Is Rennet Vegan?
It depends — Rennet may or may not be vegan.
Why
Traditional rennet is an enzyme from the stomach lining of calves. However, microbial and fermentation-produced (FPC) rennet are vegan. The label rarely specifies which.
Where you'll find it
- Cheese
- Some whey products
Vegan alternatives
- Microbial rennet
- Fermentation-produced chymosin
- Plant-based coagulants
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if cheese uses vegan rennet?
Look for "microbial enzymes," "vegetable rennet," or "non-animal rennet" on the label. If it just says "rennet" or "enzymes," it may be animal-derived.
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