Kraft parmesan cheese: animal rennet truth revealed!

Kraft Parmesan cheese is a widely used and beloved culinary ingredient. However, many consumers are concerned about the use of animal rennet in cheese production. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the topic, answering the question: “Does Kraft Parmesan cheese use animal rennet?”

Understanding Animal Rennet

Animal rennet is an enzyme extracted from the stomachs of young calves or goats. It is traditionally used in cheesemaking to coagulate milk proteins, resulting in the formation of curds and whey.

Kraft Parmesan Cheese and Animal Rennet

Kraft Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese produced in the United States. According to Kraft Heinz, the manufacturer of Kraft Parmesan cheese, the majority of their Parmesan cheese products do not contain animal rennet. Instead, they use microbial rennet, a vegetarian-friendly alternative produced through fermentation.

Types of Kraft Parmesan Cheese

Kraft offers a variety of Parmesan cheese products, each with its own ingredients list. Here’s a breakdown of their Parmesan cheese offerings and their use of animal rennet:

• Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese: Does not contain animal rennet
• Kraft Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Does not contain animal rennet
• Kraft Premium Parmesan Cheese: Does not contain animal rennet
• Kraft Real Parmesan Cheese: Does not contain animal rennet
• Kraft Parmesan Cheese Blocks: May contain animal rennet

Exceptions and Variations

While most Kraft Parmesan cheese products do not contain animal rennet, there are some exceptions. Kraft Parmesan Cheese Blocks may contain animal rennet, depending on the production batch. It is important to check the ingredient list on the packaging to confirm the use of animal rennet.

Reasons for Using Microbial Rennet

Kraft Heinz has transitioned to using microbial rennet in most of its Parmesan cheese products for several reasons:

• Vegetarian and Vegan Compatibility: Microbial rennet is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, expanding the product’s appeal to a wider consumer base.
• Consistency and Quality: Microbial rennet provides consistent coagulation, ensuring the desired texture and flavor of the cheese.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Microbial rennet is generally more cost-effective than animal rennet, making it a more viable option for large-scale production.

Alternatives to Kraft Parmesan Cheese

For consumers who prefer to avoid animal rennet, there are several alternative Parmesan cheese products available:

• Parmesan Cheese with Microbial Rennet: Brands such as BelGioioso, Stella, and Whole Foods Market offer Parmesan cheese made with microbial rennet.
• Vegetarian Parmesan Cheese: Some brands, like Follow Your Heart, produce plant-based Parmesan cheese alternatives made from nuts and nutritional yeast.
• Other Hard Cheeses: Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, and Manchego are hard cheeses similar to Parmesan that typically use animal rennet.

In a nutshell: Empowering Informed Choices

Understanding the use of animal rennet in Kraft Parmesan cheese empowers consumers to make informed choices that align with their dietary preferences and ethical concerns. While most Kraft Parmesan cheese products do not contain animal rennet, it is essential to check the ingredient list for specific products. For those seeking animal-free options, microbial rennet Parmesan cheese or plant-based alternatives provide suitable substitutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Kraft use microbial rennet in its Parmesan cheese?
A: Kraft uses microbial rennet to cater to vegetarians and vegans, ensure consistency, and reduce production costs.

Q: Are there any Kraft Parmesan cheese products that contain animal rennet?
A: Yes, Kraft Parmesan Cheese Blocks may contain animal rennet. Check the ingredient list on the packaging to confirm.

Q: What are some alternatives to Kraft Parmesan cheese without animal rennet?
A: BelGioioso, Stella, and Follow Your Heart offer Parmesan cheese and plant-based alternatives made with microbial rennet or plant-based ingredients.

Q: Is animal rennet safe for human consumption?
A: Yes, animal rennet is generally safe for human consumption. However, individuals with allergies to animal proteins should exercise caution.

Q: Is microbial rennet as effective as animal rennet?
A: Microbial rennet is a comparable alternative to animal rennet, providing consistent coagulation and desired cheese quality.