What is Rennet and Why It Matters for Vegetarians
Rennet is a complex of enzymes, primarily chymosin, used in cheesemaking to coagulate milk, separating the solid curds from the liquid whey. Traditionally, rennet was sourced from the stomach lining of young calves, lambs, or goats. This animal-derived rennet is not considered vegetarian, making cheeses made with it unsuitable for many plant-based diets.
With advancements in food technology, several vegetarian-friendly alternatives to animal rennet have become widely available:
- Microbial Rennet: Sourced from specific molds, fungi, or yeast cultures, this is a very common alternative used by large-scale cheese producers.
- Plant-Based Rennet: Derived from plants like thistles, nettles, or figs, this type is less common in mass-produced cheese but is used by some artisan cheesemakers.
- Fermentation-Produced Rennet (FPC): A highly pure form of chymosin produced via fermentation in microorganisms. It is a cost-effective and reliable alternative, often preferred for its consistent performance and lack of bitter flavors.
For vegetarians and those with specific dietary requirements, understanding which type of rennet is used is crucial. A simple ingredient label check is the first step, but the information isn't always explicitly clear.
Investigating Cracker Barrel's Rennet
When examining the ingredients for Cracker Barrel cheese, the primary challenge is the lack of specificity on US product labels. The brand is owned by Kraft Heinz, a major food corporation, which often provides clues about its manufacturing practices.
Deciphering the Ingredient Label
Many US Cracker Barrel cheese products, such as their Sharp Cheddar or Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar, list "enzymes" on the ingredient panel, without specifying the source. This ambiguity is standard practice in the industry. However, the use of a generic term like "enzymes" by a large corporation is a strong indicator that a non-animal, typically microbial, rennet is used.
Comparing US vs. Canadian Cracker Barrel
In some regions, such as Canada, product labeling offers more detail. Some Cracker Barrel products available in Canada explicitly list "microbial enzyme and/or rennet". This demonstrates that the company does indeed use vegetarian-friendly alternatives in its production, further supporting the conclusion that its US counterparts are also likely vegetarian.
The Kraft Heinz Standard
As a Kraft Heinz brand, Cracker Barrel cheese benefits from the same large-scale production methods as other Kraft products. Popular mass-market brands like Kraft generally switched from animal to microbial rennet years ago to reduce costs, ensure consistency, and appeal to the broader market, including vegetarians. A Facebook post from an Alpha Gal awareness group, which tracks animal-derived products, explicitly states that Kraft's cheeses, including Cracker Barrel, use microbial enzymes.
The Bottom Line: What Should a Vegetarian Do?
While evidence strongly suggests that Cracker Barrel cheese uses microbial enzymes and is therefore vegetarian, the ambiguity on some labels means vegetarians should remain diligent. For most consumers, the cheese is a safe bet, but those with strict dietary adherence might want to take extra steps.
How to Ensure Your Cheese is Vegetarian
- Read the Ingredient Label Carefully: Look for phrases like "microbial rennet," "vegetable enzymes," or similar non-animal terminology. The absence of these, however, doesn't automatically imply animal rennet.
- Look for Certifications: Check for vegetarian or kosher certifications on the packaging. Kosher-certified cheese will not use animal rennet unless specifically noted as 'kosher-style', which is rare for large brands.
- Check the Company Website: Many companies, like Tillamook, publish FAQs clarifying their rennet source. The Cracker Barrel website (crackerbarrelcheese.com) offers information about its history but not a detailed rennet FAQ.
- Contact the Manufacturer Directly: For 100% certainty, contacting Kraft Heinz customer service is the most reliable method, though the answer will likely confirm the use of microbial enzymes.
Rennet Source Comparison Table
| Feature | Animal Rennet | Microbial Rennet | Plant-Based Rennet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Stomach lining of young ruminants (calf, lamb, kid) | Mold, fungi, or yeast cultures | Thistles, figs, nettles, etc. |
| Vegetarian? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | More expensive | Cost-effective | Varies, often higher for artisan cheese |
| Cheeses Used In | Traditional European styles (e.g., Parmigiano Reggiano, Gruyère) | Mass-market cheddars, mozzarella, etc. | Niche and specialty cheeses |
| Flavor Profile | Can contribute a distinctive, complex flavor over time | Generally neutral, consistent flavor profile | Can impart a slightly herbal or bitter taste |
Conclusion
While the ingredient label for US Cracker Barrel cheese does not specify the source of its enzymes, strong evidence points toward the use of microbial rennet. The brand's connection to Kraft Heinz, which commonly uses vegetarian-friendly enzymes, and the explicit labeling of microbial enzymes on Canadian versions solidifies this conclusion. Therefore, for most practical purposes, Cracker Barrel cheese can be considered vegetarian. However, for those with the strictest dietary requirements, confirming with the manufacturer or looking for a certified vegetarian label is the most prudent approach.
