Is it vegan? Ingredients
Is rennet vegan?
Quick answer: It depends. Traditional rennet comes from the stomachs of calves and is not vegan; microbial or fermentation-produced rennet is animal-free — but the cheese it makes is still dairy.
Also called: animal rennet, calf rennet, chymosin, microbial rennet, vegetarian rennet
The details
Rennet is a set of enzymes, mainly chymosin, that curdles milk in cheesemaking. Traditional animal rennet is extracted from the stomach lining of young calves, which is why many traditional cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano are not even vegetarian.
Vegetarian cheeses use microbial rennet or chymosin made by fermentation. For vegans the question is mostly academic: all cheese made from milk is a dairy product. Vegan cheeses are made without milk or rennet.
What to look for on the label
- rennet, animal rennet
- “suitable for vegetarians” (non-animal rennet, still dairy)
Where it’s found
- Cheese
- Some desserts (junket)
Vegan alternatives
- Vegan cheese
Frequently asked questions
Is rennet vegan?
It depends. Traditional rennet comes from the stomachs of calves and is not vegan; microbial or fermentation-produced rennet is animal-free — but the cheese it makes is still dairy.
Sources
- Animal-Derived Ingredients List — PETA
- Ingredient questions and answers — The Vegetarian Resource Group
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.