Does Parmesan have animal products in it? The surprising truth

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is never vegetarian because it uses animal rennet derived from a calf's stomach lining?. This guide will address the common question: does parmesan have animal products in it? It's a key distinction that separates true Italian cheese from its many modern alternatives.

Quick Summary

Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano contains animal rennet, a byproduct from calves, making it non-vegetarian. However, many domestic Parmesan varieties use microbial rennet instead, which is animal-free.

Key Points

Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano is NOT Vegetarian: Authentic Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano uses animal rennet from a calf's stomach, which makes it unsuitable for vegetarians.
Not all 'Parmesan' is the same: Cheeses simply labeled "Parmesan" outside of Italy are often made with microbial or plant-based rennet and are vegetarian.
Check the ingredients for rennet type: Always read the label. Look for terms like "microbial rennet," "vegetable enzymes," or "vegetarian enzymes".
Look for vegetarian and kosher symbols: Certified vegetarian or kosher cheeses guarantee the use of non-animal rennet.
Vegan alternatives are available: For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast-based toppings or other nut-based recipes can mimic the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan.
Many other hard cheeses use animal rennet: Be aware that other traditional European hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano and Gruyère also typically contain animal rennet.

The Rennet Reality: Why Traditional Parmesan Isn't Vegetarian

For a cheese to be officially labeled Parmigiano-Reggiano, it must adhere to strict Italian production standards known as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This certification guarantees that the cheese is produced in a specific region of Italy using traditional methods that have been passed down for centuries. A critical component of this traditional process is the use of animal rennet, an enzyme extracted from the stomach lining of a young, unweaned calf. Because this enzyme comes directly from a slaughtered animal, authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is never vegetarian.

The Modern "Parmesan" Exception

Outside of Italy, the term "Parmesan" is not legally protected in the same way. This means that cheeses labeled simply as "Parmesan" can be produced using different methods and ingredients, including vegetarian-friendly rennet alternatives. Many brands, particularly in the United States, have adapted their production to cater to a vegetarian market by using non-animal coagulants. It is this important distinction between authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and its supermarket cousin, often just called "Parmesan," that causes so much confusion for consumers.

What is Rennet?

Rennet is a crucial enzyme mixture used in cheesemaking to coagulate milk, causing it to separate into solid curds and liquid whey. While traditional cheesemaking relies on animal rennet, modern technology has provided several alternatives:

Animal Rennet: Sourced from the stomach lining of young mammals, typically calves.
Microbial Rennet: Produced by genetically modified fungi or bacteria, making it suitable for vegetarians.
Vegetable Rennet: Extracted from plants like certain thistles, artichokes, or stinging nettles.

How to Identify Vegetarian-Friendly Parmesan

To ensure your cheese is free of animal products, checking the ingredient label is essential. Look for specific phrases that indicate a non-animal source of rennet.

Look for Specific Rennet Mention: The label may explicitly state "microbial rennet," "vegetable rennet," or "non-animal rennet."
Check for Certifications: Some cheeses carry a vegetarian society's seal or a kosher symbol, which indicates no animal rennet was used.
Search for Kosher Label: Kosher certification guarantees that no animal rennet has been used in the cheese production process, as it is derived from an animal that has not been slaughtered in accordance with kosher law.
Avoid Authentic Italian Products: If the label says "Parmigiano-Reggiano" and is imported from Italy, you can safely assume it contains animal rennet.

How to find a vegetarian parmesan alternative

Beyond checking for vegetarian labels on Parmesan-style products, several other cheeses and substitutes offer a similar taste and texture without using animal rennet. Many grocery stores, especially those specializing in natural or health foods, will carry these clearly labeled alternatives.

Look for brands such as BelGioioso, Organic Valley, or Trader Joe's, which are known to offer vegetarian versions of hard Italian-style cheeses.
Consider using other hard cheeses that are more likely to be vegetarian, such as some types of aged Gouda or Swiss cheese, but always check the label to be sure.
Explore vegan alternatives, such as nutritional yeast-based toppings, which provide a cheesy, nutty flavor for toppings on pasta or popcorn.

Comparison: Parmigiano-Reggiano vs. Vegetarian Parmesan


Feature	Parmigiano-Reggiano (Authentic)	Vegetarian Parmesan (Alternative)
Origin	Specific regions in Italy	Produced anywhere outside the protected Italian regions
Rennet Type	Exclusively animal-based	Microbial or plant-based
Vegetarian?	No	Yes
Labeling	Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) stamp	Labeled "Parmesan," "Hard Italian Cheese," or similar
Texture & Flavor	Hard, granular, nutty, complex flavor profile	Varies by brand, but aims to mimic traditional Parmesan

Conclusion

Understanding the nuanced answer to "does parmesan have animal products in it?" requires distinguishing between authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and its modern alternatives. While the traditional Italian version is definitively not vegetarian due to its use of animal rennet, a wide range of vegetarian-friendly cheeses and delicious vegan substitutes are readily available. By checking the label for specific language like "microbial rennet" or looking for vegetarian certifications, you can confidently choose a product that aligns with your dietary needs. The truth is, you can still enjoy a delicious, cheesy experience without compromising your vegetarian principles. Discover how Parmesan cheese is made in this article from Bon Appétit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is not vegetarian because it is made with animal rennet, an enzyme extracted from the stomach lining of young calves.

No, not all Parmesan cheeses use animal rennet. Only authentic, imported Parmigiano-Reggiano is required to use it. Many domestically produced 'Parmesan' cheeses use microbial or vegetable rennet, making them vegetarian-friendly.

To identify vegetarian Parmesan, check the ingredient label for terms like 'microbial rennet,' 'vegetable enzymes,' or a 'suitable for vegetarians' certification. Kosher certification is another reliable indicator that no animal rennet was used.

Microbial rennet is a coagulating enzyme derived from genetically modified fungi or bacteria. It is a common vegetarian alternative to animal rennet in modern cheesemaking.

Pecorino Romano is another traditional Italian cheese that typically uses animal rennet, similar to authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano. Therefore, it is generally not vegetarian.

Common vegan substitutes for Parmesan include nutritional yeast, which offers a cheesy flavor, and nut-based toppings made from ingredients like almonds or cashews.

Yes, you should check the label of grated Parmesan. Many brands use microbial rennet, but it is not guaranteed. Checking for 'microbial enzymes' or other vegetarian indicators is the only way to be certain.