But while some cheese canabsolutelybe vegetarian, a lot of it technically isn’t.
Here’s everything you gotta know.
Why wouldn’t cheese be vegetarian?
“Because it’s obtained after slaughtering the animal, it’s not considered vegetarian.
But increasingly, you’re free to find all sorts of cheeses made with non-animal-derived enzymes.
Don’t see it there?
Check on the company’s FAQ page.
“Plant- or vegetable-derived rennet can be made from artichokes, nettles, cardoon thistle, or other plants.
There are also microbial rennets, which are vegetarian-friendly.”
Brands that offer vegetarian, rennet-free cheese
Many brands have at leastsomevegetarian cheese options.
But products simply labeled Parmesan are able to be made with vegetarian rennetBelGioioso makes aVegetarian Parmesan.
What about when you eat out?
Wondering what you’re supposed to do when you eat out?
Or, another tactic: Opt for a cheese that’s not traditionally made with rennet anyway.
See the next section for some tasty picks!
What cheeses are commonly vegetarian?
“Soft cheeses that do not require coagulation don’t use rennet at all,” explains Largeman-Roth.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheeseis a fresh cheese consisting of loose curds.
“And several brands containlive active probiotic strains.”
(Look for “cultured cottage cheese” if probiotics are your goal.)
Cream cheese
A fave of the keto crowd, cream cheese is a safe bet for vegetarians.
TryNancy’s Probiotic Cream Cheese.
Ricotta
In addition to being decadently creamy, ricotta has a few surprising health benefits.
It also contains about25% of the RDA2for calcium in a 1-ounce serving.
It has a mild, creamy flavor that pairs well with spicy flavors.
But keep in mind: Being vegetarian-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean a cheese is always the best option.
