Is Padano Cheese Vegetarian? (Here’s the Truth)

Is Padano Cheese Vegetarian? No, authentic Padano cheese is not vegetarian. Firstly, Grana Padano PDO is made following strict rules that require calf rennet, and additionally, many packs also include lysozyme (egg). However, for vegetarians who love the nutty, rich flavour, there’s a solution: non-PDO Italian-style hard cheeses made with microbial rennet. These cheeses melt, grate, and taste very similar to Padano—without using any animal ingredients. 

In this guide, you’ll discover why Padano isn’t vegetarian, how to pick veggie-friendly options, and which alternatives taste just as delicious.

What Exactly Is Padano Cheese?

When people talk about Padano cheese, they usually mean Grana Padano PDO. It’s a hard, nutty cheese from Italy made from cow’s milk, similar to Parmesan. The rules for PDO are very strict. They decide how the cheese is made, how long it matures and what ingredients are allowed. This means it must use calf rennet and often lysozyme (egg) to preserve it.

Because of this, Grana Padano PDO isn’t vegetarian, even though it tastes amazing. Vegetarians can enjoy the flavour of non-PDO Italian-style hard cheeses made with vegetarian rennet.

The History and Tradition Behind Grana Padano

Grana Padano has a long and proud history that dates back to the 12th century in Northern Italy. Monks in the Po Valley created it as a way to preserve surplus milk. Over time, it became one of Italy’s most loved cheeses, prized for its nutty flavour and crumbly texture. The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status means cheesemakers must follow traditional recipes, including the use of animal rennet. This keeps the taste authentic but makes it unsuitable for vegetarians.

Why Padano Cheese Isn’t Always Vegetarian

Many people are shocked that Padano cheese isn’t always vegetarian. The reason is in how it’s made. To turn milk into curds, cheesemakers use something called rennet. For Grana Padano PDO, this rennet must come from a calf’s stomach—part of the traditional recipe that gives the cheese its rich flavour and firm texture.

However, vegetarians don’t eat anything made with animal rennet because it comes from animals. Some cheeses today use vegetarian or microbial rennet made from plants or fungi instead. However, the rules for Grana Padano PDO don’t allow that.

So, even though it tastes amazing, authentic Padano cheese isn’t vegetarian-friendly.

Does Grana Padano Still Contain Animal Rennet in 2025?

Yes, it still does. The Grana Padano Consortium in Italy keeps strict rules for making the cheese. Every wheel of Grana Padano PDO must use calf rennet, and if a cheesemaker uses vegetarian rennet, it can’t be sold as Grana Padano PDO.

These traditional methods help preserve the cheese’s famous nutty taste and firm texture. However, that also means it’s not vegetarian. The good news is that some non-PDO Italian-style hard cheeses now use vegetarian rennet, giving you a very similar flavour—just without any animal ingredients.

How to Tell if Your Padano Cheese Is Vegetarian-Friendly

If you’re wondering whether your Padano cheese is vegetarian, check the label. If it says “Grana Padano PDO,” it’s made with calf rennet, so sadly, it’s not vegetarian.

But don’t worry, there are other options! Look for phrases like “vegetarian rennet,” “microbial rennet,” or “suitable for vegetarians.” These are found on non-PDO Italian-style hard cheeses that taste almost the same as Padano but use vegetarian-friendly ingredients instead.

Also, check the allergy list. Many Grana Padano packs include lysozyme (egg), so they’re not suitable if you’re egg-free.

Vegetarian Alternatives That Taste Like Padano

Love the rich, nutty taste of Padano but follow a vegetarian diet? Don’t worry—you don’t have to miss out! Luckily, several Italian-style hard cheeses made with vegetarian-friendly rennet taste very close to Padano. They melt, grate, and add that cheesy goodness to your dishes.

Gran Moravia

With microbial rennet, Gran Moravia has a firm, slightly grainy texture and a deep, nutty flavour. It works wonderfully for grating over pasta or enjoying on a cheese board.

Twineham Grange

This Vegetarian Society-approved cheese is rich, slightly sweet and melts beautifully. It brings the classic Padano flavour to sauces, pasta, and baked dishes.

Murgella Vegetarian Italian Cheese

Crafted using traditional methods, Murgella has a genuine Italian flavour and a firm texture. It’s perfect for grating into recipes or serving alongside meals.

Futura Vegetarian Hard Cheese

Futura delivers a full-bodied flavour with a firm, meltable texture. It’s great for cooking, topping or trying new Italian recipes.

Violife Just Like Parmesan Wedge

Violife offers a savory, tangy taste with a firm texture ideal for vegan or dairy-free eaters. It’s perfect for sprinkling on pasta or as a dairy-free Padano alternative.

