Is Mild Cheddar Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a cheese product is suitable for a vegan diet, we must look beyond the rennet. While many cheeses use animal stomach lining (animal rennet), this specific Mild Cheddar uses vegetarian rennet. This is an enzyme complex, usually derived from fungi or plants, used to coagulate the milk. However, this is the only vegan-friendly aspect of the ingredient list.

The defining ingredient here is pasteurized milk. Milk is a secretion from mammals, specifically cows in the case of cheddar, and is strictly avoided by vegans. It provides the lactose and casein that give the cheese its texture and flavor. Additionally, the presence of cheese cultures indicates the use of live bacteria to ferment the milk, a standard process in dairy cheesemaking. Finally, potato starch is added as an anticaking agent; while vegan, it is used here to prevent the shreds from clumping together in the package.

Nutritional Value

As a dairy product, Mild Cheddar offers a specific nutritional profile. It is generally high in saturated fat and contains a moderate amount of sodium due to the added salt. It is also a source of protein and calcium, which are naturally occurring in the milk base. For those not adhering to a vegan diet, it fits well into a standard diet, though portion control is recommended for those monitoring calorie intake or saturated fat levels. It contains zero sugar, which is a positive attribute compared to some processed cheese spreads that may contain added sweeteners.