Which brand of parmesan cheese is vegetarian? A comprehensive guide

Over 90% of cheese produced in the United States uses non-animal rennet, yet many traditional cheeses, including true Parmigiano-Reggiano, are not vegetarian. Determining which brand of parmesan cheese is vegetarian requires a careful check of ingredient labels, as it depends entirely on the type of rennet used in the production process.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to identify vegetarian parmesan by clarifying what rennet is and what to look for on labels. It lists specific brands, discusses alternatives, and provides a comparison table for easy reference.

Key Points

• Check for 'microbial enzymes': The key to identifying vegetarian parmesan is checking the ingredient list for 'microbial enzymes' or 'vegetarian rennet'.

• Avoid true Parmigiano-Reggiano: This imported Italian cheese must be made with animal rennet and is not vegetarian.

• Many US brands offer vegetarian parmesan: Companies like BelGioioso, Sartori, and store brands from Whole Foods often produce vegetarian versions.

• Vegan alternatives are widely available: For dairy-free options, consider brands like Violife or DIY versions using nutritional yeast and nuts.

• Look for certifications: Some products feature vegetarian or kosher symbols, confirming the absence of animal-based ingredients.

• Be cautious with ambiguous labels: The term "enzymes" without a specifying descriptor can be misleading; it's best to verify or choose a product with clearer labeling.

Understanding Rennet: The Key to Vegetarian Cheese

To understand which parmesan cheese is vegetarian, it's crucial to first understand the role of rennet. Rennet is a complex set of enzymes used in cheesemaking to coagulate milk, separating the solid curds from the liquid whey.

Types of Rennet

There are several types of rennet, and the source is what determines if a cheese is vegetarian or not:

• Animal Rennet: Traditionally, rennet is sourced from the stomach lining of young ruminant mammals, such as calves. This makes any cheese using it non-vegetarian. True Parmigiano-Reggiano, a protected designation of origin (DOP) cheese from Italy, must be made with animal rennet.
• Microbial Rennet: This type is derived from certain molds, fungi, or yeast. It is a vegetarian-friendly option and is widely used in commercial cheese production today, especially in the United States. Labels may list "microbial enzymes," "vegetarian rennet," or simply "enzymes.".
• Fermentation-Produced Chymosin (FPC): A common type of microbial rennet, FPC is created using genetic engineering to reproduce the same enzymes found in animal stomachs within microbial cultures. The enzymes are purified, leaving a vegetarian product that is more economical and consistent than traditional animal rennet.
• Vegetable Rennet: Derived from plants like thistles, artichokes, or nettles, this is a less common but still vegetarian option.

Vegetarian-Friendly Parmesan and Alternatives

Because "Parmigiano-Reggiano" is a protected name requiring animal rennet, vegetarian versions will be labeled as "Parmesan" cheese. Look for specific indicators on the packaging.

Brands with Vegetarian Parmesan Options

Many brands offer vegetarian-friendly parmesan by using microbial rennet. The best way to be sure is always to read the ingredient label, but here are some brands frequently noted for having vegetarian versions:

• BelGioioso: Offers a specifically marked "Vegetarian Parmesan" that uses no animal rennet.
• Sartori: This brand uses microbial enzymes in many of its cheeses, including its Parmesan and SarVecchio Parmesan.
• Whole Foods 365: Their store-brand shredded and grated parmesans often use microbial enzymes and are clearly labeled.
• Trader Joe's: Carries several vegetarian cheese options, including a vegetarian parmesan.
• Cello Cheese: Confirms on its website that all of its cheeses, including parmesan, are made with microbial rennet.
• Organic Valley: Offers an organic shredded parmesan made with vegetarian enzymes.
• Stella: Some of their products are confirmed to be vegetarian, including some parmesan.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Parmesan Alternatives

For those who wish to avoid all dairy, there are excellent vegan alternatives that capture the nutty, salty flavor of parmesan.

• Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge: A popular dairy-free, vegan wedge that is great for grating.
• Follow Your Heart Shredded Vegan Parmesan: A well-known brand offering shredded vegan parmesan.
• Homemade Vegan Parmesan: Made from a simple blend of nutritional yeast, cashews, garlic powder, and salt, this is a popular DIY option.

Comparison of Parmesan Types and Alternatives

Feature	Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano (Italy)	US Parmesan (Vegetarian)	Vegan Parmesan (Nut-Based)
Rennet Source	Animal Rennet (calf stomach)	Microbial or Vegetable Rennet	No Rennet (Uses nutritional yeast)
Dairy	Yes	Yes	No
Flavor	Deep, nutty, complex	Nutty, salty, slightly less complex	Cheesy, nutty from yeast and cashews
Texture	Hard, granular, aged	Can vary; hard and granular to pre-grated	Crumbly, often like a coarse meal
Price	Typically higher due to DOP rules	Moderate, varies by brand	Can be lower, especially when homemade
Labeling	Labeled as "Parmigiano-Reggiano"	Labeled "Parmesan" with "microbial enzymes"	Clearly labeled as "Vegan Parmesan" or similar

How to Check for Vegetarian Parmesan

When you are in the store, checking the label is your most reliable method.