Gran Mantovano

Mild and slightly sweet, Gran Mantovano has a firm texture and works well for grating over pasta, slicing for salads, or enjoying on its own.

These cheeses let you enjoy Padano’s flavour while staying vegetarian!

Environmental and Ethical Benefits of Choosing Vegetarian Cheeses

Choosing vegetarian cheeses is a simple way to make a positive difference — for animals, the planet, and your plate.

• Lower environmental impact: Cheeses made with plant-based or microbial rennet avoid animal by-products, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and land use.
• Supports sustainable production: Many vegetarian and vegan cheese producers use renewable energy, local sourcing, and greener manufacturing methods.
• Eco-friendly packaging: Brands often choose recyclable or compostable materials, cutting down on waste and plastic pollution.
• Better for animal welfare: By avoiding animal rennet, you’re supporting kinder, cruelty-free food choices.
• A small change with big benefits: Switching to vegetarian cheese helps the planet while still letting you enjoy that rich, cheesy flavour you love.

Making this switch doesn’t mean giving up taste — it means choosing a more sustainable and ethical way to enjoy your favourite dishes.

Health Benefits of Vegetarian Cheeses

Vegetarian cheeses aren’t just ethical — they can also be a healthier option. Many vegetarian and vegan varieties have lower saturated fat and cholesterol compared to traditional cheeses. Some are also fortified with calcium, vitamin B12, and protein, making them great for balanced diets. Because they often use simpler, cleaner ingredients, they’re easier to digest for people with mild dairy sensitivities. Choosing these cheeses lets you enjoy creamy, savoury flavours while supporting your overall wellbeing.

Can Vegans or Vegetarians Eat Padano Cheese at All?

For vegetarians, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that PDO Grana Padano is made with calf rennet, so it’s unsuitable. The good news is that you can enjoy non-PDO hard cheeses made with vegetarian rennet, which taste very similar.

For vegans, it’s a bit trickier. Cheesemakers still use dairy to make Padano and even the vegetarian alternatives, so vegans can’t eat them. Instead, you can try vegan “Parmesan-style” cheeses, which don’t use animal ingredients but still give a cheesy, nutty flavour.

Different Types of Rennet

Understanding rennet can really help you pick cheeses that match your diet. Let’s break it down:

Animal Rennet

This comes from the stomach of young calves, lambs or goats. It helps milk turn into cheese and gives a rich, strong flavour and firm texture. However, it’s not vegetarian, so avoiding animal products usually skips it.

Vegetarian Rennet

It is made from plants like thistle, fig, or nettle. It curdles milk naturally and is perfect for vegetarians. The flavour is usually milder, and some artisanal cheeses taste slightly sweet and earthy.

Microbial Rennet

This type is made by fermenting fungi or bacteria. It’s completely animal-free and safe for vegetarians. It’s very common in commercial cheeses, so you’ll find it in many supermarket options.

Genetically Engineered Rennet (Chymosin)

Also called fermentation-produced chymosin, it works just like animal rennet but is cruelty-free. Many vegetarian cheeses use this type because it gives the same taste and texture as traditional rennet.

Final Verdict: Should You Choose Padano or a Veggie Alternative?

So, is Padano cheese vegetarian? The answer is no. Cheesemakers use animal rennet to make Grana Padano PDO, so it’s not vegetarian.

But don’t worry—you can still enjoy that nutty, rich flavour if you’re vegetarian. Look for non-PDO Italian-style hard cheeses like Twineham Grange or Gran Moravia. They use vegetarian or microbial rennet so that you can taste Padano without animal ingredients.

In short, choose authentic Padano for tradition, or pick a vegetarian alternative for guilt-free, worry-free flavor. 

Want to learn vegetarian cooking and tasty alternatives like these? Join the Vegetarian Cookery Course at School of Health Care!

FAQs

• Is Padano cheese suitable for vegetarians?

          No, authentic Grana Padano PDO uses calf rennet, so it’s not vegetarian.

• Does Grana Padano have rennet in it?

          Yes, it contains calf rennet as required by PDO rules.

• Is cheese suitable for vegetarians?

          It depends. Cheese made with vegetarian or microbial rennet is suitable, but animal rennet cheeses are not.

• Why is Parmigiano Reggiano not vegetarian?

         They use calf rennet to make it, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly.

• Is Tesco Parmigiano vegetarian or not?

         Most Tesco Parmigiano uses animal rennet, so it’s not vegetarian.

• Is halloumi vegetarian?

          Producers make most halloumi with vegetarian rennet, but always check the label.