List of Halal Cheeses & Non-Halal from Kraft
Cheese plays a central role in many cuisines worldwide, but for Muslim consumers, ensuring the cheese they consume is halal-compliant can be challenging. Not all cheeses meet Islamic dietary standards, as the production process can involve non-halal ingredients such as animal rennet.
Kraft, one of the most recognizable cheese brands, offers a wide range of products, making it essential for consumers to know which of its products are permissible.
This guide provides detailed insights into the halal status of Kraft cheeses based on direct communication with the company.
Additionally, it explores other non-Kraft halal cheeses, the role of rennet, and practical advice to help you make informed decisions when buying cheese.
What Makes Cheese Halal or Non-Halal?
The halal status of cheese hinges on the ingredients and methods used during production. In particular, rennet—an enzyme crucial for curdling milk—is a key concern.
Rennet can be derived from the stomach lining of young animals such as calves, goats, or sheep. If these animals are not slaughtered according to Islamic rules, the cheese made using their rennet becomes haram (forbidden).
Many manufacturers, however, use microbial or plant-based rennet, which does not come from animals. Microbial rennet is produced through fermentation processes involving fungi, bacteria, or yeast.
This type of rennet makes the cheese suitable for Muslims. Yet, many companies do not explicitly label whether their rennet is animal-based or microbial, creating ambiguity for Muslim consumers.
Understanding these nuances will help you determine whether a cheese product, such as those from Kraft, is halal. To clarify the status of Kraft cheeses, I reached out to the company’s customer service directly.
Kraft’s Response on Halal Cheese
Below is the query I sent to Kraft’s Consumer Relations department to get a better understanding of their ingredients:
Dear Kraft Team, I hope this message finds you well. Could you please clarify if the enzymes used in your cheeses, particularly in the US, are derived from animal rennet? If animal rennet is used, is it obtained from animals slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines? Thank you for your assistance.
Here is the response I received from Kraft:
*Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting Kraft. Below is the information regarding the enzymes used in some of our cheese products:
- Sharp & Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheeses: Contain animal-derived enzymes from calf, kid, or lamb, but no pork is used.
- Kraft Grated Romano Cheese: Uses animal-based enzymes.
- Kraft Natural Swiss and Grated Parmesan: Use microbial rennet. The Parmesan may contain lipase, which is animal-derived.
- Kraft Singles: Contains a mix of microbial and animal enzymes from cow, sheep, and goat.
- Velveeta and Deli Deluxe: Use both microbial and animal enzymes from cow, lamb, or goat.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Made with microbial cultures and contains no animal rennet.
This response confirms that while some Kraft cheeses use microbial rennet, others rely on animal-based enzymes, which complicates their halal status. Below is a detailed breakdown of which Kraft cheeses are permissible and which are not.
READ ALSO: List of Halal Chips in the USA & Canada
List of Halal Kraft Cheeses
Based on Kraft’s response, the following cheeses are suitable for consumption by Muslims since they use microbial rennet and do not contain impermissible ingredients:
1. Kraft Natural Swiss Cheese
- Uses only microbial rennet, making it permissible for Muslims. This cheese is ideal for sandwiches, salads, and light meals.
2. Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese
- Made with microbial cultures and contains no animal-based enzymes. This soft cheese is perfect for spreading on bagels or baking in cheesecakes.
3. Kraft Mozzarella Cheese
- Uses microbial rennet, which ensures it is halal. Mozzarella is a popular ingredient in pizzas and lasagna.
4. Kraft Natural Cheddar (Non-Sharp Varieties)
- Non-sharp varieties use microbial enzymes, making them permissible. Cheddar is versatile and can be used in burgers, casseroles, or sandwiches.
5. Philadelphia Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese
- A flavored cream cheese made with permissible microbial cultures. It adds a rich taste to crackers, bread, and dips.
List of Non-Halal Kraft Cheeses
The following Kraft cheeses contain animal-derived enzymes, which are not guaranteed to be halal since the animals may not have been slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines:
- Sharp & Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Kraft Grated Romano Cheese
- Velveeta Processed Cheese
- Kraft Singles (American Cheese)
- Deli Deluxe Cheese Slices
These products contain enzymes from calf, lamb, or goat, making them non-halal by Islamic standards. It is recommended that Muslim consumers avoid these cheeses unless the company provides halal certification or guarantees compliant sourcing practices.
Halal Alternatives to Kraft Cheeses
If you are looking for more options beyond Kraft, many other cheese brands offer halal-friendly products. Some of these brands include:
1. Organic Valley
- Offers several halal-certified cheeses made with microbial rennet. Their mozzarella and cheddar varieties are popular.
2. Tillamook
- Uses microbial enzymes in many of their cheeses, making them suitable for Muslims.
3. Cabot Creamery
- Produces a wide range of cheeses, many of which are made with plant-based or microbial rennet.
4. Boar’s Head
- Their Gouda and Mozzarella cheeses are labeled as vegetarian, ensuring they do not contain animal-derived rennet.
Why Is Rennet So Important?
Rennet plays a crucial role in cheese-making by separating the curds from the whey. Traditional animal rennet is derived from the stomach lining of young mammals.
In Islamic dietary law, rennet is only permissible if the animal from which it is sourced was slaughtered according to halal standards. If not, the enzyme—and any product made using it—becomes haram.
Given the importance of rennet, many cheese manufacturers have turned to microbial rennet to cater to a broader audience. Microbial rennet is produced through the fermentation of fungi or bacteria and is suitable for halal, vegetarian, and vegan consumers.
Practical Tips for Finding Halal Cheese
When shopping for cheese, it is crucial to look beyond the brand name and examine the ingredients. Here are some practical tips to ensure the cheese you purchase aligns with your dietary preferences:
- Read the Ingredient List Carefully
Look for specific terms like “microbial rennet,” “vegetarian enzymes,” or “plant-based enzymes.” These indicate that the cheese does not contain animal-derived rennet. - Look for Halal Certification
Some cheese products carry a halal certification label. This ensures the cheese complies with Islamic dietary laws. - Contact the Manufacturer
If the ingredient list is unclear, do not hesitate to contact the company’s customer service for clarification. - Opt for Vegetarian or Vegan Cheese
Vegetarian and vegan cheeses are typically made without animal enzymes, making them a safer choice for Muslims. - Use Online Resources
Websites and apps dedicated to halal food reviews can help you identify halal-friendly cheese brands and products.
FAQs: Common Questions About Halal Cheese
1. Does Kraft Cheese Contain Pork?
No, Kraft has confirmed that none of their cheese products contain pork-derived ingredients.
2. Is Parmesan Cheese Halal?
Traditional Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano) uses animal rennet, making it non-halal. However, many companies now produce vegetarian Parmesan using microbial enzymes, which is permissible.
3. Can Halal Cheese Be Found in Local Grocery Stores?
Yes, many supermarkets carry halal-certified or vegetarian-friendly cheeses. Look for labels indicating the use of microbial rennet or halal certification.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of halal and non-halal cheese can be tricky, especially with companies like Kraft offering a variety of products.
While some Kraft cheeses are made with microbial enzymes and are halal-friendly, others contain animal-derived rennet, making them non-compliant with Islamic dietary laws. Muslim consumers must carefully read labels, contact manufacturers, and seek halal-certified alternatives when necessary.
By following this guide, you can make informed decisions about the cheese you consume, ensuring it aligns with your religious beliefs. Remember, there are many halal-friendly alternatives available in the market, so enjoying your favorite dishes without compromising on your values is entirely possible.
If you have any further questions or need specific recommendations for halal cheeses, feel free to reach out or explore additional halal food resources.
