
Cheese balls are a popular snack food, often enjoyed at parties and gatherings. One of the most well-known brands of cheese balls is UTZ, which offers a variety of flavors and seasonal shapes. While UTZ cheese balls used to be labeled as gluten-free, some consumers have noticed that the gluten-free label has been removed from the packaging, raising concerns among those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, other brands like Pipcorn offer gluten-free cheese ball options made with organic cheese and non-GMO ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are cheese balls gluten-free? | Yes, some cheese balls are gluten-free, such as the ones from Utz and Pipcorn. |
| Brands | Utz, Pipcorn |
| Flavors | Cheddar |
| Ingredients | Real cheese, acrylamide |
| Container | Resealable plastic barrel |
| Weight | 23 oz, 35 oz, 4.5 oz |
| Customer Reviews | Positive |
What You'll Learn

UTZ Cheese Balls are gluten-free
UTZ Cheese Balls are a popular snack food, known for their rich cheddar flavor and light, crunchy texture. They are available in various sizes, including 23 oz and 35 oz barrels, as well as 1 oz mini bags. The larger barrels are great for sharing or everyday snacking, while the mini bags are perfect for on-the-go or as a quick treat.
The UTZ brand has a long-standing tradition of quality, with a history dating back to 1921. Their cheese balls are no exception, delivering a delicious and satisfying snacking experience. The cheese balls are made with real cheddar cheese, providing an authentic and savory flavor that has received positive reviews from customers.
While UTZ Cheese Balls are gluten-free, it's important to note that the company has removed the gluten-free label from their seasonal cheeseballs. This includes varieties such as Easter cottontails, baseballs, Christmas snowballs, and ghost puffs. Therefore, those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may need to be cautious when consuming these seasonal products.
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Cheddar Heirloom Cheese Balls are gluten-free
Gluten-free snacks can be hard to come by, especially when it comes to cheese balls. While some cheese balls, like UTZ cheese balls, do not explicitly state that they are gluten-free, Cheddar Heirloom Cheese Balls by Pipcorn are a tasty, gluten-free option.
Pipcorn's Cheddar Heirloom Cheese Balls are made with organic cheese, natural colour from paprika, and whole-grain heirloom corn. They are baked, not fried, and are free of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and GMOs. The cheese balls are also non-GMO certified and contain real ingredients, making them a healthier alternative to other cheese balls on the market.
The product is described as having a distinctly delicious flavour and a satisfying crunch. Customers have praised the taste, describing it as "delicious", "addictive", and "better than the original cheese puffs". The yellow cheddar flavour, in particular, has been well-received, while the white cheddar flavour has been criticised for its lack of flavour.
Pipcorn is a Certified B Corporation, and the company prioritises sustainability by saving seeds from each harvest to plant for the next one. This method of open pollination is better for the environment, and it results in a product that is superior in taste and nutrition. With Cheddar Heirloom Cheese Balls, you don't have to sacrifice taste for nutrition.
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Gluten-free alternatives to UTZ Cheese Balls
UTZ cheese balls were previously labelled as gluten-free, but the company has removed this label from its products. This has caused confusion among consumers, with some choosing to stop purchasing the product due to uncertainty about its gluten content. UTZ cheese balls are manufactured in a facility that contains gluten, and while the company follows GMP regulations, they can no longer certify the product as gluten-free due to stricter FDA regulations.
If you are looking for gluten-free alternatives to UTZ Cheese Balls, there are a few options available:
- The Good Crisp Company's cheese balls are gluten-free and have been recommended by consumers with celiac disease.
- Doritos are not labelled as gluten-free, but some consumers with celiac disease have reported consuming them without any issues.
- You can also find gluten-free cheese balls at Walmart, such as the Utz Baked Cheddar Cheese Balls, which are sold in a 28 oz barrel.
It is important to remember that even if a product is not labelled as gluten-free, it may still be safe to consume. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose products that are clearly labelled as gluten-free. Additionally, you can use apps like Fig to scan barcodes and check for gluten-free status, as well as find similar gluten-free products.
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UTZ Cheese Balls ingredients
UTZ Cheese Balls are a popular snack item, known for their light and crunchy texture and rich cheddar flavor. They are produced by UTZ Quality Foods, a company with a long-standing tradition of quality since 1921. While these cheese balls were once labelled as gluten-free, recent packaging no longer includes this claim, causing concern among consumers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
The ingredients in UTZ Cheese Balls are not explicitly listed on their website or other sources. However, the product is described as being coated with real cheddar cheese, suggesting that cheddar cheese is a primary ingredient. The cheese balls are also said to contain natural flavors, which may contribute to their appealing taste profile.
While the absence of a gluten-free label on UTZ Cheese Balls may be concerning to some, it is important to understand the regulations surrounding gluten labelling. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a standard for foods labelled as "gluten-free." According to this standard, a food can be labelled gluten-free if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. It is possible that UTZ Cheese Balls still meet this standard but have chosen to remove the label for various reasons.
One reason for the removal of the gluten-free label could be a change in production processes or ingredients. UTZ may have introduced new ingredients or modified existing ones, which could potentially contain gluten. Without a clear ingredient list, it is challenging to determine the presence of gluten. However, it is worth noting that in the United States, if a product contains allergens such as peanuts, it must be declared in bold print on the label. The absence of such a declaration regarding gluten may suggest that it is not considered a major allergen by the manufacturer.
While the absence of a gluten-free label on UTZ Cheese Balls may be concerning, it is important to make informed decisions based on ingredient information and personal sensitivity to gluten. Consumers with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should exercise caution and consider contacting the company directly for detailed ingredient information before consuming this product.
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UTZ Cheese Balls reviews
UTZ Cheese Balls are a popular snack, with many positive reviews. They are described as having a rich cheddar flavor and a light and crunchy texture. Many reviewers comment on the generous size of the barrels, which makes them great for sharing or for everyday snacking. The resealable packaging is also praised for helping to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
However, there has been some concern among consumers about the gluten content of UTZ Cheese Balls. While the product used to be labelled as gluten-free, this label has been removed, causing confusion and worry among those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Some reviewers have expressed frustration at the lack of clear information about the gluten content, with one person noting that they "kept getting sick" after consuming another product that had removed its gluten-free label without their knowledge.
Despite this concern, UTZ Cheese Balls are still certified gluten-free and Kosher OUD. The company has also provided a warning about the presence of acrylamide, a chemical that can form during high-temperature cooking processes and is known to cause cancer, as required by the state of California.
Overall, UTZ Cheese Balls receive mostly positive reviews for their taste, texture, and convenience. However, the company's labelling and communication about gluten content have caused some confusion and worry among consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
UTZ cheese balls are gluten-free. However, they no longer say "gluten-free" on their label, which has caused some confusion.
Yes, Pipcorn cheese balls are gluten-free. They are also non-GMO and organic.
No, not all cheese balls are gluten-free. Some brands may contain gluten, so it is important to check the label before consuming if you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
Some gluten-free alternatives to UTZ cheese balls include Pipcorn Cheddar Heirloom Cheese Balls and Doritos (which are not labeled gluten-free but have been reported to be safe for those with celiac disease).

