I was wondering if anyone who was a vegetarian (ovo-lacto, of course) considered Kraft Macaroni and Cheese vegetarian. I know that some Kraft cheese doesn't contain rennet, but could or does their Macaroni?

You're asking about the whole "Macaroni and Cheese" product, correct? Not just asking if the macaroni pasta itself has rennett in it... (dry pasta wouldn't have rennett in it).

According to the ingredients listed on their website, it just says "dried cheese powder, whey" and some other items, it doesn't list rennett as an ingredient, but that doesn't mean anything really - you'd probably have to write Kraft and ask them...

The regular kind here does not have rennet in it, but the extra cheesy shells, the alfrado and the extra cheesy easy mac does. Just read the lables... look out for "rennet". Rennet is not vegetarian.

Ive been woundering about that.

Rennet is not vegetarian.

unless it comes from a vegetarian source.

unless it comes from a vegetarian source.

It's called 'microbial enzyme' if it comes from a vegetarian source.

It's called 'microbial enzyme' if it comes from a vegetarian source.


The two vegetarian cheese that I (albeit occasionally) buy from my local co-op says, "veggie rennet" or "rennet obtained from vegetarian source" on the label.

Sometimes, rennet, whether bovine or microbial, is simply listed as "enzymes". In those cases, the only way to know (as far as I know) is to ask the company whether or not the "enzymes" are from animal sources.

I just got this reply from Kraft today:

Thank you for visiting http://www.kraftfoods.com/.

Here is the information you requested about the enzymes we use in our products.

The process of converting milk into cheese is dependent on coagulating milk through the use of enzymes. We only use enzymes purchased from reputable suppliers for processing our various lines of cheese.

Currently, the enzymes used to make the cheese powder in packages of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Grated Topping are derived from both animal sources (calves and sheep) and microbial sources. However, we are looking into new ways of processing our various lines of cheese products that would eliminate the need for enzymes that are derived from animal sources.

Again, thanks for contacting us, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy our products.

Kim McMiller
Associate Director, Consumer Relations

I guess that settles that. Kraft is not vegetarian.

Don't sweat it, though. After you try Annies Mac and Cheese, you'll never want the glowing orange stuff again. :-)

BTW, if money's tight and you can't afford to switch to Annie's, you might find that your store brand is free of animal rennet.

Regardless, if you're concerned about animals, cutting out cheese itself is a hell of a lot more important than worrying about rennet.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I ate Kraft Macroni and Cheese on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are reasons beyond cruelty to animals (through dairy consumption) and rennet as to why people should avoid this crap like the plague. Nutritionally it's pretty disgusting.... white pasta and chemicals! mmmmm! :rolleyes:

I've always hated cheese so here's one more food that I don't have to worry about:hamster: .