Is Pepsin vegan?
Not vegan
Pepsin is extracted from pig stomachs. Not vegan.
What it is
A digestive enzyme isolated from porcine gastric mucosa.
Why not vegan
Always animal-derived.
Where you'll find it
- Some cheeses (alongside rennet)
- Digestive supplements
- Pharmaceutical processing
Vegan alternatives
- Microbial proteases
- Vegan digestive enzymes (papaya, pineapple, fungal)
FAQ
- Is pepsin in vaccines?
- Some vaccines historically used porcine pepsin in production; the final product contains negligible residues.
Sources
Last reviewed June 4, 2026