Attention, vegetarian cheese-lovers: Pay close attention to your food labels.

just arent the same.

The most heartbreaking one?

Ingredients for pasta dish or pizza - milk, freshly grated parmesan cheese on a wooden table, and kitchen utensils (grater) on a wooden table, top view. Messy style. Preparations for cooking process.

Credit: Anna Kurzaeva / Getty Images

What Is In Parmesan Cheese?

This refers to either animal, plant, or microbial enzymes.

Parmesan is always made with animal enzymes, also called animal rennet, meaning its not vegetarian.

What Is Animal Rennet?

Stores like Whole Foods will often sell clearly labeled parmesan cheese alternatives made with vegetarian enzymes.

Instead, they use an acid, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or whey as their coagulant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technically, no.

Parmigiano-Reggiano is a P.D.O.

European and Old-World style cheeses are most likely to be processed with animal rennetwhich means they are not vegetarian.

However, there are some vegetarian versions of these cheeses on the market.

When in doubt, check the label.

They are typically boiled or soaked in water to extract their enzymes.

Staff WC.What is Rennet?Wisconsin Cheese.

April 23, 2024.

Accessed August 2, 2024.