Is Cheese vegetarian?

Cheese is a dairy product produced by the coagulation of the milk protein casein, typically from cows, goats, sheep, or water buffalo. It is composed of proteins and fat from milk, and production usually involves acidification and the addition of rennet or bacterial enzymes. As a dairy product, cheese is vegetarian (unless made with animal-derived rennet) but not vegan.

An ingredient is considered vegetarian if it avoids components derived from killing an animal.

Classifications are made to the best of our knowledge based on available scientific and regulatory sources. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of every entry, errors in the sources we draw from can always occur. This tool also cannot account for cross-contamination, which depends entirely on individual suppliers and producers. If you believe a classification is incorrect, you can report an issue.