Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered below, please call 01323 636110

Are all products suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all our products are Vegetarian Society Approved

CHEESE QUESTIONS

I thought all cheeses were suitable for vegetarians?

Most cheeses produced in the UK use a vegetarian rennet, however many foreign cheeses use the traditional animal rennet.

What is Animal Rennet?

Animal Rennet is an enzyme which is found in the stomach lining of a calf's stomach. As a calf drinks, the enzyme coagulates the milk, which separates of the solids (curds) and liquid (whey)

What is Vegetarian Rennet?

It is a carbon copy of the animal rennet, but derives from a fungus and therefore no animal has had to die to create the cheese.

Is Italian Parmesan suitable for Vegetarians?

No, it contains animal rennet, it is normally labelled as caglio.

Do your cheeses contain milk?

Yes, however it is a common asumption to think that because it's vegetarian it must be milk free. Milk Free cheese is classed as Vegan. Many people with a dairy intolerance are able to tolerate a Parmesan style cheese. If you can not eat cow's milk, try buffalo milk cheese, this milk is very different from cow's milk.

Are your cheeses pasteurised?

Our Sussex Charmer is made using pasteurised milk, Our Twineham Grange Vegetarian Pasta Cheese is made using traditional Italian methods and Un-pasteurised milk.

I'm pregnant and have been told not to eat unpasteurised cheese, does this mean I can not eat Parmesan?

The production methods of Parmesan style cheeses are different to most cheeses and this results in a cheese that basically self pasteurises during production. It therefore does not rely on the pasteurisation of the milk for its safety. It is the only type of cheese made from unpasteurised milk to be excluded from the NHS recommendation to avoid whilst pregnant. In Italy the consumption of Parmesan is encouraged as it is a great source of calcium and zinc. It is also great to include in your diet whilst breast feeding.

Is the egg protein in the Vegetarian Pasta Cheese from free range egg?

The egg protein that is added during production is purchased in a liquid form. We are assured by the Dutch supplier of the liquid that no battery farmed eggs are used.

Why does your Vegetarian Pasta Cheese contain egg protein?

This helps to stop the cheeses from swelling during maturation. It is very important that the cheese does not swell as the cheese has a hard rind and this will split and the cheese will go mouldy inside the crack.

Want a cheese FREE FROM EGG, why not try our Sussex Charmer?

ORDERING QUESTIONS

Can I send my order as a gift?

We would be delighted to send your order as a gift, simply write the message you would like us to add in the comment box. We will ensure that all reference to cost are erased. We can also send it directly to their address, please place their address as the delivery address.