Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam

Is Parmesan Cheese Halal: If you are confused about whether is parmesan cheese halal or haram then you are in the right place you can clear your doubt here so read this full article to know more detail.
Parmesan cheese is a delectable delight that can be enjoyed on its own or in a variety of dishes. This cheese has been a part of households for centuries, yet many things remain unknown about it.
Parmesan cheese is a delectable hard cheese that has been aged to perfection, boasting a sharp and salty flavor. It’s derived from cow’s milk and is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, adding an extra bit of flavor to any dish.
Are you curious to discover the secrets of Parmesan cheese? Let’s uncover the question Is Parmesan Cheese Halal
Parmesan cheese can be deemed halal, as long as the ingredients used in its production are permissible according to Islamic dietary laws. In recent times, many producers of this delectable cheese have switched to plant-based or microbial rennet, rather than animal rennet, making it a viable option for those who follow a halal diet.
Is Parmesan Cheese Halal Or Haram?
Parmesan cheese can be either haram or halal depending on what it is made of. Generally, the ingredients used to make this cheese come from both animals and plants.
Is parmesan cheese halal or haram? The answer depends on the source of its components and how they were slaughtered. If they came from halal animals and were slaughtered in a halal fashion, then yes, it is acceptable to consume. If not, then it would be considered haram.
Did you know that some Parmesan cheese products contain components that may not be Halal-certified? These could include rennet, an enzyme needed to turn milk into cheese during the cheese-making process.
Islamic schools of thought have varying takes on rennet and its uses. One such example is the use of a calf’s stomach lining to make rennet, which may not be permissible for Muslims to consume.
The verdict on Parmesan cheese is uncertain, with some academics claiming its consumption is haraam if it was made using rennet extracted from dead flesh. However, it is up to the individual to decide if they want to partake in its consumption creatively.
Parmesan cheese can be enjoyed guilt-free if it is made from milk sourced from an animal that is permissible to consume according to Islamic principles, and it has been produced with rennet taken from an animal that was sacrificed by Islamic law, with no impurities added.
It is not permissible to consume cheese that is produced from the milk of an animal that humans are not allowed to eat, according to scholarly opinion. Put simply, if it’s not halal, the cheese isn’t either.
If Parmesan cheese is made with rennet from a source that is not halal, such as pig rennet, it should not be consumed. (Source)
Use Of Parmesan Cheese
The versatility of parmesan cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including pasta dishes, mashed potatoes, pizza, salads, baked goods, dips, breakfast dishes, and side dishes. Among its numerous applications are:
- used to spaghetti recipes to give them flavor
- added to casseroles, omelets, shepherd’s pie, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes
- used as a garnish for salads and pizza
- used in baked dishes, like garlic cheesy crackers
- used in sauces like jalapeño popper sauce
- used in meals like Parmesan breakfast potatoes for brunch.
- used as a side ingredient in dishes like baked potatoes and asparagus with parmesan
Ingredients Explained With Halal And Haram Status
The specific ingredients used in the manufacture of Parmesan cheese will determine whether the cheese is halal or haram. With the exception of rennet, which can be either halal or haram depending on its place of origin, parmesan cheese is normally free of haram ingredients and is acceptable for Muslim consumption.
Halal Ingredients:
- Milk: The main ingredient in Parmesan cheese is milk, which is considered halal.
- Bacterial Culture: Bacterial cultures used in the fermentation process of Parmesan cheese are halal.
- Salt: Salt is a common ingredient in Parmesan cheese and is considered halal.
Haram Ingredients:
- Rennet: Typically, rennet—a naturally occurring enzyme discovered in the stomach of young mammals—is used to make Parmesan cheese. Because it comes from non-halal sources, rennet is forbidden in a Muslim’s diet.
Because rennet is made from the swine stomach lining, which is unquestionably haram in Islam, it is the sole potentially haram component of Parmesan cheese. Although other halal animals can provide this rennet, the slaughter must have met with Islamic laws.
Types Of Parmesan Cheese

