Is Kraft mac and cheese vegetarian on Reddit? Understanding the Debate

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

In many online discussions, including numerous Reddit threads, the vegetarian status of Kraft mac and cheese has been a topic of intense debate, largely centering on the 'enzymes' listed in its ingredients. This controversy stems from the traditional use of animal-derived rennet in cheesemaking, leaving many to question if this popular comfort food is truly meat-free.

Quick Summary

Reddit discussions reveal a long-standing debate about whether Kraft mac and cheese is vegetarian, primarily due to the use of animal-derived enzymes or rennet in some versions. The company's ingredient sourcing and product variations in different markets create confusion for consumers following vegetarian diets. Recently, a specific vegan version was introduced to address plant-based demands.

Key Points

Rennet Controversy: The historical debate on Reddit centered on the ambiguity of "enzymes" in the ingredient list, with many realizing the potential for animal-derived rennet.
Check the Label: Since formulations can vary, the most reliable way to confirm vegetarian status is to check the specific product label for microbial or non-animal enzyme listings.
Vegan Kraft Option: Kraft has introduced a specifically vegan and dairy-free version, "Kraft NotMac&Cheese," in response to consumer demand.
Regional Variations: Ingredient sourcing and recipes can differ by country, meaning a product might be vegetarian in one market but not in another.
Reliable Alternatives: Brands like Annie's and Daiya offer consistently vegetarian or vegan-friendly mac and cheese alternatives that explicitly state their enzyme sources.
Beyond Rennet: For some, the distinction between vegetarian and vegan is crucial, and Kraft mac and cheese is never vegan as it contains dairy.

The Core of the Vegetarian Controversy: Enzymes and Rennet

For many years, the primary ingredient causing confusion for vegetarians in Kraft's boxed mac and cheese has been the unspecific term "enzymes" listed on the cheese sauce mix packet. While the product contains no actual meat, strict vegetarians often avoid cheese made with animal rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomachs of young calves. In contrast, cheese made with microbial, plant-based, or fungal enzymes is considered vegetarian-friendly. Reddit users have pointed out that Kraft's ingredient sourcing has not always been transparent, making it difficult for consumers to know which type of enzyme is used in their specific box. The debate gained significant traction over a decade ago on platforms like Reddit, with vegetarians discovering the potential use of animal rennet in some Kraft products, leading to a wider awareness of this issue.

Historical Context and Product Ambiguity

Over the years, Kraft's ingredient sourcing has evolved, but historical information revealed that many of its hard cheese products, including some versions used in mac and cheese, utilized animal-derived enzymes. A source cited in Reddit discussions, rennet411.com, highlighted that Kraft explicitly stated that Kraft Macaroni & Cheese used enzymes from animals (calves and sheep). This practice sparked outrage among some in the vegetarian community who assumed the product was safe. It is important to note that product formulations can vary by country, adding another layer of complexity to the issue. A Kraft product in one country might use microbial rennet, while the same product in another might use animal rennet, leaving it up to the consumer to meticulously check the packaging.

The Rise of Plant-Based Alternatives from Kraft

In a clear response to growing consumer demand for plant-based options, Kraft introduced a vegan version of its famous mac and cheese in late 2023. The product, called "Kraft NotMac&Cheese," is made in partnership with plant-based food company NotCo. This addition provides a definitively meat-free and dairy-free option for those who avoid animal products entirely. Reddit users who have tried the new version have offered mixed reviews, with some praising its resemblance to the original and others finding the flavor slightly off. This launch is a significant step by Kraft to cater to the modern dietary landscape and signals a potential shift in their product offerings.

How to Determine if Your Box is Vegetarian

Since ingredients can change and vary by region, here are the steps to follow to confirm the vegetarian status of your Kraft mac and cheese box:

Read the Label: The most reliable method is always to read the ingredient list on the physical box in your hand.
Look for 'Microbial Enzymes': If the ingredient list specifies 'microbial enzymes,' the cheese was made without animal rennet. If it only says 'enzymes,' the source is unclear and could be animal-based.
Check the Allergen Statement: The allergen section is useful for spotting milk or dairy but won't differentiate between animal and non-animal enzymes.
Research Product Updates: Search for the specific product name and your region online to see if any recent ingredient changes have been announced.

