Tag: Microbial enzymes

According to a 2021 study, the global vegetarian cheese market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for plant-based options. This trend means there are more vegetarian-friendly choices than ever, but it can still be confusing to figure out, "how do I know if a cheese is vegetarian?"

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.

According to academic research, chitinases are ubiquitous enzymes found across viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, reflecting their critical ecological and biological roles in degrading chitin. A wide array of living organisms and common foods contain chitinase, often for defense or digestion.

With the global market for food enzymes projected to reach billions of dollars, these natural catalysts play an increasingly vital role in food production and our diet. Understanding the role of enzymes found in food is key to appreciating both modern food manufacturing and the digestive processes that unlock nutrients within our bodies.

Microorganisms have been used in food production for centuries, but it was not until the 20th century that the specific enzymes responsible for these changes began to be harnessed on a commercial scale. Today, microbial enzymes are used for a vast range of industrial applications, offering sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional chemical processes.

Peroxidase is a ubiquitous enzyme widely distributed across the natural world, found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. These versatile enzymes play critical biological roles, such as defending against oxidative stress and aiding in the biosynthesis of essential compounds. From the roots of a common garden vegetable to the immune cells in your body, the sources of peroxidase are surprisingly diverse and numerous.

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, many major pizza chains have moved towards using microbial, or non-animal, rennet in their cheese to appeal to a wider audience. This shift prompts many to ask: is Pizza Hut cheese vegetarian friendly? The answer is nuanced, depending on the specific cheese product and location.

Over 90% of cheese produced in the US is made with microbial rennet, but many classic European cheeses still use animal rennet. Understanding the difference is crucial for any vegetarian wondering, 'What cheese is always vegetarian?'.

According to research from Miller's Bio Farm, over 90% of all cheese produced today uses fermentation-produced chymosin (FPC), a microbial rennet. While this statistic is promising for vegetarians, it doesn't mean all mozzarella string cheese is safe, as the presence of animal rennet is still a possibility that requires close inspection of ingredients.

Approximately 70% of the world's population lacks sufficient alpha-galactosidase to digest complex carbohydrates in legumes and other plant foods, leading to intestinal gas and discomfort. The good news is that this beneficial enzyme can be sourced from microorganisms and plants, not just the limited amounts our own bodies produce.