Is Kraft Parmesan Cheese Halal? A Deep Dive into Dietary Guidelines

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Halal Research Council, the source of enzymes like rennet and lipase determines a cheese's permissibility. For many Muslim consumers, this raises a crucial question: is Kraft Parmesan cheese halal? Navigating the complexities of cheesemaking ingredients is essential for those adhering to Islamic dietary laws.

Quick Summary

The halal status of Kraft Parmesan cheese is complex and likely questionable for many Muslims. While its rennet may be microbial, the presence of potentially non-halal animal-derived lipase is a major concern. Adherents of different schools of thought may arrive at varying conclusions regarding its permissibility.

Key Points

Questionable Status: The halal status of Kraft Parmesan cheese is questionable due to the probable use of non-halal animal-derived lipase.
Rennet vs. Lipase: While Kraft likely uses microbial rennet, the source of its lipase, a flavor-enhancing enzyme, is the primary concern for halal consumers.
Differing Interpretations: Islamic scholars have different opinions on the permissibility of cheese made with non-halal animal rennet, notably between the Hanafi and stricter schools of thought.
Check the Label: To be certain, consumers should check for explicit vegetarian or halal certification marks on cheese products, as the term "enzymes" alone can be ambiguous.
Seek Alternatives: For peace of mind, consider switching to cheeses explicitly labeled as vegetarian or certified halal, as alternatives are widely available.
Contact the Manufacturer: Direct communication with the producer is the most reliable way to verify the source of all enzymes, as ingredients can change without widespread public notice.

Understanding the Halal Concerns in Cheesemaking

For Muslims, adhering to a halal diet requires careful attention to the source and processing of all food products. In cheesemaking, two ingredients often raise the most questions: rennet and lipase. While Kraft is known for using microbial rennet, the issue of lipase, an enzyme that imparts flavor, is a more recent concern. In December 2024, a Facebook post cited a confirmation from Lactalis (the parent company of Kraft Parmesan) that the lipase is not halal, a significant development for Muslim consumers. This uncertainty requires a deeper look into the ingredients and differing Islamic perspectives.

The Role of Enzymes: Rennet vs. Lipase

In cheesemaking, enzymes are used to curdle milk. Traditionally, animal rennet, sourced from the stomachs of young calves, was the standard. Since these calves are typically not slaughtered according to shari'ah, this makes the cheese haram for most Muslims. However, many modern producers, including Kraft, have shifted to microbial rennet to appeal to vegetarian consumers.

Lipase, another enzyme, is used to develop distinct, robust flavors in cheeses. It can also be sourced from animals, and if the animal was not properly slaughtered, it is considered haram. A key issue with Kraft's parmesan is that while its rennet is microbial, the lipase may still be animal-derived and non-halal.

Navigating Different Islamic Legal Rulings

The permissibility of cheese made with non-halal animal rennet is a subject of scholarly debate within Islamic jurisprudence:

Hanafi School: According to the Hanafi school of thought, rennet itself from a lawful animal is considered pure and halal, even if the animal was not slaughtered Islamically. This is based on the idea that rennet is not affected by the animal's death in the same way as its flesh. Therefore, a Hanafi Muslim may feel comfortable consuming cheeses with standard animal rennet.
Shafi'i and Hanbali Schools: These schools often take a stricter stance, viewing the rennet from a non-halal slaughtered animal as impure (najis). Adherents of these schools typically avoid cheeses made with any animal rennet unless the animal was slaughtered according to shari'ah.

This difference in opinion highlights the importance of individual research and following one's own madhab (school of thought) when making dietary choices. It's a complex issue with no single verdict that satisfies all.

