Cheese is a beloved staple in many diets, but for vegetarians, the question often arises: can cheese fit into a vegetarian lifestyle? The answer is yes, but with some consideration. You can enjoy authentic cheeses made with plant-based coagulants* or opt for ones that are crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients.
What Makes A “Vegetarian Cheese”?
Milk itself is acceptable for vegetarians, however the use of animal rennet to coagulate milk can be a concern. Fortunately, there are alternatives that make cheeses suitable for vegetarians:
- Vegetable rennet: Derived from sources like thistle flowers or fig tree sap, vegetable rennet is a natural option. However, it can be challenging to control and may impart a bitter taste in the cheese.
- Microbial coagulants: These are the most common and is the preferred option for vegetarian cheeses. Microbial coagulants, such as fungal or bacterial enzymes, are used to coagulate milk without animal-derived ingredients.
Choosing Vegetarian-Friendly Cheeses
It is essential to carefully check the labelling of cheeses and try to avoid options made with animal rennet. This is especially important when it comes to PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheeses, which are made according to traditionally methods and strict regional rules.
How to check:
- Have a look at the ingredients list for terms like “vegetarian rennet”, “microbial rennet”, “coagulant”, or “microbial enzyme”
- Some packaging might also have a “Suitable For Vegetarians” claim
Examples of vegetarian friendly cheeses are:
- Chavroux Goat’s Cheese Log
- Le Rustique Camembert
- Le Rustique Brie
- Islos Greek Feta
- Appeteasers
In the PDO rule, some cheese require to have animal rennet as part pf their traditional production methods. Examples are:
- Roquefort
- Grana Padano
How Can Cheese Delight in a Vegetarian Diet?
Start your meal with a vibrant Le Rustique Brie, Endive, Hazelnuts & Blood Orange Salad. The creamy Le Rustique Brie melts into the slight bitterness of endive. The toasted hazelnuts adds a warm crunch, and the blood orange brings a bust of zesty sweetness, making every bite a lively balance of flavours, perfect for your appetizer.
Bring warmth and creativity to your table with Le Rustique Camembert & Ras el Hanout Roasted Stuffed Squash. This dish offers a comforting blend of richness, sweetness, and a gentle spice, a vibrant celebration of flavours.
Lastly, satisfy your sweet tooth with a quick and easy dessert to make at home: a Vanilla Goat’s Cheese Cheesecake made with Chavroux Log. The creamy goat’s cheese and aromatic vanilla offers a refreshing twist on a classic cheesecake recipe. It surely is the perfect way to end the evening!
*Plant-based coagulants: Natural organic substances, including proteins and polysaccharides, derived from sources like moringa seeds and banana peels
