Is Swiss Cheese Suitable for Vegetarians?

Over 90% of commercially produced cheeses worldwide use a non-animal-based coagulant called fermentation-produced chymosin (FPC), a form of microbial rennet. However, whether a specific Swiss cheese is suitable for vegetarians depends entirely on the type of rennet used in its production, so label scrutiny is essential.

Quick Summary

The suitability of Swiss cheese for vegetarians depends on the rennet type used in production. While traditional European recipes often call for animal rennet, many US brands and commercial alternatives use vegetarian-friendly microbial or plant-based versions. Always check the label or certification.

Key Points

• Rennet is Key: The vegetarian status of Swiss cheese hinges entirely on whether it contains animal-derived or vegetarian-friendly rennet.

• Traditional vs. Commercial: Most American Swiss cheese uses microbial rennet and is vegetarian, while traditional imported Emmental from Europe often uses animal rennet.

• Label Lingo: Look for "microbial enzymes," "vegetarian rennet," or a certified vegetarian symbol on the label to ensure suitability.

• Avoid Ambiguity: If a label only lists "enzymes," it is best to avoid it or contact the manufacturer to confirm the rennet source.

• Not All Cheese is Created Equal: Certain cheeses, including protected Swiss varieties like Gruyère, are legally required to use animal rennet, making them non-vegetarian.

The Core Issue: Rennet in Cheesemaking

At the heart of a vegetarian’s dilemma with cheese is rennet. This enzyme is crucial for coagulating milk, separating it into solid curds and liquid whey.

Traditional Rennet: An Animal Byproduct

Traditionally, rennet is sourced from the stomach lining of young calves, lambs, or goats. This practice, a byproduct of the veal industry, means that cheeses made with traditional rennet are not considered vegetarian. Certain protected designation of origin (PDO) cheeses, including some traditional Swiss varieties like Gruyère, mandate the use of animal rennet by law, making them definitively non-vegetarian.

Vegetarian Alternatives: Microbial and Plant-Based

Thankfully, cheesemaking has evolved, and vegetarian-friendly alternatives to animal rennet are now common.

• Microbial Rennet: This is a widely used alternative derived from fungi or bacteria. Many large-scale commercial cheesemakers, especially in the US, use microbial rennet for Swiss and other cheeses.
• Fermentation-Produced Chymosin (FPC): A genetically engineered, highly pure form of chymosin produced by fermentation. It is molecularly identical to the active enzyme in animal rennet but is produced without any animal inputs, making it suitable for vegetarians.
• Plant-Based Rennet: Less common but still used, this rennet is extracted from certain plants like cardoon thistles, nettles, or figs.

American Swiss vs. Traditional Emmental

The origins of your Swiss cheese can be a significant indicator of its vegetarian status. Most Swiss cheese sold in the United States is technically American Swiss.

• American Swiss: Much of the American Swiss cheese market is dominated by large producers who predominantly use microbial rennet. This means many American Swiss options are vegetarian-friendly, though it is always best to check the label.
• Traditional Emmental: True Emmental cheese from Switzerland, the iconic "Swiss cheese" with the large holes, is typically made with animal rennet due to traditional practices and regulations. This means most imported Swiss cheese from Europe is not vegetarian. The same often applies to other Swiss alpine cheeses like Gruyère and Raclette.

How to Check if Your Swiss Cheese is Vegetarian

Here’s how you can determine if a particular Swiss cheese is suitable for your vegetarian diet:

1. Read the Ingredients Label: Look for terms like "microbial enzymes," "vegetarian enzymes," or "vegetable rennet." If the label simply says "enzymes" without further clarification, it's ambiguous and could be either animal or microbial.
2. Look for Certification: Some products carry a vegetarian symbol, such as the V-Label, indicating they are certified vegetarian.
3. Research the Brand: If the label is unclear, check the manufacturer's website or contact their customer service. Most companies provide information about their rennet source on their site or FAQ section.
4. Consider the Source: Be cautious with European imports, as traditional cheesemaking methods often rely on animal rennet.

Comparison of Rennet Types

Feature	Animal Rennet	Microbial Rennet	Fermentation-Produced Chymosin (FPC)
Source	Stomach lining of young ruminants (calves)	Cultured fungi (e.g., Mucor miehei) or bacteria	Genetically modified microorganisms
Vegetarian?	No	Yes	Yes
Flavor Impact	Traditional, complex flavors; preferred for long-aged hard cheeses	Generally neutral, but can impart slight bitterness in very aged cheeses	Similar flavor profile to animal rennet; consistent
Common Use	Traditional European recipes, PDO cheeses	Many mass-produced cheeses in the US	Commercial cheese production

Conclusion: Read Labels and Know Your Cheese

The answer to whether Swiss cheese is suitable for vegetarians is a resounding "it depends." For vegetarians, assuming all Swiss cheese is animal-rennet-free is a mistake. The key takeaway is to be a diligent consumer. Start by checking the product label for specific vegetarian enzyme terminology. Be especially mindful of traditional European varieties like Emmental, which are more likely to contain animal rennet. By knowing the difference between rennet types and being aware of how cheese is sourced, vegetarians can confidently select Swiss cheese that aligns with their dietary choices. For more specific information, an excellent resource is the Wisconsin Cheese website, which provides an in-depth guide on different types of rennet used in cheesemaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all Swiss cheese vegetarian?

No, not all Swiss cheese is vegetarian. The vegetarian status depends on the type of rennet used during production. Traditional European Swiss cheeses often use animal rennet, while many commercial American Swiss varieties use vegetarian alternatives like microbial enzymes.

What is the difference between American Swiss and traditional Emmental regarding vegetarian status?

American Swiss is often made with microbial rennet and is typically vegetarian. Traditional Emmental, a type of Swiss cheese from Europe, usually follows conventional methods that include animal rennet, making it non-vegetarian.

What is microbial rennet?

Microbial rennet is a vegetarian coagulant derived from fungi or bacteria. It serves as a cruelty-free alternative to traditional animal rennet in cheesemaking and is commonly used in commercial cheese production.

How can I tell if a cheese uses vegetarian rennet?

To identify vegetarian-friendly cheese, check the ingredient list for specific terms like "microbial enzymes," "vegetarian rennet," or "plant-based rennet." Look for official vegetarian certification labels as well.

Are all cheeses with "enzymes" on the label vegetarian?

No. The term "enzymes" alone is ambiguous and could refer to either animal or microbial rennet. For a true vegetarian product, the label should specify a plant-based or microbial source.

Are there any hard Swiss cheeses that are guaranteed non-vegetarian?

Yes. Certain hard cheeses with a PDO designation, such as traditional Gruyère, are required by law to be made with animal rennet, meaning they are never vegetarian.

What should a vegetarian do when dining out or buying unlabelled cheese?

When purchasing unlabelled cheese from a deli or eating at a restaurant, it's best to ask the cheese provider or chef about the rennet source. Without this information, it is impossible to confirm its vegetarian status.