Are you a cheese lover who also follows a vegetarian diet?
If so, you may be wondering whether cheese curds are a safe choice for you.
Cheese production involves the use of enzymes to separate milk and create solid curds, but not all enzymes are created equal.
Some cheeses contain animal-derived enzymes, which means they’re not suitable for vegetarians.
In this article, we’ll explore the use of enzymes in cheese production and answer the question: are cheese curds vegetarian?
So, grab a snack (maybe some cheese curds?) and let’s dive in!
Are Cheese Curds Vegetarian?
Cheese curds are a popular snack and ingredient in many dishes, especially in regions like Quebec where poutine is a staple. But are they vegetarian?
The answer is not straightforward. Cheese curds are made from milk, which is a vegetarian-friendly ingredient. However, the process of creating solid curds involves the use of enzymes to coagulate the milk.
Traditionally, these enzymes were sourced from the stomach lining of animals like cows and goats. This type of enzyme is called rennet and is not considered vegetarian because it’s obtained after slaughtering the animal.
However, modern cheese production has found alternative sources of enzymes that are suitable for vegetarians. Microbial or plant-based enzymes can be used instead of animal-derived rennet to create cheese curds.
So, whether cheese curds are vegetarian or not depends on the type of enzyme used in their production. If the cheese curds are made with animal-derived rennet, then they’re not vegetarian. But if they’re made with microbial or plant-based enzymes, then they’re safe for vegetarians to consume.
The Role Of Enzymes In Cheese Production
Enzymes play a crucial role in the production of cheese. The coagulation of milk is necessary to separate the solid components (casein protein, fat, and minerals) into curds and the liquid into whey. Rennet is the enzyme traditionally used to achieve this coagulation. It contains multiple components, including chymosin, which is present in the mucosal lining of the fourth stomach of un-weaned calves.
However, for those who do not wish to consume animal-derived products, alternative sources of enzymes can be used in cheese production. Microbial or plant-based enzymes can be used instead of animal-derived rennet. These alternative methods have been gaining popularity due to guaranteed supply, chemical purity, reaction predictability, and influence from the growing vegetarian food market.
The active enzyme in rennet is called chymosin or rennin, but there are also other important enzymes in it, such as pepsin and lipase. Rennet works by cutting the negatively charged kappa casein protein, causing it to dissolve into the liquid and leave with the whey. This neutralization of the protein micelle allows the proteins to join together and form a protein web that traps in fats and minerals. This junket will go on to form the cheese after other stages of manufacture such as cutting, draining, pressing, and aging.
Types Of Enzymes Used In Cheese Production
There are various types of enzymes used in cheese production, and each has its own unique properties and benefits. Traditionally, animal-derived rennet has been the most commonly used enzyme to coagulate milk and create cheese. However, this enzyme is not suitable for vegetarians as it’s obtained from the stomachs of young animals.
Thankfully, there are alternative sources of enzymes that can be used in cheese production. One option is microbial enzymes, which are derived from fungi or bacteria. These enzymes are produced through fermentation processes and can be genetically modified to enhance their functionality. Microbial enzymes are a popular choice for cheese production as they offer consistent quality, predictable reactions, and a guaranteed supply.
Another option is plant-based enzymes, which are derived from sources like fig tree bark, nettles, cardoon thistles, mallow, and ground ivy. These enzymes are considered vegetarian-friendly as they’re derived solely from plants.
Commercially used fungal rennet preparations contain complex mixtures of protease, esterase, lipase, cellulase, and other enzymes that are involved in improving cheese quality. It has been experimentally found that the purified and blended form of fungal rennets are better as compared to calf rennet in terms of faster ripening and flavor development of cheese.
Protein engineering technology can also be used to alter the amino acid sequences of rennets to improve their overall functionality. This approach has been successful in improving the proteolytic activity of certain calf chymosins.
Animal-Derived Enzymes And Their Impact On Vegetarianism
Animal-derived enzymes, like rennet, have been traditionally used in cheese production to coagulate milk and create solid cheese curds. However, these enzymes are not considered vegetarian because they’re obtained from the stomach lining of animals like cows and goats after slaughtering them. This poses a problem for vegetarians who do not wish to consume any animal products.
