Cheese Made From Real Animal Rennet

FAQ’s About Cheese From Animal Rennet

What Is Animal Rennet In Cheese?

Animal rennet is a natural enzyme that comes from the lining of the fourth stomach chamber (abonasum) of calves, lambs, or kids; this enzyme turns milk into cheese. Chymosin, the main enzyme, curdles milk and separates it into curds and whey. Animal rennet that is sourced from pasture-raised ruminants is considered to be a traditional and natural form of rennet which produces flavorful cheese with a solid texture and authentic character. The end result is not only the taste of delicious cheese but an aid for our digestive system.

Which Cheeses Still Use Animal Rennet?

There are not specific cheese varieties that only use animal rennet. Although it is not required on packaging, checking the ingredient list before purchasing may tell you whether it is made with animal rennet or not. If you find listed the words “vegetarian,” “non-animal rennet,” “microbial rennet,” or “vegetable rennet,” you will know that it clearly does not include animal rennet. However, do not assume that if it simply lists “rennet” or “enzymes” that it is animal rennet. If the packaging is unclear, the only way to be sure of the rennet’s source is to find out from the cheese manufacturers themselves. This is a reason you will love ordering your cheese from Swiss Villa. Again, excepting our goat chèvre, all other cheese varieties on our website uses animal rennet, namely calf rennet.

Can Vegetarians Eat Cheese With Animal Rennet?

Why Is Animal Rennet Still Used?

Animal rennet has been used for thousands of years, making it a very traditional rennet option. It provides outstanding rich flavor and a solid texture needed in cheese. Additionally, animal rennet is free from GMOs, which are found in other rennet sources such as FPCs (Fermentation-Produced Chymosin). 

How Do I Know If A Cheese Is Made From Animal Rennet? 

Unfortunately, this process is not as simple as you might think. In the United States, manufacturers are not required to state what kind of rennet was used. You can assume the product does not contain animal rennet when it has a kosher mark or states it’s vegan or vegetarian. In that case, you know it is not made from animal rennet. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer directly, if you have any further questions.

What Is The Healthiest Rennet?

The healthiest rennet is animal rennet sourced from grass-fed calves, lambs, or kids. Here at Swiss Villa we only use calf rennet. Additionally, animal rennet provides beneficial enzymes and microbes, providing a natural fermentation process and gives our bodies greater digestive support.

How Is Animal Rennet Sourced?

Animal rennet is made from the stomach lining of calves, lambs and kids. The abomasum, the stomach chamber containing a high concentration of chymosin, is removed. It is then cleaned, dried, and trimmed into pieces. Next, the chymosin and other enzymes are extracted using acidic or enzymatic solutions. Finally, any solid pieces are removed, and the enzyme concentration process will occur.

What Is Non-Animal Rennet Cheese? 

Not all rennet for cheese making is made from animals. Non-animal rennet is rennet sourced from non-animal products and can include one of the following: microbial rennet, vegetable rennet, and FPC (fermentation-produced chymosin). Microbial rennet is produced through fermentation using microorganisms. Vegetable rennet is sourced from plants. FPC is made using gene splicing, a process where the rennet-producing gene from a calf is inserted into the DNA of a bacterium, yeast, or mold, producing the chymosin enzyme through fermentation. These alternatives to animal rennet often contain soy or GMOs.