Is feta cheese halal? You may have been wondering after someone has told you not to eat any cheese because it might be haram.
The term halal is used by Muslims to designate lawful practices and foods.
It means using any prohibited ingredient in cheese production can render it useless for Muslims or vegetarians.
But, what about feta? Is feta cheese halal?
And can you find any halal feta cheese brands? It depends on the ingredients – if made using animal rennet, it is not halal, but many brands use vegetal rennet or avoid rennet, making feta halal.
Going for Everyone’s Favorite Feta
Made using milk from goats and sheep, feta is a white, brined Greek cheese and an absolute favorite of many people around the world.
Mostly produced in Germany but exported worldwide, it is extremely smooth, with a few or no slits, and a dense feel.
Large blocks are made and aged in brine, creating a crumbly, slightly gritty product.
Feta is so adaptable that you can use it in almost any recipe that asks for salty cheese.
You can use feta in many ways. For instance:
- Have as a topping for salads and soups
- Toss it with veggies
- Serve with roasted grains
- Enjoy with pastas
- Have in galettes and pies
Feta is also delicious when eaten solo with a side of peppers, olives, olive oil, and warm flatbread.
Now, the question is that when this cheese is so versatile and healthy, why would someone be wary of including it in their diet?
It might be because some people may not consider it “halal.”
Fact: Feta is normally made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk, with a cap placed on the percentage of goat milk used at 30%.
Should You Worry about the Halal Status of Cheese?
Probably yes! And it all depends on the enzymes used in the production process.
Cheese is made of three different enzymes, including:
- Pepsin
- Lipase
- Rennet
These enzymes come from either plants or animals or microorganisms. But, cows and pigs are the two most common examples of animal sources.
Fact: The first written record of this famous cheese appears in Homer's Odyssey, indicating a long and storied history.
Is There a Halal Version of Cheese?
Cheese’s supposed halal status has to be called into question considering pepsin and lipase may come from pigs.
Even if these enzymes come from cows, they may not be useable for vegetarians.
The same is true for rennet.
But, at the same time, different practices are common too. For instance, the calf’s stomach is used to create a halal kind of rent.
Similarly, cheese fermented with yeasts and bacteria is likewise considered halal.
Depending on the enzyme you select, you may rest assured that the cheese you purchase meets the requirements for halal food.
Fact: Feta is extremely popular with more than 12,000 tons being eaten annually in the UK alone.
The Permissibility of Feta Cheese and Rennet
When it comes to determining the halal status of cheese, the most controversial ingredient is “rennet.”
Young calf stomachs are the source of this enzyme. They fill the calf’s tummy with milk and let it dry before slaughtering it.
Cheese can be made from dried powder.
Rennet consists of a wide variety of enzymes, including chymosin, an enzyme that breaks down the casein in milk.
This aids the digestive process of nursing infant mammals.
It is possible to use rennet to separate milk into curds for whey and cheesemaking.
The rennet used to produce the cheese may contain haram ingredients because the animal’s identity and the manner of slaughter are unclear.
Varied Opinions Regarding Rennet
The question of whether or not cheeses produced with animal rennet are permissible under Islamic law is a matter of some debate among Islamic academics and denominations.
Rennet extracted from a pig’s belly is always forbidden in Islamic law, but beyond that, the subject becomes murkier.
Cheese created using animal rennet is said to be halal because the rennet is no longer present in the cheese once the milk has split into curds and whey.
While it can be confusing for some, it is possible to find many commercial cheese brands certified as halal.
And practically all vegetarian cheeses are halal because they do not contain any components from slain animals.
Is Feta Cheese Halal or Not?
To determine whether or not feta cheese is halal, you have to have a closer look at its ingredients.
Again, the presence of rennet makes it off-limits, but not all brands use it in the first place.
Now, the truth is that traditional feta uses animal rennet, making it inedible to vegetarians, and probably unsuitable to Muslims.
But, it is not always that simple, is it?
Feta cheese can be produced using either animal or vegetable rennet; some manufacturers even create both types.
The ingredients for authentic feta cheese should always include sheep's or goat's milk and animal rennet.
Going with the Halal Vegetarian Feta
Vegetarian versions are possible when produced with vegetable rennet.
Producing vegetarian rennet is simpler and less expensive than producing animal rennet, hence vegetarian products are typically less expensive.
It means that feta cheese can be both halal or haram, depending on the ingredients.
Therefore, you have to check the label or ask the cheesemonger to make sure.
Fact: An 28g serving of feta provides you with 5.3g of protein, 1.56g of carbs, and about 76 calories.
Popular Brands of Halal Feta Cheese
If you want to be absolutely sure, you will be better off going with vegan feta, as it is always halal.
Vegan feta mimics the texture and appearance of its animal-based counterpart in every way.
Many people love it because it is:
- Savory
- Salty
- Crumbly
- Creamy
Just like the real feta cheese!
In fact, vegan cheeses are even more delicious than dairy cheeses because no animals were injured in their production.
In an effort to protest cruelty to sheep, many consumers choose to support businesses that do not use animal products.
And the upside is that these products are halal too.
Here are some halal feta cheese brands to consider:
Big Mountain Foods Fava Feta
Big Mountain Foods has made a name for itself in the vegan food industry with products like whole foods vegan meats and of course, soy-free tofu.
It stands to reason that the company would also produce feta that is just as healthy for humans as it is for sheep.
The addition of this protein-rich cheese made from fava beans can elevate any dish, and is halal too.
Daiya Feta Style Block
Whether cubed, crumbled, or sliced, Daiya’s vegan feta is a delicious addition to crisp salads and hearty pastas.
And yes, you do not have to worry about its halal status either.
Kourellas Vegan Cheese
This halal feta comes in five distinct tastes, including:
- Olives and Chili
- Tomato and Oregano
- Peppers and Garlic
- Classic
- Smoked
Whether you use it pan-fried in cornstarch or use it on Greek salad, it makes everything shine a little more.
Violife Just Like Feta
Violife always manages to find the appropriate recipe for a wide variety of foods by drawing on its Greek roots.
The same holds true for this halal feta.
You may enjoy it over a portobello mushroom or try it as a topping for a Greek salad with cherry tomatoes and olives.
Epiros Organic Feta
The white cheese known as Epiros Organic Feta is made from brined curds.
It is easy to crumble but has a rich, velvety texture, a mild, balanced flavor, and a memorable aftertaste.
Organic pasteurized milk is used in its production, and the cheese is matured for at least three months.
It has already debuted to widespread acclaim in overseas markets, and is a great choice for people searching for halal feta cheese.
Finding Additional Halal Cheese Options
Ultimately, it all comes down to the ingredients used in your cheese. For instance, many popular brands now offer safer cheese options for Muslims as well as vegetarians.
Belgioso is a great example here, as it is gluten-free and flavored with herbs.
As it is dairy-free, it works perfectly for vegetarians and those suffering from lactose intolerance.
Not to mention it works just fine for people worried about cheese’s halal status.
Other than this, you can also find many other halal cheeses in stores, including:
- Lucerne
- Schnucks
- Market Pantry
- Shoprite
- Lifeway
- Great Value
- Sorrento
Fact: To be on the safe side, just do not forget to check the label and read everything included in your favorite cheese.
Read Next: What Goes With Havarti Cheese?
Takeaway
Is feta cheese halal or not? It can be a confusing question because most people think they never have to worry about the halal status of cheese.
The truth is that cheese can contain ingredients not permissible in Islam or suitable for vegans/vegetarians. Animal rennet is one such ingredient.
So, it is a good idea to switch to vegan feta, which is often less expensive yet equally delicious.