Is Original String Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look closely at the label to understand the composition of a product. For Original String, the ingredient list is short but decisive regarding its vegan status. The sole ingredient listed is low moisture part skim mozzarella cheese. This specific type of cheese is made from pasteurized part skim milk, which comes from cows. In the vegan community, any product derived from animals—including milk, eggs, or honey—is excluded. Therefore, the presence of milk immediately disqualifies this product from being vegan.

It is also important to consider the non-vegan nature of the enzymes used in cheesemaking. While many modern enzymes are microbial, traditional cheesemaking often utilizes rennet, an enzyme complex derived from the stomach lining of young ruminants. Because the label does not specify the source of the enzymes, strict vegans should assume it may not be plant-based. Additionally, while not present in this specific ingredient list, cheese products often use cheese cultures which are bacteria strains, but the fundamental base of the product remains animal-derived milk.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Original String is a high-fat, high-protein, low-carb snack. Because it is essentially pure cheese, it is calorie-dense. A single serving typically contains a significant amount of saturated fat and sodium, which is standard for dairy cheese. However, it is very low in sugar and contains zero carbohydrates, making it a popular choice for those on Keto or low-carb diets. It also provides a good amount of calcium. If you are monitoring your saturated fat intake or following a low-sodium diet, you would need to limit your consumption of this product. It fits well into diets that prioritize protein and fat over carbohydrates, but it is not suitable for those avoiding dairy for health (lactose intolerance) or ethical reasons.