Is Raw Cheddar Cheese Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I often see confusion regarding the label 'vegetarian enzymes' in cheesemaking. It is crucial to distinguish between the source of the enzymes and the source of the milk. The ingredients listed for this Raw Cheddar Cheese are Organic grass-fed cultured unpasteurized milk, sea salt, and vegetarian enzymes. While the enzymes might be derived from plants (like thistle) rather than animal rennet (calf stomach), the primary ingredient is unequivocally animal-derived.

The Organic grass-fed cultured unpasteurized milk is the dealbreaker. 'Cultured' indicates that bacterial cultures have been added to acidify the milk, turning it into cheese. Regardless of how the milk is processed—whether pasteurized or raw—it is a direct product of the dairy industry. Therefore, this cheddar cannot be classified as vegan.

Nutritional Value

Raw cheddar is a nutrient-dense food, but it is also calorie-dense. A standard serving contains significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium due to the sea salt and the natural fat content of the unpasteurized milk. It is an excellent source of protein and calcium, but for those monitoring cholesterol or sodium intake, it should be consumed in moderation. It contains zero sugar (naturally), which is a plus, but the fat content is high.