Is Rennet vegan?
Depends
Short answer
Rennet is depends. Animal rennet comes from calf stomachs. Microbial and vegetable rennet are vegan.
Key takeaways
- Verdict: Rennet is depends.
- Commonly found in: Most aged European cheeses (Parmesan PDO, Gruyère, Pecorino), Many supermarket cheeses.
- Vegan alternatives: Cheeses labeled 'microbial rennet', 'vegetable rennet' or 'suitable for vegetarians' (note: still dairy, not vegan), Plant-based cheeses (Violife, Miyoko's, etc.).
- Scan any barcode with VeggieOS (100% free) for an instant vegan verdict.
What it is
An enzyme that coagulates milk to make cheese.
Why depends
Traditional rennet (also labeled simply 'rennet') is extracted from the lining of young calves' stomachs. Microbial and 'vegetable' (FPC) rennet are vegan.
Where you'll find it
- Most aged European cheeses (Parmesan PDO, Gruyère, Pecorino)
- Many supermarket cheeses
Vegan alternatives
- Cheeses labeled 'microbial rennet', 'vegetable rennet' or 'suitable for vegetarians' (note: still dairy, not vegan)
- Plant-based cheeses (Violife, Miyoko's, etc.)
FAQ
- Is Parmigiano-Reggiano vegetarian?
- No — by PDO law it must use animal rennet, so it is neither vegetarian nor vegan.