Is Basil & Chive Gournay Cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at ingredients to determine the source of a product. For Basil & Chive Gournay Cheese, the verdict is clear because the foundation of the product is animal-derived. The primary ingredients listed are pasteurized cultured milk and cream. These are dairy products sourced from cows, making the cheese vegetarian (in the lacto- sense) but definitely not vegan.

The remaining ingredients are flavorings and preservatives. Basil (dried and freeze dried) and chives (freeze dried) provide the herbal notes, which are perfectly vegan. However, the inclusion of potassium sorbate as a preservative is standard in soft cheeses to prevent mold growth, but it does not affect the vegan status. The core issue remains the milk and cream base.

Nutritional Value

Gournay cheese is known for being rich and creamy, and that is largely due to the high fat content derived from the cream and milk. While it offers a good amount of calcium and protein typical of dairy products, it is also relatively high in saturated fats and calories compared to some plant-based alternatives. For those monitoring their intake, this is a decadent treat rather than a low-calorie staple. It fits into a standard diet but is not ideal for low-fat or strict vegan regimens.