look for phrases like “microbial rennet,” “plant rennet,” or a clear “suitable for vegetarians” or V-label certification. If the label only lists “enzymes,” it could be animal-derived, so it's best to contact the manufacturer or assume it is not vegetarian. Soft, fresh cheeses like ricotta, paneer, and cottage cheese are typically made by acid coagulation and do not use rennet, making them a safe choice.

The Health Reality of High Cheese Consumption

While cheese offers nutritional benefits, consuming too much, especially full-fat varieties, presents health risks. Cheese is calorie-dense and often high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to weight gain and elevate blood pressure. For vegetarians already conscious of their health, a balanced diet is paramount. Over-relying on cheese can lead to a diet low in fiber, potentially causing constipation. Health organizations like Heart Research UK suggest weighing portions to ensure intake is kept in check, advising against more than three 30g portions per day for those consuming full-fat options.

Comparing Rennet-Free vs. Rennet-Required Cheeses


Cheese Type	Rennet Status	Vegetarian Friendly?	Notes
Paneer	Not used (acid-coagulated)	Yes	A fresh, non-melting Indian cheese.
Parmigiano-Reggiano	Traditional animal rennet	No	Protected designation requires animal rennet.
Cheddar	Varies (check label)	Sometimes	Mass-produced versions often use microbial rennet.
Ricotta	Not used (acid-coagulated)	Yes	Traditionally made with leftover whey and acid.
Feta	Varies (check label)	Sometimes	Traditionally with animal rennet, but many modern versions use microbial.
Gorgonzola	Varies (check label)	Sometimes	Some varieties use animal rennet, some microbial.
Stilton	Microbial rennet	Yes	Always vegetarian friendly.

Maintaining a Balanced Vegetarian Diet

Balancing your diet to avoid an over-reliance on cheese is key for long-term health. Consider incorporating a wider variety of protein and calcium sources. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans are excellent sources of protein and fiber. Nuts and seeds also provide protein and healthy fats. Fortified plant-based milks and yogurts offer calcium without the saturated fat found in many cheeses. For dishes that traditionally feature cheese, explore homemade vegan alternatives made from nuts or seeds, which can be both delicious and healthier.

Conclusion

So, do vegetarians eat a lot of cheese? The answer is nuanced. While many lacto-vegetarians enjoy cheese as a regular part of their diet for its taste and nutrients, the phrase “a lot” is subjective and comes with important health caveats. A high intake can lead to excess calories, saturated fat, and sodium, so moderation is vital. More importantly, it's a common misconception that all cheese is vegetarian due to the use of animal-derived rennet in many traditional varieties. Smart vegetarians know to check labels for vegetarian-friendly alternatives like microbial or plant-based rennet. By understanding these distinctions and balancing their diet with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods, vegetarians can enjoy cheese responsibly while maintaining a healthy and ethical lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all cheese is vegetarian. Many traditional cheeses are made with animal rennet, an enzyme sourced from the stomach lining of young ruminant animals, making them unsuitable for vegetarians.

Rennet is an enzyme used to curdle milk during the cheese-making process. It matters to vegetarians because it is often sourced from animals. Vegetarians should look for cheeses made with non-animal alternatives, such as microbial or plant-based rennet.

You can identify vegetarian cheese by checking the ingredient label for specific wording like 'microbial rennet,' 'plant rennet,' or a 'suitable for vegetarians' certification symbol. If the label only says 'enzymes,' it may contain animal rennet.

Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gruyère, and some varieties of Gorgonzola and cheddar made with animal rennet are not vegetarian. In some cases, protected regional designations legally require the use of animal rennet.

Yes, eating a lot of cheese can be high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories, potentially contributing to weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart health issues. It's best to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Vegetarians may consume a lot of cheese because it is a convenient and versatile food that provides protein, calcium, and flavor to their meals, replacing meat as a primary source of these nutrients.

Vegetarian cheese is made with dairy milk but uses non-animal rennet, while vegan cheese contains no animal products at all. Vegan cheese is made from plant-based ingredients like nuts, soy, or coconut oil.

Soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and paneer are often made by acid coagulation and are typically rennet-free and therefore vegetarian-friendly. However, for cheeses like feta or mozzarella, it is always wise to check the label as production methods can vary.