Is Trader Joe's Feta Vegetarian? A Complete Guide

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that not all cheese is vegetarian? The key lies in the enzyme used to curdle the milk, which is why it's crucial to check the specific ingredients to determine if Trader Joe's feta is vegetarian before adding it to your cart.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies whether Trader Joe's feta cheese products are suitable for vegetarians by examining ingredients. It explains the role of rennet and details the specific microbial enzyme information for different feta varieties in stores.

Key Points

Check the Label: For a Trader Joe's feta product to be vegetarian, the ingredient label must specify "microbial enzymes" or "vegetable rennet," not just "enzymes".
Crumbled and Israeli Feta Are Safe: Trader Joe's Crumbled Feta and Israeli Feta both explicitly use microbial enzymes, confirming they are vegetarian.
Standard Feta is Unconfirmed: The standard block feta at Trader Joe's often lists generic "enzymes," which requires further verification to confirm if it's vegetarian.
Vegan Feta is Available: For a completely animal-free option, Trader Joe's offers a Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative made from coconut oil and potato protein.
Understanding Rennet is Key: The key difference between vegetarian and non-vegetarian cheese is the source of the coagulating enzyme, rennet, which can come from animals or microbial/vegetable sources.
When in Doubt, Verify: If the label is unclear, contact the store or manufacturer to confirm the rennet source.
Kosher is a Good Indicator: Kosher dairy cheese generally prohibits animal rennet, so a Kosher certification can indicate a vegetarian cheese.

The Core Issue: Understanding Rennet

For many vegetarians, the main concern with cheese is an ingredient called rennet. Rennet is an enzyme used to coagulate milk and separate it into solid curds and liquid whey, which is the foundational step in cheesemaking. The source of this enzyme is what determines if a cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

Types of Rennet

Animal Rennet: Traditionally, rennet is extracted from the stomach lining of young, nursing animals like calves, lambs, and goats. Cheese made with this type of rennet is not vegetarian.
Microbial Rennet: This type of rennet is derived from the fermentation of specific fungi, molds, or yeast. It is a vegetarian-friendly substitute for animal rennet and is commonly used in commercial cheesemaking today.
Vegetable Rennet: Less common than microbial rennet, vegetable rennet is sourced from plants such as cardoon thistles, dried caper leaves, or artichokes.

Trader Joe's Feta Products: A Detailed Look

Trader Joe's offers several types of feta, and a vegetarian must check the specific product's ingredient list, as not all are the same. The labeling of the coagulating enzyme is the most important factor.

Trader Joe's Crumbled Feta

The Crumbled Feta from Trader Joe's is consistently labeled as using "MICROBIAL ENZYMES". This makes it a safe and reliable option for vegetarians.

Trader Joe's Israeli Feta

Similarly, the Israeli Feta is also confirmed to be made with "MICROBIAL ENZYMES". Like the crumbled variety, this cheese is suitable for a vegetarian diet.

Trader Joe's Standard Feta Block

This is where more caution is needed. The product page for Trader Joe's Feta Cheese often lists "ENZYMES" as an ingredient without specifying the source. The generic term "enzymes" without further clarification means it's best to verify with the store or look for updated labeling that specifies "microbial" or "vegetarian" enzymes.

Trader Joe's Vegan Feta Alternative

For individuals following a vegan or plant-based diet, Trader Joe's offers a Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative. This product is made from a base of coconut oil, potato starch, and potato protein and is completely free of animal products. It is the safest choice for those avoiding all animal-derived ingredients, not just rennet.

Comparison of Trader Joe's Feta Options

To help you decide, here is a quick overview of the key differences between Trader Joe's feta varieties.


Feature	Crumbled Feta	Israeli Feta	Standard Block Feta	Vegan Feta Alternative
Vegetarian?	Yes, contains microbial enzymes.	Yes, contains microbial enzymes.	Unconfirmed, requires checking current label for "microbial" or "vegetarian" enzymes.	Yes, plant-based.
Milk Source	Cow's milk.	Sheep's milk.	Cow's milk.	None (Coconut oil, potato protein).
Taste Profile	Tangy, salty, firm.	Mellow, less salty, smooth.	Tangy, but less salty than brined versions.	Tangy, salty, mimics dairy feta.
Texture	Firm, crumbly.	Smooth, firm, less prone to crumbling.	Soft, sliceable.	Crumbly, like traditional feta.
Brined?	No.	Yes, in brine.	No.	Yes, stored in brine.

The Verdict for Vegetarian Shoppers

For a vegetarian, reading the ingredient label is crucial for every cheese purchase due to potential formulation changes. The Crumbled Feta and Israeli Feta are safe options as they specify microbial enzymes. If you avoid all risk or are vegan, the Vegan Feta Alternative is the guaranteed choice.

How to Verify if Cheese is Vegetarian

To ensure a cheese is vegetarian, look for these specific terms on the packaging:

Microbial Enzymes or Microbial Rennet
Vegetable Rennet
Enzymes (non-animal)
Kosher certification is often a good indicator, as Kosher dairy cheese cannot contain animal rennet.

If the label only lists "enzymes" without specifying the source, it is best to avoid it or contact the manufacturer for clarification. This diligence will ensure your grocery choices align with your dietary principles.

Final Thoughts for the Conscious Consumer

Trader Joe's facilitates vegetarian shopping with products clearly stating microbial enzyme use. However, generic terms on some products necessitate vigilance. This applies to all cheese. For more on vegetarian cheese, resources like Cheese.com offer further insight. Informed shopping ensures your choices match your values.

Conclusion

Whether Trader Joe's feta is vegetarian depends on the specific product. The Crumbled Feta and Israeli Feta are vegetarian-friendly due to microbial enzymes. The standard block, with its ambiguous "enzymes" listing, requires verification. The Vegan Feta Alternative is a guaranteed plant-based option. Always check labels to ensure your cheese suits a vegetarian diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all cheese contains rennet. Some cheeses, particularly soft ones like cottage cheese or cream cheese, are made without rennet. Other cheeses, like paneer, are coagulated using an acidic agent like lemon juice instead.

Yes, microbial rennet is considered a vegetarian ingredient. It is produced by fermenting specific microorganisms, such as molds or fungi, and does not involve any animal byproducts.

Traditional Greek feta, while made from sheep's and goat's milk, historically used animal rennet derived from the stomachs of young animals to coagulate the milk. Therefore, it is not vegetarian.

To determine if any feta brand is vegetarian, you must read the ingredients list on the packaging. Look for specific wording like "microbial enzymes," "vegetable rennet," or a "vegetarian" certification. If it just says "enzymes," it may contain animal rennet.

Yes, Trader Joe's offers a Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative. It is made from a combination of coconut oil, potato starch, and potato protein and is a suitable option for vegans and those avoiding dairy.

The ingredient list for the standard block of feta at Trader Joe's often lists only "enzymes," without specifying the source. While modern production often uses microbial enzymes, without explicit labeling, it is safer for vegetarians to assume it could contain animal rennet unless confirmed otherwise.

No, not all cheese products at Trader Joe's are guaranteed to be vegetarian. Like with the feta, it depends on the specific ingredients and the type of rennet used. Always check the label for microbial or vegetable enzymes to be certain.

Yes, freezing feta will noticeably alter its texture. It will become drier and more crumbly after thawing because the freezing process removes moisture. While it remains edible, it's best used in recipes where the texture change won't be as noticeable, such as in cooked dishes.