What are halal cheeses?

Halal cheeses are those that do not contain ingredients prohibited under Islamic dietary laws. Some commonly used ingredients that make cheese non-halal are animal rennet (unless specified that it comes from halal meat); gelatin made from pork skins (sometimes used as stabilizers or thickeners); enzymes derived from non-halal sources; certain mold cultures used in the ripening process; microbial enzymes used for flavor development unless derived from plants or halal sources; and other additives made from non-halal ingredients. For a cheese to be considered halal, all its individual ingredients should adhere to Islamic guidelines. Halal certification from reputable Islamic authorities or detailed information provided by cheese manufacturers can help consumers choose permissible cheese varieties according to their preferences.