Is Cabot, premium cracker cut slices pepper jack cheese Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a cheese is Halal, the primary concern is the source of the enzymes used to coagulate the milk. For Cabot premium cracker cut slices pepper jack cheese, the ingredients are fresh pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes.

The key ingredient here is the enzymes. In many cheeses, enzymes are derived from the stomach lining of ruminants (animal rennet), which is not Halal if the animal was not slaughtered according to Islamic rites. However, Cabot explicitly states that they use microbial enzymes (often derived from fungi or bacteria) or vegetable-based enzymes. Since the specific enzymes in this product are not animal-derived, it passes the Halal test. Additionally, the cheese cultures are simply the bacteria used to ferment the milk, which are entirely plant/fungal-based and permissible. There are no additives, alcohols, or pork-derived ingredients in this specific variety.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this pepper jack is a solid source of protein and calcium, fitting well into a balanced diet. A standard serving contains roughly 80 calories, with a significant portion coming from healthy fats and protein, which helps with satiety. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it suitable for low-glycemic diets. However, because it is a cheese, it does contain a moderate amount of saturated fat and sodium. For those monitoring their salt intake, portion control is recommended, but for the average consumer, it is a nutrient-dense snack option.