What is halloumi?
Halloumi is a semi-hard and unripened cheese that originates from Cyprus that’s historically eaten during the Medieval Byzantine period, then spreading through the Middle East with it’s growing popularity.
Is halloumi vegan?
It has a dairy-base usually made from unpasteurised goat or sheep’s milk (sometimes cow’s) meaning that it is not vegan-friendly and won’t be consumed by anyone following a strictly plant-based diet.
Cypriots would have traditionally eaten the grilled cheese with a slice of watermelon during the summer months!
Photo credits: Oliver's Markets
Vegan halloumi
Although your average supermarket brand halloumi won’t be suitable for vegans, there are some great plant-powered options: this VioLife Medditerenian Style Block and this Vegrill from Green Vie are entirely vegan-friendly and delicious on a barbeque, in a sandwich or tossed through a salad. Have a look at our vegan shopping basket, cheese edition for more inspiration.
Photo credits: VioLife
If you have any other burning plant-based questions, why not ask them in the comments section below?
FAQs
It has a dairy-base usually made from unpasteurised goat or sheep's milk (sometimes cow's) meaning that it is not vegan-friendly and won't be consumed by anyone following a strictly plant-based diet.
Does halloumi have animal rennet in it? ›
Being high in protein, halloumi makes a valuable dietary inclusion, especially for those following a lacto-vegetarian diet. Although, be aware not all halloumi cheese is vegetarian-friendly some are produced using animal-derived rennet, so check labels.
Can you get dairy free halloumi? ›
Tesco Plant Chef Alternative To Halloumi
Tesco has made its vegan halloumi from potato starch, coconut oil, and lentil protein.
Are halloumi fries dairy free? ›
Information. This item contains milk and may be cooked on same equipment as eggs, soy, wheat, mustard, celery, gluten and sulphur dioxide.
Does halloumi contain milk? ›
Traditional halloumi is typically made from fresh, unpasteurised sheep and/or goat's milk. However, for its commercial production a mixture of pasteurized sheep, goat and occasionally cow's milk is used (with the cow's milk making up the lowest proportion of the milk used, if used at all).
Why is halloumi not vegan? ›
It has a dairy-base usually made from unpasteurised goat or sheep's milk (sometimes cow's) meaning that it is not vegan-friendly and won't be consumed by anyone following a strictly plant-based diet.
What cheese has no animal rennet? ›
What Kinds of Cheese are Vegetarian? Younger, soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, goat, and provolone often are not made with rennet.
Is halloumi just cheese curds? ›
Halloumi is made by coagulating sheep or goat milk, then leaving the curds to drain in moulds (the collected whey is used to make a cheese called anari). The curds are then cooked at a high temperature, around 90°C. Finally, the cheese is folded while still hot and salt is then added to the surface.
Does all halloumi have goats milk? ›
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese made principally in Cyprus from sheep or goat milk or mixture of the two. The raw milk is coagulated as for Feta cheese.
Are McDonald's halloumi sticks vegetarian? ›
Fans of the fast food chain can expect the Spicy Spanish Stack, the Chicken Fiesta and perhaps most excitingly, the brand new halloumi fries side. It's the first time McDonald's has served halloumi fries in the UK and they will be a tantalising option for many when they arrive in the summer, especially for vegetarians.
Halloumi is often high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories. It's not suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet. Some types are not appropriate for a vegetarian diet, either.
What is the difference between halloumi and halloumi? ›
Is it Haloumi or Halloumi? The truth, well both refer to some serious cheesy goodness but there is a difference. Halloumi spelled with two “ll”s refers to the cheese that is made in Cyprus, using specifically either sheep or goat milk.
Why is halloumi so squeaky? ›
When you bite into a cheese like halloumi, one of the first things you will notice, even before its mild tanginess and notable saltiness, is a characteristic squeak. The friction between the proteins in the cheese and the enamel of your teeth creates an audible noise.
Is Brie made with animal rennet? ›
Traditional Brie is made with rennet, an enzyme harvested from the stomach lining of young calves. This is not to say that vegetarian-friendly versions of Brie cheese are unavailable for purchase. Such cheeses use non-animal rennet or microbial enzymes.
Are McDonald's halloumi fries suitable for vegetarians? ›
The product and the cooking method have been checked by the Vegetarian Society and they have approved them as suitable for vegetarians. They are cooked in oil that is separate to the oil used for meat products and filtered on a separate system.
What cheeses use pig rennet? ›
Farindola ewe cheese is a traditional product made using pig rennet and its production takes place in Farindola (Abruzzo) and in some areas of the country in the provinces of Pescara and Teramo. This product comes from an old tradition dating from the Roman period which is called "Vestini cheese".
What foods contain animal rennet? ›
Parmesan, a key ingredient in pesto, contains rennet which is an enzyme found in the stomach of a goat or calf. It's not just Parmesan. Pecorino Romano, Manchego, Gruyère and Gorgonzola all contain rennet.