Featured Product: Natural Calf Rennet

By: Bill Rufenacht | Technical Specialist, Dairy Connection Inc.

As you may be aware, we have experienced intermittent challenges sourcing an uninterrupted supply of veal rennet in recent years. We are pleased to report that we believe we have resolved this issue by importing Renco natural calf rennet from New Zealand. We currently have a good supply of this product in stock with a February of 2025 Best Use By date. Due to favorable shipping costs, this lot of Renco natural calf rennet is priced attractively versus recent veal lots. We are receiving reports that this product is performing well for customers.

Renco natural calf rennet is standardized at a strength of 280 IMCU per milliliter, with a minimum chymosin level of 92% and a maximum pepsin level of 8%. The dosing recommendation range is 1.5 to 3.5 ounces per 1,000 pounds of milk, or 96 to 225 milliliters per 1,000 liters of milk. Further recommendations include diluting with 20 times the volume of cool, non-chlorinated water (less than 80°F, 27°C) immediately prior to adding to cheese milk. Stir for no more than 3 to 4 minutes to distribute in the vat. Used in this range, the product is standardized to produce a firm curd in approximately 30 minutes.

This product is extracted from the fourth stomach of young, milk-fed calves sourced from New Zealand and/or Australia, and does not use materials derived from genetically modified organisms in its manufacture. The active enzymes are obtained only from the fourth stomach of milk-fed calves, with no addition of other animal or fermentation-produced enzymes. Ingredients include water, rennet extract, salt, and sodium benzoate (added as a preservative). Like the veal rennet from our previous supplier, this product is neither Kosher nor Halal.

Natural calf rennet is currently available in 20-liter (5.28 gallon), gallon, and pint sizes; a two-ounce size will be available soon. This rennet should be stored in a cool location, at less than 50°F (10°C). Do not freeze this product. Renco states the average activity loss is 0.5% per month when stored properly.

Please see our website for pricing, or feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding Renco natural calf rennet.