Is there animal rennet in cheddar cheese?

Traditionally, cheddar cheese was made using animal rennet, which is an enzyme extracted from the stomachs of calves. However, nowadays, most cheddar cheeses are made using microbial rennet. This is an enzyme derived from fungi or bacteria that provides the same functionality as animal rennet in the cheesemaking process.

Therefore, while some cheddar cheeses might still use animal rennet, it is not common. You can usually find information on the label about the type of rennet used, so if you're concerned about animal products, it's best to check.

Here are some tips for identifying cheddar cheese made with animal rennet:

* Check the label: Look for the words "animal rennet" or "rennet" without any specific source.

* Look for certifications: Some cheeses are labeled as "vegetarian" or "vegan," which means they were made with microbial rennet.

* Contact the cheesemaker: If you're unsure, you can contact the cheesemaker directly to inquire about their rennet source.

It's worth noting that some people are concerned about animal welfare related to animal rennet production. Microbial rennet offers an alternative that addresses these concerns and is becoming increasingly common in cheesemaking.