Home Dietary Hub Questions Is gorgonzola vegetarian?
Quick answer · Vegetarian
Is gorgonzola vegetarian?
Usually no
Usually not. Traditional Gorgonzola is made with animal rennet, and the Vegetarian Society lists it, with Roquefort, as usually not vegetarian. Some blue cheeses, including many Stiltons, use microbial rennet and say vegetarian on the label.
Rennet is the enzyme that sets milk into curd, and traditional rennet comes from a calf's stomach. Italian Gorgonzola and French Roquefort are normally made this way, so strict vegetarians usually avoid them.
Blue cheese isn't a lost cause. The blue mold itself is fine for vegetarians; the question is only the rennet. Many British Stiltons and some American blues are made with microbial or vegetable rennet. The label or the cheesemaker will tell you.
What to check
- "vegetarian" on the package
- "microbial", "vegetable" or "non-animal" rennet in the ingredients
- "enzymes" or "rennet" alone, which doesn't say which kind: ask the maker
Our verdicts
| Ingredient | Vegetarian |
|---|---|
| Gorgonzola | SkipUsually made with animal rennet (Vegetarian Society). |
| Roquefort | SkipUsually made with animal rennet (Vegetarian Society). |
| Stilton | Check the labelRennet varies by brand. Look for 'vegetarian', 'microbial' or 'vegetable rennet' on the label. |
| Danish Blue | Check the labelRennet varies by brand. Look for 'vegetarian', 'microbial' or 'vegetable rennet' on the label. |
| Cambozola | Check the labelRennet varies by brand. Look for 'vegetarian', 'microbial' or 'vegetable rennet' on the label. |
What to use instead
Cheeses that are often made with vegetarian rennet (check the label):
StiltonAged CheddarFresh Chèvre
The full vegetarian guide: every ingredient, swaps and setup →
Sources
Reviewed October 18, 2026. Brands change their recipes, so we re-check these pages every 6 months. For a serious allergy or celiac disease, read every label and ask your guest. How we classify ingredients.
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