Many people assume that Parmesan is vegetarian! But is that even true? The fact that it is not vegan seems relatively logical due to the animal milk it contains. But isn't it supposed to be vegetarian either? Before I went vegan, I ate a vegetarian diet for a long time. At some point, I was surprised to learn that Parmesan is not a vegetarian food. A search query in my sustainable search engine of trust later, I was smarter. Real Parmesan is not vegetarian!
In this article, I would like to show you why this is the case - and which alternatives to classic Parmesan cheese are available to vegetarians and vegans. Let's go!
Why conventional Parmesan cheese is not vegetarian
So how can it be that Parmesan is not suitable for vegetarians? The reason for this, on closer inspection, is in the Production and ripening process of the cheese to find!
Parmesan cheese has a maturing period of at least 12 months. Certain enzymes are needed to thicken the milk without making it sour. These come from the stomach lining of cows, among other things, and are naturally there to make the mother's milk digestible. Since cows - especially calves - have to be killed to "gain" these enzymes, Parmesan cheese (neither Parmigiano nor Grana Padano) is also not vegetarian. Although the animals are not usually killed specifically for the animal rennet, the purchase of the corresponding cheese promotes the raison d'être of the meat industry and the brutal and resource-intensive Factory farming.
Notice: The addition of rennet is not required to be labeled on supermarket products. It is therefore important to find out more about the production of a particular cheese beforehand.
Vegan and vegetarian alternatives for Parmesan cheese
There are definitely vegetarian Parmesan varieties that are made with microbial or vegetable Rennet substitutes are produced. These are simply molds that are fermented by microorganisms - however, this is usually associated with genetic engineering in conventionally produced cheese and should therefore be avoided. You can play it safe with organic cheeses, even if they are not allowed to bear the classic name "Parmesan", as this is protected. Montello is then, for example, a corresponding vegetarian alternative.
But there are now also really tasty vegan alternatives. For example this VANTASTIC GRATTUGIATO soy-based*. Also this vegan PROSOCIANO from Violife* is incredibly good! Since you avoided the consciously accepted Cruelty to animals and the killing of animals completely.
Tip: I simply prefer the vegan Parmesan alternatives because I know that the Dairy industry is even more brutal than the meat industry. You can find out why I think so in the linked article.
Understand the production process of Parmesan cheese - and prefer vegetarian-vegan alternatives
Now you have confirmation as to why the typical Parmesan cheese from the Italian provinces of Parma, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Bologna and Mantua is not even vegetarian. I hope you like the plant-based alternative to Parmesan cheese and that you can enjoy pasta, pizza and the like without animal suffering in future.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Or do you know of other delicious vegetarian-vegan Parmesan substitutes? Then just write me a comment.
Stay animal-friendly and sustainable,
PS: I always used to think that it was being vegetarian is enough for me. But at some point I learned about the background to the dairy and animal industry. In the linked article, you can find out why I eventually became vegan in order to reconcile my values with my actions.