1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Cheese

What is Vegetarian Rennet?

By Jennifer Meier, About.com

Question: What is Vegetarian Rennet?

Rennet used in cheesemaking traditionally comes from animals. Specifically, the stomach lining of young animals that have been butchered. This can be a problem if you are a vegetarian who eats cheese.

Answer: If you are vegetarian, look for cheese made with microbial rennet or made with rennet derived from plants. Typically, plant-based rennet for cheese comes from thistle. Microbial rennet is usually fermented from bacteria but can also be genetically modified. For guidance, consult this list of artisanal cheeses made with vegetarian rennet.
More Cheese Q&A
Explore Cheese
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Reclaim the morning and your sanity with these easy recipes, tips, and timesaving ideas. More >

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Cheese
  4. Cheese Basics
  5. How Cheese is Made
  6. Vegetarian Rennet - Cheese Suitable for Vegetarians

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.