Which Parmesan Cheese Is Halal in the USA? A Guide for Muslim Consumers

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2020 report by the Association of Italian Cheeses, only Parmigiano-Reggiano made with animal rennet from a non-halal slaughtered animal is forbidden by some strict interpretations of Islamic law. This has created confusion for many Muslim consumers wondering which Parmesan cheese is halal in the USA.

Quick Summary

Navigating the halal status of Parmesan cheese in the US requires checking ingredient lists for microbial or plant-based rennet. Look for specific halal or vegetarian certifications on labels to ensure compliance.

Key Points

Microbial Rennet: The most reliable way to find universally accepted halal Parmesan is to check the ingredient list for "microbial enzymes" or "vegetarian rennet."
Halal Certification: Some imported Parmesan and US brands are explicitly halal-certified; look for a reputable certification symbol on the packaging.
Kosher Options: Kosher-certified Parmesan varieties are a strong indicator of microbial rennet, making them a safe halal alternative.
Know Your Brands: Brands like Cello and BelGioioso specifically market vegetarian Parmesan-style cheeses that use microbial rennet.
Avoid Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano: Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano (PDO) uses animal rennet and its halal status is debated among scholars; avoid it for absolute certainty.
Ingredient Ambiguity: Be cautious of labels that simply list "enzymes" without specifying the source, as this could indicate animal rennet.

The Critical Halal Issue: Rennet

Traditional Parmesan cheese, specifically the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Parmigiano-Reggiano from Italy, is made using animal rennet. Rennet is a complex of enzymes from the stomach lining of unweaned calves, lambs, or kids, which is used to coagulate milk during cheesemaking. The halal status of this animal-derived rennet is a subject of debate among Islamic scholars, leading to different interpretations:

The stricter view (most schools): Many scholars and organizations consider rennet from an animal not slaughtered according to Islamic law (dhabihah) to be haram (forbidden). For these consumers, traditional Parmesan is not permissible.
The more lenient view (Hanafi school): According to the Hanafi madhab, rennet is considered pure even if the animal was not slaughtered Islamically. This is based on the principle that the rennet undergoes a significant transformation (istihala), changing its original state and rendering it permissible. This allows adherents of this school to consume such cheeses.

How to Identify Halal-Friendly Parmesan Cheese in the USA

For Muslim consumers in the USA seeking a universally accepted halal Parmesan, the best approach is to avoid the ambiguity of animal rennet entirely. Modern cheesemaking has provided several reliable alternatives. Here’s what to look for:

Microbial or Vegetarian Rennet: This is the most foolproof method. Many cheese producers now use microbial rennet, which is derived from fungi, or other plant-based enzymes. By checking the ingredients list for phrases like “microbial enzymes,” “vegetarian rennet,” or “plant-based enzymes,” you can confirm the cheese is free of animal products.
Halal Certification: While less common for domestic US Parmesan-style cheeses, some imported varieties from Italy or other countries may carry a specific halal certification from a recognized authority like Halal Italia. This mark guarantees the product meets all Islamic dietary requirements, including the source of rennet.
Kosher Certification: Kosher-certified cheese is a good indicator of a suitable halal option. Kosher law requires cheese to be made with a vegetarian coagulant, meaning the product will not contain animal rennet. This makes it a reliable choice for most Muslims. However, it’s always wise to perform a quick check for other ingredients (like alcohol) that might be problematic.

US Brands Offering Halal-Friendly Parmesan-Style Cheeses

Several US brands cater to the vegetarian and dietary-conscious market, making their Parmesan-style cheeses suitable for halal diets. Always remember to check the specific packaging, as formulations can change.

Cello Cheese: This brand explicitly states it uses microbial rennet in all its cheeses, including its Parmesan-style options. This makes Cello Parmesan a safe and confident choice for halal consumers.
BelGioioso: The company produces a “Vegetarian Parmesan” that is made with fresh milk and microbial rennet, aged for over 10 months. This product is widely available in US supermarkets.
Tillamook: Tillamook states that many of its cheeses are halal-certified and encourages consumers to check the packaging for the specific certification symbol.
Store Brands: Grated or shredded Parmesan from large retailers like Target or grocery store private labels often use microbial enzymes. Checking the ingredient list is essential.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Halal-Friendly Parmesan


Feature	Traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano	Halal-Friendly Parmesan-Style Cheese
Rennet Type	Animal rennet from calves	Microbial, plant-based, or vegetarian rennet
Halal Status	Debated among Islamic scholars; depends on interpretation	Universally considered halal (regarding rennet)
Certification	Only available through specific, separate halal certification	Often vegetarian, Kosher, or explicitly Halal-certified
Flavor Profile	Often more complex due to long aging with traditional rennet	Similar flavor profile, often developed through alternative aging processes
Label Check	Must be investigated, as standard DOP cheese is non-vegetarian	Look for phrases like "microbial enzymes" or "vegetarian rennet"

The Challenge of Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano

For those seeking the truly authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano with PDO status, the situation is more complex. Because traditional PDO regulations mandate the use of animal rennet, standard imported Parmigiano-Reggiano will not be vegetarian or universally halal. However, some specialty producers, like the Italian consortium Gourm.it, offer halal-certified Parmigiano-Reggiano made with halal-certified rennet. These products, while authentic, are less common in average US grocery stores and require specialized sourcing.

Conclusion

Finding which Parmesan cheese is halal in the USA is a straightforward process once the key difference in rennet is understood. For absolute certainty and to adhere to all scholarly opinions, Muslim consumers should look for products made with microbial or vegetarian rennet. Popular US brands like Cello and BelGioioso offer suitable options, and kosher-certified cheese is a reliable alternative. Always check the ingredient label for phrases like "microbial enzymes," or seek explicit halal certification for peace of mind. By paying close attention to these details, you can enjoy the flavor of Parmesan while upholding your dietary principles. For more information on Cello's vegetarian rennet process, you can visit their article on Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredient that causes halal concern is animal rennet, which is traditionally derived from the stomach of unweaned calves. If the animal is not slaughtered according to Islamic law (dhabihah), the rennet and the cheese are considered haram by many scholars.

Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano (PDO) must be made with animal rennet, and its halal status is debated among scholars. Some allow it based on the chemical transformation of rennet, while others forbid it. Halal-certified versions exist but must be specifically sourced.

Often yes. Check the ingredients label for specific phrases like “microbial enzymes,” “vegetarian rennet,” or “plant-based enzymes.” If the label just says “enzymes,” the source could be animal, and it's best to avoid it for certainty.

Yes, although they may not be in every store. You can find specifically certified halal imports, like some Italian brands, or use domestic Parmesan-style cheeses confirmed to use microbial rennet, like Cello or BelGioioso's vegetarian options.

In many cases, yes. Kosher cheese requires the use of non-animal rennet, making it suitable for halal diets concerning the rennet issue. However, always check the ingredients for other potentially non-halal components like alcohol or animal derivatives.

Even with grated or pre-shredded Parmesan, it is crucial to check the ingredient list. Many brands use microbial rennet in these products to appeal to a wider vegetarian market, but you must confirm the source of the enzymes.

Yes, a cheese explicitly labeled "vegetarian" will use microbial or plant-based rennet, confirming it does not contain animal rennet. This makes it suitable for all halal interpretations regarding the rennet component.

You can find halal-friendly Parmesan-style cheese in most major US supermarkets. Look for brands like Cello, BelGioioso's vegetarian options, or store brands that specify 'microbial enzymes' or 'vegetarian rennet' in the ingredient list.