Traditional cheese-making uses animal rennet, an enzyme taken from the stomach lining of calves. It helps coagulate milk and turn it into curds and whey. While this has been the method for centuries, it’s obviously not vegetarian-friendly.
If you’re following a vegetarian diet (especially for ethical or religious reasons), cheese made with animal rennet is off the table.
So, What Is Vegetarian Cheese?
Vegetarian cheese is made without animal rennet. Instead, it uses microbial enzymes, plant-based rennet (like fig or thistle), or fermentation-derived enzymes. These alternatives perform the same function — helping milk curdle — without the need for animal byproducts.
Taste-wise? Most people can’t tell the difference.
Is All Vegan Cheese Vegetarian?
Yes — and more. Vegan cheese is 100% dairy-free, meaning it contains no milk, cream, or animal products at all. It’s made from things like nuts, soy, or coconut oil. So vegan cheese is always vegetarian, but vegetarian cheese is not always vegan.
Think of it like this:
- Vegetarian cheese = No animal rennet, but still contains milk.
- Vegan cheese = No animal products whatsoever.
Popular Vegetarian Cheese Brands (U.S. Market)
If you’re shopping in the U.S., here are a few brands offering vegetarian cheese (check the label to be sure):
- Cabot Cheese – Most are made with microbial rennet.
- Tillamook – Many of their cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.
- BelGioioso – Several of their fresh cheeses are rennet-free.
- Trader Joe’s – Their in-house brand often lists vegetarian rennet.