Which Italian cheese is vegetarian?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Many vegetarians are surprised to learn that some beloved, traditional Italian cheeses, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, are not vegetarian due to the use of animal rennet during production. The key to identifying a truly vegetarian Italian cheese lies in knowing how to check for non-animal-based coagulants.

Quick Summary

The vegetarian status of Italian cheese depends on the coagulant used during production, with many fresh and soft Italian cheeses being vegetarian-friendly. Traditional hard varieties, however, often use animal-derived rennet. The guide explains how to read ingredient labels and find suitable vegetarian alternatives.

Key Points

Rennet is Key: The vegetarian status of Italian cheese hinges on the type of rennet used—animal, microbial, or vegetable.
Many Fresh Cheeses are Safe: Softer, fresh cheeses like Ricotta, Mozzarella, Burrata, and Mascarpone are typically vegetarian-friendly.
PDO Cheeses are Often Non-Vegetarian: Traditionally made cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano are not vegetarian due to strict PDO rules requiring animal rennet.
Read Labels for Verification: Always check the ingredient list for 'microbial rennet' or 'suitable for vegetarians' to confirm a cheese is vegetarian.
Vegetarian Alternatives Exist: For hard cheeses, look for products labeled 'Italian hard cheese' or 'vegetarian parmesan' made with non-animal rennet.
Kosher is a Good Indicator: Kosher-certified cheeses will not contain animal rennet, serving as a reliable vegetarian marker.

The Core Issue: Animal vs. Vegetarian Rennet

At the heart of a cheese's vegetarian status is the enzyme used to coagulate the milk, separating it into curds and whey. This enzyme is known as rennet. Traditionally, rennet was sourced from the stomachs of young, unweaned animals, typically calves. This animal-derived rennet is a dealbreaker for many vegetarians. However, modern technology has introduced vegetarian alternatives, primarily:

Microbial Rennet: Derived from fungi or mold and genetically engineered to produce the same enzyme as animal rennet. It is widely used in cheesemaking today.
Vegetable Rennet: Extracted from plants with coagulating properties, such as cardoon thistle or artichokes. This is a traditional method, especially in some regional cheeses.
Acid-Set Cheeses: Some fresh cheeses, like ricotta, are coagulated using acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar) rather than rennet, making them reliably vegetarian.

The Problem with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

For many classic Italian cheeses, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, the use of animal rennet is mandated by the European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) laws. This means that for a cheese to be officially labeled as Parmigiano-Reggiano, it must be made with calf rennet. The same applies to other PDO-protected cheeses. This regulation ensures the historical authenticity and traditional flavor profile of the product but makes it unsuitable for vegetarians.

Naturally Vegetarian Italian Cheeses

Fortunately for cheese-loving vegetarians, several popular Italian cheeses are naturally vegetarian-friendly because their production method does not require animal rennet. These often include fresh, softer varieties. Some examples include:

Ricotta: This is a truly vegetarian staple. Made from the whey left over from cheesemaking, it is traditionally coagulated with acid, not rennet.
Mozzarella: Most mass-produced mozzarella and 'fior di latte' are made with microbial rennet, making them vegetarian. Always double-check the label to be sure, but it is a very safe bet.
Burrata: This fresh cheese is essentially a shell of mozzarella filled with cream and 'stracciatella' (shredded mozzarella). Like most mozzarella, it is made with vegetarian rennet.
Mascarpone: A soft, spreadable cheese made from cream that is thickened with citric or tartaric acid. As it is an acid-set cheese, it is reliably vegetarian.
Scamorza: A stretched-curd cheese similar to mozzarella but with a dryer texture. Both the fresh ('bianca') and smoked ('affumicata') varieties are typically made with microbial rennet.

How to Identify Vegetarian Italian Cheese on a Label

Since many cheeses can be made with either animal or vegetarian rennet, reading the ingredient label is critical. If the label simply says 'enzymes,' it may not be helpful, as this can refer to either type. Look for more specific language:

Microbial Rennet: This explicitly states that the coagulant is not animal-based.
Vegetable Rennet: Confirms the use of a plant-based coagulant.
Suitable for Vegetarians: Some brands will add this statement as a selling point.
Kosher Certified: A kosher certification indicates that no meat products (including animal rennet) were used in the cheese's production.