A granular, hard cheese made from cow’s milk that has been matured for at least a year is known as parmesan. In numerous recipes, including pasta, salads, and soups, parmesan cheese—known as the “King of Cheeses”—is utilized.
There are numerous varieties of parmesan cheese, and each one has a unique personality and set of characteristics. Several types of parmesan cheese are:
Parmigiano Reggiano
It has a flaky, grainy texture and a rich, fruity flavor with a hint of hazelnut. It tastes best when grated over spaghetti, salads, and soups.
Parmigiano Reggiano Vacche Rosse
This particular variety of Parmesan cheese is produced with the milk of Red Reggiana cows, a breed known for its superior flavor.
Grana Padano
Another aged at least nine months, hard, granular cheese made from cow’s milk.
Pecorino Romano
It has a sharp, tangy flavor and is perfect for grating over pasta, salads, and soups.
American Grana
This particular variety of Parmesan cheese is an American creation that was modeled after the original Italian cheese. It is ideal for grating over pasta, pizza, and salads and has a texture and flavor that are comparable to Parmigiano Reggiano.
Ingredients Of Parmesan Cheese
Since each variety has a distinct flavor, texture, and set of qualities, it can be used in a variety of meals and recipes.
Depending on the type of cheese and the producer, Parmesan cheese’s constituents might vary slightly. However, milk, salt, and rennet are the three main components of parmesan cheese.
Rennet is an enzyme that aids in catalyzing the coagulation of milk proteins, a step crucial to the production of cheese. To preserve the flavor or texture of the cheese, some makers may add potassium sorbate or cellulose powder.
There are only three components that Parmesan cheese produced in the European Union must have:
- Milk
- Salt
- Animal rennet.
A series of hard-grating cheeses manufactured from cow’s milk that is called parmesan cheese are produced outside of the European Union and are modeled after the original Italian cheese. These cheeses, which are often light yellow in color, are typically grated and added to foods like pizza, Caesar salad, and spaghetti.
How To Make Parmesan Cheese?
Here is a recipe for making Parmesan cheese at home:
- Keep the following in mind Ingredients:
- Two tonnes of milk
- Thermophilic Direct Set Cheese Culture, 1 packet
- Lipase Powder, Capilase (Very Sharp), 1/4 teaspoon
- 50 ml of chilled water
- 12 Rennet Cheese salt tablet
Follow the directions provided to produce the parmesan cheese:
- Milk should be heated to 33 °C.
- Stir well after adding the starting cultures and lipase.
- For about 15 minutes, cover the milk and let it ripen.
- Stir vigorously after adding the diluted rennet.
- Make sure the temperature stays at 33°C while allowing it to set for around 45 minutes.
- The curd should be divided into small pieces and gradually warmed to 42°C while being stirred.
- Give the curd five minutes to settle.
- Transferring the curd to a mold coated with cheesecloth comes after draining the whey.
- For around twelve hours, press the curd.
- After removing the cheese from the mold, let it air dry for two to three days.
- The cheese should mature for at least a year after being salted with cheese rub.
Is It Possible To Craft A Delicious Parmesan Cheese Without Relying On Animal-derived Rennet?
It can be tricky to source rennet-free Parmesan cheese. A thick, creamy texture is usually achieved with the help of rennet – an ingredient that can be made from either plants or animals.
It is possible to enjoy Parmesan cheese if the rennet is derived from an animal that was killed according to Islam’s Shari’ah law, making it permissible to consume.
Consuming cheese that has been made using rennet from an animal that has not died according to Islamic laws is not permissible. Such cheese is considered to be unclean and should be avoided.
Parmesan Cheese That Is Halal

Did you know that if you purchase Parmesan cheese from a store, it is highly likely that it has been made using animal rennet? Yikes!
Today, however, a few brave brands have dared to challenge traditional Italian production techniques. They are shaking up the industry and making a bold statement – “Halal Parmesan is possible”!
The clever cheese makers found a way to switch from animal rennet to something more modern, such as microbial rennet and plant-based rennet. This rennet is derived from beneficial bacteria, mold, and fungus, making it a more modern and sustainable option.
Vegetarian and halal rennet can be sourced from artichoke, cardoon thistle, and fig leaves – a truly creative way to ensure is Parmesan Cheese Halal.
Parmesan cheese can be halal, as some manufacturers use vegetable or microbial rennet in the production process.
It can be tough to figure out if the rennet in a given type of parmesan cheese is from a Halal source. However, with a little research, customers can confirm if their choice of cheese is Halal or not.
What is the Halal status of Kraft Parmesan Cheese? Kraft Parmesan Cheese is not only vegetarian-friendly, but it’s also halal-friendly! Its coagulation is made possible by microbial rennet, so make sure to check the label when you purchase it. You’re good to go!
Here Are Some More Topics To Read For Your Interest-
List Of The Best Halal And Haram Cheeses – Full Information In 2023
Some Halal And Vegan-friendly Brands
Violife Vegan Parmesan
This company uses coconut oil and vitamin B12 to create a cheese that is entirely vegetarian and vegan. It is halal and free of lactose, dairy, and soy.
Parma Vegan Parmesan Cheese
In addition to tasting comparable to real Parmesan, this vegan version is more affordable.
GO Veggie Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Its taste is like traditional Parmesan cheese, but it is dairy-free and rennet-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Parmesan (Grated)
Among other components, this Parmesan alternative is prepared with organic palm fruit, sea salt, and nutritional yeast.
Wanna Know What Type Of Parmesan Cheese Are Halal-
Conclusion
Finally, the big question is – is Parmesan cheese Halal? The answer is a resounding Yes! Halal Parmesan cheese is produced with rennet from a source allowed according to Islamic standards, such as plant-based or microbiological rennet, and no contaminants are added.
When buying Parmesan cheese, take a moment to check the label to make sure it’s Halal-certified and enjoy with peace of mind. Furthermore, Parmesan cheese may be halal if the milk is derived from halal animals such as cows, goats, and sheep.
It is important to thoroughly examine the ingredient list used to create parmesan cheese to confirm that it is halal. Some cheddar cheese products are branded as halal, vegan, or vegetarian, or employ plant-based rennet, making them safe for Muslim eating.
Also, Check:
Is Mozzarella Cheese Halal Or Haram? Complete Information 2023
Is Cheddar Cheese Halal Or Haram? Insights You Need In 2023