Nutrition Diet: Which Cheese Brands Use Animal Rennet?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy is legally required to use animal rennet under Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) rules. This guide provides insight into which cheese brands use animal rennet, helping you make informed decisions based on your dietary preferences and nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

Identifying cheeses that use animal rennet is crucial for vegetarians. Certain traditional and artisanal European cheeses often rely on it, whereas many large commercial brands favor microbial or vegetable alternatives. Checking for protected geographical indicators (PDO) and reading ingredient labels are the most effective strategies.

Key Points

Animal Rennet in Traditional Cheeses: Many European cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano, are legally required to use animal rennet.
Microbial Rennet in Commercial Brands: Most large-scale, commercial cheese brands, including many Tillamook and Sargento products, use microbial or vegetarian rennet to appeal to a wider audience.
Check the Label for Specificity: Look for explicit claims like "microbial enzymes" or "vegetarian rennet." The generic term "enzymes" on a label can be ambiguous and may indicate the use of animal rennet.
Consult Artisan Cheesemakers: Some smaller, artisanal cheesemakers in the US, like Shelburne Farms, use traditional animal rennet to achieve specific flavor profiles. Contacting the producer directly is the most reliable method.
Consider Plant-Based Alternatives: For those avoiding all animal products, high-quality vegan cheese brands like Miyoko's and Violife provide excellent dairy-free alternatives.
Geographical Indicators as a Guide: If a cheese has an EU geographical indicator (PDO or PGI), it likely adheres to traditional methods that include the use of animal rennet.

Understanding the role of rennet in cheesemaking

Rennet is an essential enzyme used in cheesemaking to coagulate milk, separating it into solid curds and liquid whey. Traditionally, animal rennet was sourced from the stomach lining of young ruminant animals, such as calves. While this method is still used, modern cheesemaking offers several alternatives, including microbial, vegetable, and fermentation-produced rennet. For individuals following a vegetarian or specific dietary lifestyle, knowing the source of the rennet is critical.

The three main types of rennet

Animal Rennet: Extracted from the fourth stomach of young, milk-fed calves. It is known for imparting a distinct, complex flavor profile to certain traditional cheeses. Its use is mandated for some cheeses with protected geographical status, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Microbial Rennet: Derived from specific types of molds or fungi. This vegetarian-friendly option is widely used by many commercial cheese producers.
Vegetable Rennet: Sourced from plants with coagulating properties, such as dried caper leaves, artichokes, or thistles. While less common in mass production, it is favored by some artisan cheesemakers.
Fermentation-Produced Chymosin (FPC): This type of rennet is created using genetically modified organisms (GMO) to produce the same enzyme found in animal rennet. It is cost-effective and prevalent in many commercial cheeses.

Which cheese brands use animal rennet?

Certain cheeses from the European Union (EU) with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status are legally required to use traditional methods, including animal rennet. This includes cheeses like authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Gruyère, traditional Manchego, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola. Some artisanal American cheesemakers also use animal rennet, such as Shelburne Farms for their cheddar and Simply Grassfed Cheeses in their non-kosher varieties. Tillamook has indicated that certain older Maker's Reserve vintages may use animal rennet, although most of their cheeses use microbial rennet. Jasper Hill is another US specialty maker known for using traditional methods that include animal rennet.

How to identify animal rennet on cheese labels

Identifying the type of rennet can be challenging due to varying labeling laws. In the US, specifying the rennet source is not legally required. However, specific terms like "animal rennet" or "traditional rennet" indicate its use. Conversely, labels stating "vegetarian," "microbial rennet," or "vegetable rennet" mean no animal rennet was used. Generic terms like "enzymes" on traditional hard or European-style cheeses may suggest animal rennet, and direct confirmation from the manufacturer is recommended in such cases. Some kosher cheeses might use microbial rennet to adhere to dietary laws, but this isn't universally true. Specialty cheese shops can also be a good resource for detailed product information.

Comparison of rennet types


Feature	Animal Rennet	Microbial Rennet	Vegetable Rennet
Source	Calf stomach lining	Molds or fungi	Plants (thistle, artichoke)
Traditional Use	Yes, mandatory for many PDO cheeses	Widespread in modern, commercial cheese	Used by some artisan and European cheesemakers
Flavor Profile	Complex, can develop unique flavors	Neutral, can sometimes have bitter notes	Varies by plant source, can be distinctive
Vegetarian Friendly	No	Yes	Yes
Labeling	May say "animal enzymes" or "traditional"	May say "microbial enzymes" or "vegetarian"	Often explicitly labeled as "vegetable rennet"
Consistency	Highly reliable and effective for curd formation	Can vary in quality, though modern types are very effective	Varies depending on the plant source

Vegetarian and vegan cheese alternatives

For those who wish to avoid all animal products, numerous high-quality vegetarian and vegan cheese brands are available. These alternatives use plant-based ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of dairy cheese. Popular options include Miyoko's Creamery for artisan-style vegan cheeses, Daiya for shreds and slices, and Violife for its melting capabilities. Cello Cheese explicitly uses non-animal rennet, and many Organic Valley cheeses are labeled as using vegetarian rennet. Nutritional yeast is also a common seasoning used to provide a cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

The use of animal rennet is a key differentiator in cheesemaking, particularly for traditional European cheeses with protected status. While many mass-market and modern brands utilize microbial or vegetable rennet, consumers who want to avoid animal products must be diligent in checking labels and seeking out specific brands. Relying on trusted brand lists, reading ingredient labels carefully, and understanding geographical indicators are the most reliable methods for identifying which cheese brands use animal rennet. For those with strict dietary restrictions, exploring the growing market of high-quality vegetarian and vegan cheese alternatives is a great option for a delicious and compliant nutrition diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rennet is an enzyme used to coagulate milk, separating it into solid curds and liquid whey, which are then processed into cheese. This process is essential for creating the texture and flavor of most cheeses.

No, not all cheese contains animal rennet. Many modern cheesemakers use vegetarian-friendly alternatives like microbial rennet (from molds/fungi) or fermentation-produced chymosin (FPC), which is common in commercial brands.

Check the label for specific language. Look for phrases like "vegetarian rennet," "microbial enzymes," or "vegetable rennet." If the label only says "enzymes," the source is unclear and could be animal-based.

Traditional, authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy legally requires animal rennet. However, products simply labeled "Parmesan" in the US can be made with vegetarian rennet, as they don't have the same protected status.

Many major brands clearly label their products. Brands like Cello and Organic Valley offer vegetarian-friendly cheese options, using microbial or vegetarian rennet. Additionally, most soft cheeses, like cottage cheese and cream cheese, do not use rennet.

Not always. While some interpretations allow microbial rennet as the simplest way to adhere to kosher dietary laws regarding meat and dairy, you should always check with the specific kosher certifying body, as standards can vary.

Popular vegan brands include Miyoko's Creamery for artisanal options, Daiya for shreds and slices, and Violife, which is known for its excellent melting properties.