A Comparison of Italian Cheeses

To help navigate the cheese aisle, here is a quick comparison of common Italian cheeses and their typical vegetarian status:


Cheese Type	Traditional Coagulant	Common Vegetarian Status	How to Verify
Parmigiano-Reggiano	Animal Rennet (calf)	Non-Vegetarian	Avoid unless a specific vegetarian alternative is certified.
Pecorino Romano	Animal Rennet (lamb/kid)	Non-Vegetarian	Avoid the traditional version. Search for specialty alternatives.
Grana Padano	Animal Rennet (calf)	Non-Vegetarian	Same as Parmigiano-Reggiano due to PDO rules.
Mozzarella	Microbial Rennet	Generally Vegetarian	Check the label for 'microbial rennet' or 'vegetarian'.
Ricotta	Acid	Vegetarian	Reliably vegetarian due to its acid-set process.
Burrata	Microbial Rennet	Generally Vegetarian	Check the label, but typically vegetarian.
Mascarpone	Acid	Vegetarian	Always vegetarian as it's acid-set.
Gorgonzola	Animal Rennet	Non-Vegetarian	Many versions use animal rennet. Check labels carefully.
Asiago	Varies	Often Vegetarian	Check the label, as some producers use microbial rennet.

Finding Vegetarian Italian Hard Cheese Alternatives

For those who miss the salty, nutty flavor of hard Italian cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, there are several options:

Vegetarian 'Parmesan': Many producers sell hard cheese that mimics the flavor and texture of Parmesan but is made with microbial rennet. Look for labels like Italian Hard Cheese, Vegetarian Parmesan, or specific brands like BelGioioso.
Nutritional Yeast: This deactivated yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavor and can be sprinkled on pasta and other dishes for a taste reminiscent of grated Parmesan..
Alternative Italian Cheeses: Aged Asiago or Pecorino made with vegetable rennet can provide a similar flavor profile.
Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free option, vegan parmesan alternatives made from ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast are readily available.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Choosing a vegetarian Italian cheese can be straightforward once you understand the role of rennet. While fresh cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and burrata are generally safe, traditional hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano are not due to strict PDO regulations mandating the use of animal rennet. Always make a habit of checking ingredient labels for 'microbial rennet,' 'vegetable rennet,' or a vegetarian certification. By being a vigilant label reader, you can confidently enjoy the rich world of Italian cheese while adhering to a vegetarian diet. For more information on PDO-protected cheeses, you can explore the official EU agriculture page EU agriculture info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rennet is an enzyme used to coagulate milk and turn it into cheese. It is important for vegetarians because traditional rennet comes from the stomachs of young animals, making the cheese non-vegetarian. Vegetarian alternatives use microbial or vegetable-based rennet.

Most commercially available mozzarella is vegetarian, as it is made with microbial or vegetable rennet. However, it is always best to check the label for explicit confirmation, such as a 'suitable for vegetarians' note or the specific type of rennet used.

No, you cannot find an official Parmigiano-Reggiano that is vegetarian, as PDO regulations mandate the use of animal rennet. You can, however, find vegetarian alternatives labeled as 'Italian hard cheese' or 'vegetarian parmesan'.

No, but it is common for traditionally-made hard cheeses with a PDO designation (like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano) to use animal rennet. Some hard cheeses, and many modern versions of them, are made with microbial rennet, so checking the label is essential.

If the label only lists 'enzymes,' it's ambiguous and could contain animal rennet. For definitive proof, look for specific terms like 'microbial rennet,' 'vegetable rennet,' or a vegetarian-friendly label. If uncertain, assume it's non-vegetarian or contact the manufacturer.

Traditionally, Pecorino Romano is made with animal rennet from lambs or goats, making it non-vegetarian. Some producers might offer vegetarian versions, but it will not have the official PDO designation. Look for clear labeling.

Cheeses that are acid-set, like ricotta and mascarpone, are reliably vegetarian as they don't require rennet. Many fresh cheeses like mozzarella and burrata are also typically vegetarian but should be verified via their label.