Junket tablets have been a staple in traditional kitchens for decades, particularly among those who enjoy making homemade custards, puddings, and cheeses. These small tablets, primarily used to curdle milk and create soft desserts, have long held a nostalgic place in the world of old-fashioned recipes. However, in recent years, many people have wondered whether Junket tablets are still available on the market. With changing food trends and shifting consumer habits, it’s understandable that such a classic product might seem harder to find. The availability of Junket tablets today depends on where you’re located, how you shop, and whether you’re open to using alternatives.
What Are Junket Tablets?
A Traditional Culinary Aid
Junket tablets are made from rennet, a natural enzyme traditionally derived from the stomach lining of calves. This enzyme helps coagulate milk, turning it into curds and whey. Historically, Junket tablets were used to make a dessert known as junket, a type of soft, custard-like milk pudding. Over time, they became a common household item for people who enjoyed making homemade dairy products.
Uses in the Kitchen
Although they were originally intended for making junket desserts, the tablets have also been used to:
- Coagulate milk for making soft cheeses like ricotta and paneer
- Create custards and creamy desserts
- Introduce children to simple science experiments involving food chemistry
Simple Ingredients
One of the reasons for their popularity was the simplicity of the tablets. Most varieties contained only salt, calcium lactate, and rennet enzyme. Because of this, Junket tablets were often favored by those looking to avoid preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Are Junket Tablets Still Available?
Availability in Stores
In recent years, it has become more difficult to find Junket tablets in local grocery stores. Many supermarket chains have reduced or eliminated their stock of less common baking products to make room for newer, trendier items. However, some specialty food stores and small independent markets still carry Junket tablets, especially in regions where traditional cooking remains popular.
Online Retailers
For those unable to find them in-store, Junket tablets are often available through online retailers. Websites that specialize in baking supplies or traditional foods frequently stock them. It’s also possible to find them on larger e-commerce platforms. However, availability can vary depending on shipping restrictions and regional demand.
Limited Production but Still Manufactured
While the product may not be as widespread as it once was, Junket tablets are still being produced by the brand that has made them for over a century. Though production may be smaller in scale today, they remain on the market for those who seek them out. This means that despite their lower visibility, Junket tablets have not been discontinued.
Why Have Junket Tablets Become Less Common?
Changing Consumer Preferences
One of the main reasons for the reduced visibility of Junket tablets is the shift in how people cook. Modern cooking habits often rely on convenience and pre-packaged items, leading to a decline in home-based dairy preparation. Fewer people make custards or cheese from scratch, so the demand for rennet tablets has decreased over time.
Specialized Use
Junket tablets are a niche product, used for very specific recipes. As a result, grocery stores with limited shelf space may choose to stock more widely used ingredients instead. Unless there is a strong local demand, many stores simply stop carrying them.
Rise of Plant-Based Alternatives
With growing interest in plant-based and vegan diets, traditional rennet an animal-derived product has faced increased scrutiny. Although some brands now offer vegetarian rennet alternatives, the shift in dietary habits has further reduced the mainstream appeal of products like Junket tablets.
Are There Alternatives to Junket Tablets?
Vegetarian Rennet
For those who avoid animal products, vegetarian rennet tablets or liquid rennet made from microbial or plant sources are commonly available. These products perform the same function and are widely used in home cheesemaking today.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar
In some recipes, especially for paneer or ricotta, acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar can be used instead of rennet. These methods won’t produce the same texture as Junket tablets but are acceptable alternatives for many home cooks.
Rennet Powder and Liquid Rennet
Professional and hobbyist cheesemakers often use powdered or liquid rennet, which can be easier to measure and mix compared to tablets. These options are available at specialty food shops or online retailers and are suitable replacements in most recipes that call for Junket tablets.
Where Can You Find Junket Tablets Today?
Specialty Stores
Some old-fashioned or local grocery stores that focus on traditional products may still carry Junket tablets. These might include co-ops, organic markets, or shops with a focus on home baking and preserving.
Online Sources
The easiest way to obtain Junket tablets is through online shopping. Searching with terms like Junket rennet tablets or traditional rennet dessert tablets can lead you to suppliers that still stock the product. Be sure to check reviews and expiration dates before purchasing.
Direct from Manufacturer
In some cases, you may be able to order directly from the manufacturer’s website. This can ensure freshness and authenticity, especially if you’re using the tablets for a specific purpose like teaching or traditional dessert-making.
How to Use Junket Tablets
Basic Instructions
To use Junket tablets, you typically dissolve one tablet in a small amount of water and then mix it with warm milk that has been lightly sweetened. The mixture is left undisturbed to set, resulting in a soft, pudding-like texture. The process is simple, making it an excellent educational activity for kids or a nostalgic treat for adults.
Creative Uses
Besides making traditional junket dessert, the tablets can also be used in:
- Simple homemade cheeses like farmer’s cheese
- Yogurt-style dairy treats
- Science experiments to demonstrate enzyme activity
Junket tablets may not be as common as they once were, but they are still available for those who seek them out. While you might not find them in every grocery store aisle, specialty shops and online retailers continue to stock this nostalgic kitchen staple. Whether you’re interested in making traditional desserts, exploring home cheesemaking, or simply recreating a memory from the past, Junket tablets still have a place in the modern kitchen. With a bit of searching, you can still enjoy the unique culinary possibilities they offer.