Vegetarian and Vegan Mac & Cheese Alternatives

For those who prefer not to risk it or are looking for plant-based options, several brands offer explicitly vegetarian or vegan boxed mac and cheese products. Popular alternatives include:

Annie's Homegrown: Many of their mac and cheese products use vegetarian-friendly ingredients, including microbial enzymes.
Daiya: Known for its dairy-free, vegan cheese alternatives, Daiya offers several boxed mac and cheese options.
Amy's Kitchen: This brand offers organic and vegetarian options, often clearly stating the use of microbial enzymes.
Homemade: For full control over ingredients, making mac and cheese from scratch with vegetarian-approved cheese and milk is the best option.

Comparison Table: Original Kraft vs. Alternatives


Feature	Original Kraft Mac & Cheese (US)	Kraft NotMac&Cheese (Vegan)	Annie's Classic Cheddar	Daiya Mac & Cheeze
Vegetarian Status	Historically questionable due to animal-derived enzymes; check label.	Yes, explicitly vegan and dairy-free.	Yes, uses microbial enzymes; check label.	Yes, explicitly vegan and dairy-free.
Cheese Source	Dairy-based cheese sauce mix, potentially containing animal rennet.	Plant-based, dairy-free cheese alternative.	Dairy-based cheese from microbial rennet.	Plant-based, dairy-free cheese alternative.
Key Concern	Ambiguous 'enzymes' source and historical animal rennet use.	Taste and texture may differ from the original for some.	Requires checking for specific varieties, but generally safe.	Different flavor and texture profile from dairy-based versions.
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores.	Rollout began in late 2023, increasing availability.	Widely available in many grocery stores.	Available in many health food stores and major retailers.

Conclusion: Navigating the Label and Considering Alternatives

While the answer to "Is Kraft mac and cheese vegetarian?" isn't a simple yes or no, especially when examining past Reddit discussions and historical formulations, modern consumers have more options than ever. The core of the issue lies in the ambiguity of the term "enzymes" on the ingredient list, which has historically been linked to animal rennet. However, with the introduction of the new Kraft NotMac&Cheese, the brand now offers a clear vegetarian and vegan-friendly option. For those sticking with the classic boxed version, the advice from Reddit and food experts remains the same: always check the label for specific details regarding the enzyme source. By understanding the potential for animal-derived ingredients and exploring the readily available alternatives, vegetarians can make an informed choice and still enjoy a delicious bowl of mac and cheese. For more detailed information on specific cheese brands and rennet sources, check out Rennet411.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the original Kraft mac and cheese has historically used 'enzymes' that could be animal-derived, specifically rennet from calves or sheep, making it questionable for strict vegetarians. The safest approach is to check the label for 'microbial enzymes'.

The ingredient in question is rennet, an enzyme used to coagulate milk in the cheesemaking process. If it's sourced from the stomachs of calves or other animals, it is not considered vegetarian by many.

Yes, in 2023, Kraft launched a new, explicitly plant-based mac and cheese called 'Kraft NotMac&Cheese,' which is vegan and dairy-free.

The key difference is dairy. While vegetarian mac and cheese can contain milk and dairy products, vegan versions are completely free of animal products, including cheese made with dairy milk.

No, many modern and vegetarian-focused brands, such as Annie's and Amy's, use microbial or non-animal enzymes. It is always important to check the ingredient list to be sure.

The ingredient list will often specifically state 'microbial enzymes' or 'non-animal enzymes.' If it only lists the generic term 'enzymes,' the origin is unclear and may be animal-derived.

While less common in boxed mac and cheese, other ingredients like certain food colorings (e.g., carmine, or E120) or gelatin (not typically found in boxed mac) are animal-derived and should be checked for in other products.