A Comparison of Parmesan Cheese Types


Feature	Kraft Parmesan	Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano	Vegetarian Parmesan	Halal-Certified Parmesan
Rennet Source	Microbial	Animal (calf)	Microbial or Vegetable	Microbial or Halal Animal
Lipase Source	Likely animal-derived (non-halal)	Animal (calf)	Microbial or Vegetable	Microbial or Halal Animal
Halal Status (General)	Questionable due to lipase	Generally haram (unless Hanafi madhab follower)	Likely halal	Certified halal
Common Availability	Very high	Moderate	High (check label)	Low (specialty stores)
Verification Required	Requires checking for animal lipase on ingredient list	Requires understanding of madhab differences	Look for "vegetarian" or "microbial rennet"	Look for a reputable halal certification mark

How to Ensure Your Cheese is Halal

For Muslims who wish to avoid any doubt regarding the halal status of their food, a few simple steps can ensure peace of mind:

Read the Ingredient List Carefully: Look for explicit mentions of "microbial enzymes," "vegetable rennet," or "plant-based enzymes". If the label simply says "enzymes," it is best to avoid it, as Kraft has previously stated this could mean either animal or microbial sources. Also, be aware of animal-derived lipase.
Look for Halal Certification: The most straightforward method is to look for a reputable halal certification mark on the packaging. This guarantees that the entire production process has been inspected and approved according to shari'ah. Brands like Parmigiano Reggiano PDO have certified halal options available.
Contact the Manufacturer Directly: When in doubt, contact the company directly and ask about the source of any enzymes, especially lipase. Ingredient lists can change, and this is the most reliable way to get up-to-date information.
Seek Vegetarian Alternatives: Many cheeses are explicitly labeled as vegetarian, indicating they were made without animal-based rennet. This is a strong indicator of permissibility for those adhering to stricter interpretations.

Beyond Kraft Parmesan: Expanding Your Halal Cheese Options

For those seeking alternatives to Kraft's Parmesan, a variety of options exist. Many artisanal and specialty cheese brands now offer vegetarian or halal-certified versions. Exploring these can open up a world of flavorful possibilities for pasta, salads, and more. Some common cheeses that are often made with microbial or vegetable rennet include many types of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar, but checking each product's label is always the safest course of action.

Conclusion: A Cautious Approach is Best

While some Muslims might find justification to consume Kraft Parmesan based on certain legal interpretations, the presence of potentially non-halal animal-derived lipase makes its status highly questionable for many others. The safest approach for any Muslim, especially those who follow stricter schools of thought, is to either seek out a halal-certified alternative or a product explicitly labeled as vegetarian, guaranteeing the absence of animal-derived rennet and lipase. Understanding the subtle but significant differences in ingredients allows for a more informed and confident dietary choice aligned with Islamic principles.

Authoritative Sources on Halal Cheese

For further reading and verification on halal dietary guidelines, the Halal Research Council provides valuable information on ingredients like rennet and lipase. Halal Research Council FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Parmesan cheese is often not considered halal because it is made with animal rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomach lining of calves, which were not slaughtered according to Islamic law.

Microbial rennet is an enzyme produced from non-animal sources, like bacteria, fungi, or yeast, making it permissible for halal and vegetarian consumption. Animal rennet, conversely, comes from the stomachs of young mammals.

For its Parmesan, Kraft has stated it uses microbial rennet, but the product contains other enzymes, such as lipase, which may be of non-halal animal origin.

Lipase is an enzyme used to enhance flavor in cheese. Its source is important because if it comes from an animal not slaughtered according to Islamic law, it makes the cheese haram, regardless of the rennet's source.

Yes, it is possible to find Parmesan cheese that is specifically halal-certified, made with either microbial or halal animal enzymes. These are typically found in specialty stores or online.

Look for the terms 'microbial rennet,' 'vegetable rennet,' or 'vegetarian enzymes' on the ingredients list. Many products will also be explicitly labeled as 'Suitable for Vegetarians'.

If a label only says 'enzymes,' the cheese should be considered questionable or potentially haram, as it could contain animal-derived enzymes. It is best to avoid it unless you can verify the source with the manufacturer.

The halal status varies by product. Some Kraft cheeses may be considered permissible based on their ingredients, while others, like Mac & Cheese, have raised halal concerns over their animal-derived enzymes. Always check the specific product's ingredients and manufacturer.