Parmesan cheese uses rennet, an enzyme that's found in the lining of a goat or calf's stomach. Because cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Manchengo, Gruyère, Gorgonzola, and others use it, they aren't technically vegetarian.

What cheese has no rennet?

Paneer and cottage cheese is traditionally made without rennet and is instead coagulated with an acidic ingredient like vinegar or lemon juice. Artisan cheeses from specific areas may be vegetarian.

Is rennet in every cheese?

So, how do you know what cheeses are vegetarian-friendly? ... Now, not all cheese contains animal rennet. Soft dairy products that contain whey (like paneer, ricotta, yogurt, and cream cheese) practically never have rennet, because of how they're traditionally made.