Is Polly o string reduced fat mozzarella cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this cheese stick isn't vegan, we need to look at the source material. The manufacturing process for string cheese begins with animal milk, specifically Pasteurized part-skim milk. This is the foundation of the product and the main reason it is disqualified from a vegan diet.

The coagulation process uses Vinegar and Enzymes (non-animal). While the enzymes are specified as non-animal (often microbial rennet), the milk itself is an animal byproduct. The addition of Vitamin A Palmitate is a common fortification in dairy products to replace nutrients lost during the skimming process.

It is important to note that while the enzymes may be plant-derived or microbial, the presence of milk makes the product vegetarian (lacto-vegetarian) but strictly not vegan.

Nutritional Value

For those monitoring their intake, the reduced fat aspect of this cheese is significant. It typically contains fewer calories and less total fat than the full-fat version, making it a popular choice for weight management. However, it still provides a substantial amount of protein derived from dairy.

The product is generally low in sugar, which is a positive attribute. It fits well into low-carb or keto-style diets, though the sodium content is something to watch if you are salt-sensitive. It is a calorie-dense snack relative to its size, so portion control is key even with the reduced fat formula.