Is Feta Cheese Animal-Based? Unpacking the Ingredients and Dietary Suitability

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Authentic Greek feta is defined by its origin and ingredients, primarily from the milk of sheep and sometimes goats. This fact is the starting point for determining if the salty, tangy cheese is animal-based and suitable for different dietary choices.

Quick Summary

Feta is animal-based as it is made from milk, typically from sheep, goats, or cows depending on origin. Its vegetarian status is determined by the rennet used in production, while dairy content makes it unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Key Points

Animal-Based by Definition: All feta cheese is animal-based, as it is made from milk derived from sheep, goats, or cows.
Not Always Vegetarian: Traditional feta was made with animal rennet, an animal-derived enzyme. Many modern versions use vegetarian microbial rennet, but checking the label is essential.
Never Vegan: Due to its dairy content, feta cheese is not suitable for a vegan diet. Plant-based alternatives are widely available.
Know Your Milk: Authentic Greek PDO feta is made from sheep's milk (up to 30% goat's milk), while 'feta-style' cheeses often use cow's milk.
Label Lingo: Look for specific terms like 'microbial rennet' or 'suitable for vegetarians' on packaging. The PDO seal indicates authentic Greek feta.

Feta's Animal-Based Foundation: Understanding Milk Sources

At its core, feta cheese is an animal-based product because its primary ingredient is milk derived from animals. However, the type of milk used can differ significantly depending on where the cheese is produced, which can impact its flavor profile and overall characteristics.

Traditional Greek feta, a product with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, must be made from at least 70% sheep's milk, with the remainder coming from goat's milk. The unique flora grazed by Greek sheep and goats is said to impart a specific aroma and flavor to the cheese, which is aged in a salty brine. This brine curing process also contributes to its distinctively tangy and salty taste.

Outside of Greece, many 'feta-style' cheeses are produced, and these are often made with cow's milk because it is more widely available. These versions may have a milder flavor and lack the specific PDO regulations that govern authentic Greek feta.

The Crucial Role of Rennet in Vegetarian Feta

For those following a lacto-vegetarian diet, the key consideration for feta is not the milk itself but the type of rennet used in its production. Rennet is an enzyme complex used to coagulate the milk, separating the solid curds from the liquid whey during the cheesemaking process.

Traditionally, animal rennet was sourced from the stomach lining of young ruminants, such as calves, lambs, or goats. Any cheese made with this type of rennet is not considered vegetarian. However, modern cheesemaking has developed alternatives:

Microbial rennet: Derived from fermented molds or fungi, this is a vegetarian-friendly option that mimics the function of animal rennet.
Vegetable rennet: Sourced from plants like artichokes or thistles, this is another alternative suitable for vegetarians.

Most feta cheese produced today, especially mass-market brands, use microbial rennet to make it suitable for a wider audience, including vegetarians. To ensure a feta product is vegetarian, consumers must carefully check the ingredient label for phrases like 'microbial rennet' or 'vegetarian rennet.'

Feta and the Vegan Diet

Unlike the vegetarian diet, which may include animal-derived products like dairy, a vegan diet excludes all animal products. Since traditional and vegetarian feta varieties both rely on milk from animals, neither is suitable for vegans.

For those who follow a vegan lifestyle but crave the tangy, crumbly texture of feta, numerous plant-based alternatives are available. These products are designed to replicate the taste and consistency of feta without using any animal-derived ingredients. Common ingredients for vegan feta substitutes include:

Tofu: Extra-firm tofu can be marinated in a briny solution of lemon juice, vinegar, and herbs to create a firm, salty, and crumbly texture.
Nuts: Soaked cashews or blanched almonds can be blended with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and seasonings to produce a creamy, flavorful vegan feta.
Coconut oil: Often used in commercial vegan feta products to achieve a higher fat content and creamy mouthfeel.

What to Look for on the Label

Navigating the cheese aisle for a diet-specific feta requires careful label reading. Here’s a checklist of things to look for:

PDO seal: The PDO certification on Greek feta guarantees it is made in a specific region of Greece using traditional methods and sheep's or goat's milk.
Country of origin: Products labeled 'feta-style' made outside of Greece are more likely to be made with cow's milk.
Rennet type: For vegetarians, the rennet is the most important factor. Look for 'microbial rennet,' 'vegetarian rennet,' or a 'suitable for vegetarians' label. If the label simply says 'enzymes' or 'rennet,' it is likely derived from an animal source.
Milk source: The label will specify if the product is made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk. Always check the ingredients list to confirm.

Comparison of Feta Varieties


Feature	Traditional Greek Feta	Vegetarian Feta	Vegan Feta Substitute
Milk Source	Sheep and goat milk	Sheep, goat, or cow milk	Plant-based (Tofu, Nuts)
Rennet Type	Traditionally animal rennet	Microbial or vegetable rennet	None (coagulated differently)
Diet Suitability	Not vegetarian or vegan	Suitable for lacto-vegetarians	Suitable for vegans
Flavor Profile	Tangy, rich, and salty	Varies, often milder	Tangy, briny, but dairy-free
Designation	Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)	Varies, can be 'feta-style'	Typically labeled 'vegan feta' or 'feta alternative'

Conclusion

In short, feta cheese is undeniably an animal-based product because it is made from animal milk. For most people, the key dietary consideration is not whether it's animal-based but rather if it is suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Modern production methods mean that many feta products are now vegetarian-friendly, thanks to the use of microbial rennet. However, those adhering to a strict vegan diet must avoid all dairy-based feta and opt for one of the many delicious plant-based alternatives available. Always check the packaging for milk type, PDO status, and especially the rennet source to be certain of its dietary fit. For more information on PDO standards and cheesemaking, explore official sources such as the Greek Feta Cheese website(https://www.greek-feta-cheese.com/production.html).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, feta cheese is a dairy product. It is made from milk, traditionally from sheep and goats, but also from cows in non-PDO versions.

Yes, many vegetarians can eat feta cheese, but it depends on the rennet used. Many modern varieties use vegetarian-friendly microbial rennet, but traditional methods use animal rennet.

Vegans cannot eat feta cheese because it is a dairy product made from animal milk. A vegan diet strictly excludes all animal-derived ingredients.

Animal rennet is an enzyme from the stomach of young animals, while microbial rennet is a vegetarian alternative produced from fermented molds or fungi.

Not necessarily. While PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) guarantees the origin and milk source of Greek feta, it does not specify the type of rennet. You should still check the label for microbial rennet if you are vegetarian.

Common vegan alternatives to feta cheese are made from plant-based ingredients such as marinated extra-firm tofu or blended cashews, often with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

To confirm if a feta cheese is vegetarian, look for labeling that explicitly states 'microbial rennet,' 'vegetarian rennet,' or is clearly marked 'suitable for vegetarians' on the package.