Are vegetarians who eat cheese knowing it contains rennet and where it comes from, hypocritical?!
Answers: When we first met, my current g'friend said she couldn't go near me knowing I'd just eaten meat. I was in love, but only after researching and agreeing that being vegetarian does have health, ethical and environmental benefits, I decided to give it a try. I haven't looked back and am so glad (1.5 years so far). Recently, at a cafe, I went to put marshmellows in my hot chocolate only for her to enlighten me on where gelatin comes from (bones, organs, intestines of animals). Yuk! I did more research, and discovered rennet (enzyme from a calf's 4th stomach) commonly used in cheese. When I asked my g'friend why eating cheese was ok for her, she said it was a matter of convenience. Coming from someone that thinks all meat-eaters are "stupid" for not being vegetarian despite all the research showing its negative effects, am I right in thinking her actions are hypocritical?
Cheese doesn't always contain animal rennet; some of it is made from a bacterial culture.
The very inconvenient thing for vegetarians living in the USA is that cheese packaging rarely indicates if it contains animal rennet or not; generally it only has the word "enzymes." It's really up to the individual to research which brands have rennet free cheese.
And you are right, we vegetarians do tend to get rather high and mighty. It may take a little maturity to put things in perspective and realize that none of us are perfect.
I'm not sure where this came from, but here's a quote I think we can all take to heart:
"When you point your finger at someone else, three fingers point back at you."
In other words, when we focus too strongly on the imperfections of others, we tend to ignore them in ourselves.
Not all cheese contains rennet. I used to be a vegetarian too and didn't eat rennet or gelatine. Soft cheeses don't contain rennet and you can buy some hard cheeses, like tasty, which are rennet free. They are usually available in health food stores. I guess technically she is a little hypocritical but I know how hard it is being vegetarian in this meat eating world so sometimes you have to compromise.
It is a little hypocritical given the fact that gelatin and rennet are both produced by slaughtering the animal.
As a matter of convenience, that is true. But then again, it's more convenient to eat meat if you want to get technical.
While eating out, it is very difficult to know if the cheese contains animal rennet or not, but if you or your girlfriend buy cheese for use at home, you should visit the link below. It shows you the brands and types of cheeses that are vegetarian and says which ones are not considered vegetarian.
http://cheese.joyousliving.com/CheeseLis...
It's very hypocritical. If you are already having disputes like this, think seriously about finding someone that doesn't have these kind of issues.
Majnun99 said it very well :)
If she Really loves you, she would not 'insist' on you changing. It shows a very closed mind.
I'm a vegan and don't mind if my friends eat meat, as I have alternatives. And when we go out to a restaurant, everyone knows that I will not eat meat.
The same applies to smokers and people who drink alcohol. I don't do either, but that does not mean that my friends are not allowed to do what pleases them. Just make sure you brush your teeth b4 u kiss me ;)
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Perhaps you need to rethink your relationship with her. I find most V&Vs hypocritical to some degree.
You are correct.
Whats the point in being vegetarian if you eat rennet from a cows stomach? Buy veggie cheese instead that does not have rennet in it. :D
If someone is knowingly eating rennet (or any other slaughter by-product) they are not really vegetarian. Why would it be OK to eat bits and parts of dead animals as long as you're not eating slabs of dead animals? Besides, there are plenty of rennetless cheeses available.
Well all the cheese which is sold here in the UK that says suitable for vegetarians on the pack does not contain rennet....it's really not difficult to find vegetarian cheese so i don't even know why any vegetarian would call in convenience tbh..it's not like much effort is required in getting vegetarian cheese. Most cheese (that I have seen anyway) in the supermarket states that is is vegetarian....