Cheese makers have been experimenting with alternative sources of enzymes to cater to the growing demand for vegetarian-friendly cheese. Microbial or plant-based enzymes can be used instead of animal-derived rennet to create cheese curds. Microbial rennet is derived from molds that produce a coagulating enzyme, which is viewed as vegetarian-appropriate. Some molds have enzymes that are similar to chymosin, which is the primary component of rennet. These enzymes are extracted in a lab to make microbial rennet. However, microbial rennet is not widely used because it doesn’t yield consistent results and can develop unpleasant flavors.
Genetically engineered rennet is another alternative source of enzymes that’s considered by some to be vegetarian-friendly. To make genetically engineered rennet, chymosin chromosomes are extracted from an animal’s stomach cells then implanted into yeast cultures that act as a host. The host culture encourages the growth of new chymosin enzymes, which are then separated out and purified. Although genetically engineered rennet originates from the cell of an animal, it’s not actually an animal product itself. However, cheese made with genetically modified microbial rennet is pretty rare due to its inconsistent results and limited availability.
Vegetarian-Friendly Cheese Curd Brands
If you’re a vegetarian looking for cheese curds that are safe to eat, there are several brands that offer vegetarian-friendly options. Here are some of the top brands to look for:
1. Daiya – Daiya is a popular brand that offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian cheese products, including cheese curds. Their cheese curds are made with plant-based enzymes and are free from dairy, soy, and gluten.
2. Follow Your Heart – Follow Your Heart is another well-known brand that offers vegetarian and vegan cheese products. Their cheese curds are made with plant-based enzymes and are free from dairy, gluten, and soy.
3. Violife – Violife is a brand that specializes in vegan and vegetarian cheese products. Their cheese curds are made with plant-based enzymes and are free from dairy, soy, and gluten.
4. Field Roast – Field Roast is a vegetarian brand that offers a variety of meat and dairy alternatives, including cheese curds. Their cheese curds are made with microbial enzymes and are free from dairy, soy, and gluten.
5. Go Veggie – Go Veggie is a brand that offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan cheese products, including cheese curds. Their cheese curds are made with microbial enzymes and are free from dairy, lactose, and gluten.
When shopping for vegetarian-friendly cheese curds, make sure to check the ingredient list for any mention of rennet or animal enzymes. If these ingredients are present, the cheese curds are not suitable for vegetarians. Instead, look for products that use microbial or plant-based enzymes to coagulate the milk.
Tips For Identifying Vegetarian Cheese Curds
If you’re a vegetarian and want to enjoy cheese curds, here are some tips to help you identify vegetarian-friendly options:
1. Check the ingredient list: Look for cheeses that explicitly state that they use microbial or plant-based enzymes instead of animal-derived rennet. This information should be listed on the packaging.
2. Look for specialty cheese shops: Specialty cheese shops often carry a wide variety of cheeses, including vegetarian-friendly options. Ask the staff for recommendations and be sure to read the labels carefully.
3. Consider kosher cheese: Kosher cheese is always vegetarian because it cannot contain any animal rennet due to religious dietary laws. Look for the K or OU symbol on the packaging.
4. Be cautious when dining out: If you’re at a restaurant and unsure whether the cheese curds are vegetarian, ask the server or chef about the ingredients used in the dish.
5. Research brands: Some cheese brands have started using genetically engineered rennet produced in a lab from an animal cell, which removes the animals from harm’s way. Look for brands that use this technology or have explicitly stated their use of microbial or plant-based enzymes.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious cheese curds while sticking to your vegetarian diet.
Conclusion: Enjoying Cheese Curds As A Vegetarian
If you’re a vegetarian who loves cheese curds, don’t worry! There are many options available to you. First, make sure to read the label and check if the cheese curds are made with animal-derived rennet or not. If it’s not specified, you can always ask the manufacturer or the seller.
Alternatively, you can make your own cheese curds at home using vegetarian-friendly rennet. There are many recipes available online that use microbial or plant-based enzymes to create delicious cheese curds.
Another option is to look for vegan cheese curd alternatives that are made without any animal products. These alternatives may not be exactly the same as traditional cheese curds, but they can still be a tasty and satisfying snack.
