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Is Feta Vegetarian?

For those adhering to a vegetarian diet, the question of whether feta cheese is suitable can arise. The answer depends on your personal definition and beliefs regarding vegetarianism.

Traditional feta cheese was made from sheep's or goat's milk and used animal rennet, an enzyme derived from the stomach lining of suckling calves, lambs, or goats, to curdle the milk. As rennet is an animal-derived product, strict vegetarians who avoid all animal ingredients may choose to avoid feta cheese that contains animal rennet.

However, most feta is now made with microbial rennet. Vegetarian-friendly feta cheese alternatives made with non-animal rennet or microbial enzymes offer  a suitable option for those seeking a vegetarian lifestyle.

Feta Q & A