Is Sargento Cheddar Cheese Vegetarian? The Answer May Surprise You

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Sargento's official FAQ, most of their natural cheeses are made with non-animal rennets. This is great news for many vegetarians, but the specific type of Sargento cheddar cheese and how to interpret the ingredient list for the key enzyme is crucial to know if it is vegetarian.

Quick Summary

This guide explains that Sargento's cheddar cheeses are generally vegetarian because they use non-animal enzymes, unlike some of their Italian-style varieties. It details the role of microbial rennet versus animal rennet and provides tips for verifying the vegetarian status of any cheese by checking the ingredient label for specific terminology.

Key Points

Microbial Rennet: Sargento cheddar cheeses are vegetarian because they are made with microbial enzymes, not animal rennet.
Ingredient Label: Look for terms like "microbial enzymes" or "non-animal rennet" on the ingredient list to confirm vegetarian status.
Not All Sargento is Vegetarian: Some of Sargento's Italian-style cheeses (like Parmesan and Romano) may use animal enzymes, so always check the specific product.
Avoid Vague Labels: If a label simply says "enzymes" without further clarification, it's likely microbial for major brands like Sargento, but confirmation is key for strict diets.
Kosher Certification: Kosher-certified cheese is a strong indicator of vegetarian suitability, as it guarantees the use of non-animal rennet.
Hard vs. Soft Cheeses: While many soft cheeses use acids for coagulation and are vegetarian, hard cheeses like cheddar rely on enzymes, so checking the rennet source is necessary.

What is Rennet and Why Does it Matter for Vegetarians?

Rennet is a set of enzymes used in cheesemaking to coagulate milk, separating it into curds and whey. Traditionally, rennet came from the stomach lining of young animals, making cheese non-vegetarian. However, modern cheesemaking widely uses vegetarian alternatives like microbial rennet (from molds/fungi) or fermentation-produced chymosin (FPC), which are suitable for vegetarians.

Is Sargento Cheddar Cheese Vegetarian?

Yes, Sargento cheddar cheese is typically vegetarian. Sargento states that most of its natural cheeses, including cheddar, use non-animal rennets, also known as microbial enzymes. Ingredient lists on Sargento cheddar products show "enzymes" without specifying an animal source, confirming the use of non-animal coagulants. It's worth noting that some of Sargento's Italian-style cheeses, such as Romano or Asiago, may contain animal enzymes, a distinction they highlight, though this doesn't apply to their cheddar.

How to Confirm Vegetarian Cheese Status

To determine if cheese is vegetarian, check the ingredient list for "microbial enzymes," "vegetarian enzymes," or "non-animal rennet". Products may also have a vegetarian symbol or be labeled "suitable for vegetarians." Kosher certification usually indicates non-animal rennet. If the label just says "enzymes," it's often microbial for large brands, but contacting the manufacturer offers certainty for strict diets. Consulting a company's FAQ page, like Sargento's, can also clarify their general rennet practices.

List of Vegetarian Cheeses

Many brands offer vegetarian-friendly cheddar and other cheeses by using microbial rennet. Some include Cabot, Organic Valley (all cheeses), Tillamook (check specific products), Kirkland Signature (Costco's brand), and Kraft (some products like grated parmesan).

Comparison Table: Animal vs. Microbial Rennet


Feature	Animal Rennet	Microbial Rennet (Vegetarian)
Source	Stomach lining of young ruminants	Fungi, molds, or bacteria
Availability	Less common in mass production	Widely used commercially
Flavor Impact	Traditional flavor, especially in aged cheeses	Modern versions refined; can occasionally cause slight bitterness in very aged cheeses
Cost	Typically higher	Generally less expensive
Vegetarian Status	Not vegetarian	Vegetarian

Conclusion

Most Sargento cheddar cheeses are vegetarian because they use non-animal, or microbial, enzymes. This differs from some of their Italian-style cheeses which might use animal rennet. Checking the ingredient list for terms like "microbial enzymes" or looking for kosher or vegetarian certifications is the most reliable way to confirm vegetarian suitability for any cheese product.

The Final Word on Sargento's Enzymes

Sargento's labeling, distinguishing between products made with non-animal and potentially animal enzymes, highlights the importance of checking labels. For cheddar, Sargento is a generally safe choice for vegetarians, but personal verification ensures confidence. The Sargento FAQ is a helpful resource for more details.

Where to Find Vegetarian Cheeses

Vegetarian cheese options are available at major grocery stores (look for labels), health food stores (often wider selection), and specialty cheese shops (knowledgeable staff).

Always Check the Label

Ingredient use can vary, so checking the label for microbial or plant-based enzyme information is the most dependable way to confirm if a cheese is vegetarian.

What About Vegan Cheese?

For those avoiding all dairy, vegan cheese is the alternative. Made from plant sources like nuts or soy, vegan cheese contains no animal products, including milk or rennet. Brands such as Daiya and Follow Your Heart offer various vegan cheese products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sargento states that most of its natural cheeses, including its cheddars, are made with non-animal, or microbial, enzymes.

Look for the terms 'microbial enzymes,' 'vegetarian rennet,' or 'non-animal rennet' on the ingredient list. Some products may also have a specific vegetarian certification label.

Animal rennet is derived from the stomach lining of young animals like calves, while microbial rennet is created from fungi, molds, or bacteria.

The source of the rennet determines if the cheese is suitable for vegetarians. Traditional animal rennet is an animal product, while microbial and vegetable rennets are not.

No. While most are, Sargento indicates that some of its Italian-style cheeses and specialty blends may contain animal enzymes. Always check the specific product label.

Yes, vegetarian cheese is made with milk but uses a non-animal coagulant, such as microbial or vegetable rennet, to form the curds.

Nearly all Kosher cheeses are produced using microbial rennet, making them a safe choice for vegetarians. Looking for a Kosher symbol is a reliable way to find vegetarian cheese.