1. Examine the ingredients list: Look for the specific term "microbial enzymes," "vegetable rennet," or simply "enzymes." If the label only says "enzymes" without specifying the source, it's safer to avoid it if you're unsure.
2. Look for certifications: Some products may display vegetarian or kosher symbols, which indicate the absence of animal-derived rennet.
3. Be wary of imports: Imported cheeses from Europe, particularly those with protected names like Parmigiano-Reggiano, are almost always made with animal rennet.

Conclusion

While authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is not vegetarian, countless vegetarian-friendly parmesan options exist in the US market. Brands like BelGioioso, Sartori, Cello, and store brands from Whole Foods often use microbial enzymes, making them a safe choice. By paying close attention to ingredient labels and seeking out products specifically marked with vegetarian indicators, you can confidently enjoy a delicious, vegetarian-friendly parmesan on your favorite dishes. Whether you opt for a traditional-style cheese or a dairy-free vegan alternative, a suitable option is always available to meet your dietary needs.

The Vegetarian Times

For more detailed information on vegetarian products and dietary choices, including which brands of parmesan cheese are vegetarian, the online resource Vegetarian Times offers helpful insights.

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary guidance.

How to find a vegetarian parmesan cheese

• Scrutinize the label for rennet source: Look specifically for "microbial enzymes," "vegetarian enzymes," or "vegetable rennet".
• Avoid Parmigiano-Reggiano: Authentic versions with this label are legally required to use animal rennet.
• Consider US brands: Many domestic parmesan cheeses are made with microbial rennet, but always verify.
• Look for vegetarian or kosher certification: These symbols are reliable indicators that no animal rennet was used.
• Explore vegan alternatives: For a dairy-free option, look for vegan parmesan products or make your own with nuts and nutritional yeast.
• Trust store-brand labels: Stores like Whole Foods often explicitly label their parmesan alternatives as vegetarian.

FAQs

Question: Why is traditional parmesan cheese not vegetarian? Answer: Traditional parmesan, specifically authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, is made with animal rennet, an enzyme sourced from the stomachs of young calves, making it non-vegetarian.

Question: What is microbial rennet? Answer: Microbial rennet is a vegetarian enzyme derived from mold, yeast, or fungi, used to coagulate milk during cheesemaking.

Question: Are there any brands that guarantee vegetarian parmesan cheese? Answer: Yes, brands like BelGioioso offer specifically labeled "Vegetarian Parmesan." Other brands such as Sartori and the Whole Foods 365 line use microbial enzymes.

Question: Can I find a vegetarian-friendly parmesan wedge? Answer: Yes, while many vegetarian parmesans are grated or shredded, brands like BelGioioso and some specialty food stores offer vegetarian-friendly wedges.

Question: Are all grated parmesan cheeses in the US vegetarian? Answer: No, it is not a guarantee. While a large percentage of US-produced cheese uses microbial rennet, you must still check the label to confirm the specific rennet type.

Question: What is a good vegan alternative to parmesan? Answer: A great vegan alternative can be made at home using nutritional yeast, cashews, and seasonings, or purchased from brands like Violife or Follow Your Heart.

Question: Does "enzymes" on a label always mean vegetarian? Answer: No. The term "enzymes" is ambiguous. For a cheese to be vegetarian, the label should explicitly state "microbial enzymes," "vegetable rennet," or have a vegetarian or kosher symbol.

Question: Where can I find more information on vegetarian cheese options? Answer: Many online resources and guides, including those from vegetarian-focused publications, can provide lists and detailed information.

Question: Does kosher cheese always mean it's vegetarian? Answer: In the case of parmesan, kosher certification typically ensures no animal rennet was used from an unkosher source. This means it is almost always a reliable indicator of a vegetarian-friendly cheese.

Question: What about hard cheeses other than parmesan? Are they vegetarian? Answer: Like parmesan, hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano and Gruyere often use animal rennet. Always check the label for microbial or vegetable rennet.

Question: Can I make my own vegetarian parmesan cheese at home? Answer: Yes, you can. Recipes using a blend of nuts, nutritional yeast, and spices can create a dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly parmesan alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is traditional parmesan cheese not vegetarian?

Traditional parmesan, specifically authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano, is made with animal rennet, an enzyme sourced from the stomachs of young calves, making it non-vegetarian.

What is microbial rennet?

Microbial rennet is a vegetarian enzyme derived from mold, yeast, or fungi, used to coagulate milk during cheesemaking.

Are there any brands that guarantee vegetarian parmesan cheese?

Yes, brands like BelGioioso offer specifically labeled "Vegetarian Parmesan." Other brands such as Sartori and the Whole Foods 365 line use microbial enzymes.

Can I find a vegetarian-friendly parmesan wedge?

Yes, while many vegetarian parmesans are grated or shredded, brands like BelGioioso and some specialty food stores offer vegetarian-friendly wedges.

Are all grated parmesan cheeses in the US vegetarian?

No, it is not a guarantee. While a large percentage of US-produced cheese uses microbial rennet, you must still check the label to confirm the specific rennet type.

What is a good vegan alternative to parmesan?

A great vegan alternative can be made at home using nutritional yeast, cashews, and seasonings, or purchased from brands like Violife or Follow Your Heart.

Does "enzymes" on a label always mean vegetarian?

No. The term "enzymes" is ambiguous. For a cheese to be vegetarian, the label should explicitly state "microbial enzymes," "vegetable rennet," or have a vegetarian or kosher symbol.