Ingredient

Animal Rennet

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Animal rennet is primarily used as a coagulant in the production of cheese. It …

What it is

Animal rennet is an enzyme complex found in the stomach lining of young, milk-fed mammals, primarily calves, lambs, and kids. It is traditionally extracted from the fourth stomach (abomasum) of these animals. The key enzyme, chymosin, is used in cheesemaking to coagulate milk proteins.

Why it's used

Animal rennet is primarily used as a coagulant in the production of cheese. It causes milk to thicken and separate into curds and whey, a crucial step in forming cheese. It is found in a wide variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss, and mozzarella.

Health notes

Animal rennet is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a natural enzyme and is largely broken down during digestion. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated enzymes used in food production. There are no widespread health controversies associated with its typical consumption.

Allergen info

Animal rennet is derived from mammals and is not one of the FDA's 9 major food allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Animal Rennet

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MARIANO'S Wine Cured Goat Cheese High in saturated fat — 27% DV per serving 425kcal 25Protein 35.3Fat 2Carbs VINTAGE 5 YEAR Vintage 5 Year, Aged 5 Years Gouda Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 500kcal 32.1Protein 39.3Fat 0Carbs FRICO Frico, Mild Edam Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 321kcal 25Protein 25Fat 0Carbs ROUSSAS DAIRY PRODUCTS Greek Kefalotyri Cheese Cheese 304kcal 21.4Protein 25Fat 3.6Carbs TRADER JOE'S Sourdough Toasts Crackers & Biscotti High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 500kcal 16.7Protein 26.7Fat 46.7Carbs SPARTAN STORES, INC. Van Kaas, Aged Gouda Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 400kcal 23.3Protein 33.3Fat 0Carbs BRILLAT-SAVARIN Pasteurised Soft Ripened Cheese Cheese High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 393kcal 9.6Protein 39.3Fat 1.6Carbs Hy-Vee, Inc. Margherita Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 36% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 221kcal 11.4Protein 7.9Fat 25.7Carbs ITALPIZZA Woodfired Garden Vegetable Pizza Pizza High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 208kcal 7.7Protein 9.2Fat 26.9Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Grilled Vegetable Pizza Crafted With Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, And A Harmonious Blend Of Eggplant, Spinach, Grilled Zucchini, & Grilled Red And Yellow Peppers, Grilled Vegetable Pizza High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 188kcal 7.2Protein 5.8Fat 25.4Carbs Kingston Marketing Co Sicilian Style Peppers And Cheeses Flatbread Pizza, Sicilian Style Pizza High in sodium — 48% DV per serving 227kcal 9.8Protein 6.7Fat 32Carbs Kingston Marketing Co Modena Style Rich Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena Accents Creamy Brie Flatbread Pizza, Modena Style Pizza High in sodium — 55% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 267kcal 11.6Protein 10.2Fat 32.4Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.