Patrick Oconnell
M&S Cheese Tasters are cheese-flavoured corn snacks produced by Marks & Spencer. They are made with maize grits, sunflower oil, and cheese seasoning, which contains dried whey, dried cheese, lactose, dried yeast extract, salt, dried cream, and natural colouring and flavouring. While the product is vegetarian, it is not vegan, lactose-free or dairy-free. As of 2020, M&S Cheese Tasters were considered gluten-free, but some sources suggest that they may contain gluten depending on the source of the ingredients.
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What You'll Learn
M&S Cheese Tasters ingredients
M&S Cheese Tasters are cheese-flavoured corn snacks. They are suitable for vegetarians but are not vegan, as they contain ingredients derived from animals. The product is also not gluten-free, as one of the ingredients could contain gluten depending on the source.
The ingredients in M&S Cheese Tasters are as follows:
- Corn Grits
- Sunflower Oil
- Dried Whey (Milk)
- Dried Cheese (Milk)
- Lactose (Milk)
- Salt
- Dried Yeast Extract
- Dried Cream (Milk)
- Dried Skimmed Milk
- Colour: Paprika Extract, Curcumin
The product contains milk and is not lactose-free. It is also not yeast-free, as it lists an ingredient that contains yeast. In addition, it may not be barley-free, as one of the ingredients could contain barley.
The Cheese Seasoning in the product contains the following:
- Dried Whey
- Dried Cheese
- Lactose
- Dried Yeast Extract
- Salt
- Dried Cream
- Natural Colour: Paprika Extract
- Dried Milk Protein
- Natural Flavouring: Turmeric Extract
- Emulsifier: E433
- Emulsifying Salt: E339
- Stabiliser: E450
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Gluten-free labelling
It is unclear whether M&S Cheese Tasters are gluten-free or not. While the product does not contain any ingredients that are inherently gluten-containing, such as wheat, rye, barley, or their hybrids, it does contain corn grits or maize grits, which may or may not be gluten-free depending on the source. Some sources also indicate that the product may contain barley, which is a gluten-containing grain.
When it comes to gluten-free labelling, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established clear standards and regulations that manufacturers must follow. The term "gluten-free" is defined by the FDA as a voluntary claim that manufacturers may choose to use on their food labels if the product meets all the requirements of the regulations. This definition provides a reliable way for consumers, especially those with celiac disease, to identify and avoid gluten in their diets.
The FDA's gluten-free labelling regulation specifies that a product can be labelled as "gluten-free" if it meets the following criteria:
- The food does not contain any ingredient that is any type of wheat, rye, barley, or crossbreeds of these grains.
- The food does not contain any ingredient derived from these grains that has not been processed to remove gluten.
- If an ingredient derived from these grains has been processed to remove gluten, the resulting food must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This level is considered safe for individuals with celiac disease and is detectable using scientifically validated methods.
Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their products meet the labelling requirements and are not misleading to consumers. The FDA may perform food label reviews, follow up on complaints, and analyze food samples to ensure compliance with the regulations. The presence of a "gluten-free" label on a product provides consumers with confidence that the product meets the defined standard for gluten content.
It is important to note that the absence of a "gluten-free" label does not necessarily mean that a product contains gluten. Some foods and beverages, such as bottled spring water, fruits, vegetables, and eggs, are naturally gluten-free and may not bear the label. In such cases, consumers can refer to the ingredients list to identify any potentially gluten-containing ingredients. Overall, the gluten-free labelling regulations provide consumers with a standardized tool to manage their health and dietary intake, ensuring that claims of "gluten-free" on food products are truthful and consistent.
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Gluten-free diet
It is unclear whether M&S Cheese Tasters are gluten-free or not. One source states that the product may or may not be gluten-free as it lists one ingredient that could contain gluten depending on the source. It is recommended that you contact the manufacturer directly to confirm.
Now, onto gluten-free diets. A gluten-free diet is necessary for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune response to gluten that causes the body to attack the small intestine, resulting in symptoms like belly pain, nausea, bloating, or diarrhea. People with celiac disease need to avoid gluten in any form and follow a gluten-free diet for life. Even accidental ingestion of gluten can cause these symptoms to reappear.
A gluten-free diet involves excluding any foods that contain gluten, which is a protein found in wheat and other grains like barley, rye, and triticale. This includes avoiding traditional wheat products like pasta, bread, crackers, and baked goods. However, it's important to note that "wheat-free" does not always mean "gluten-free," and gluten can be found in unexpected places, like soy sauce, ice cream, medications, beauty products, and dietary supplements.
A gluten-free diet doesn't mean giving up carbohydrates, as many carb-containing foods like rice, potatoes, and beans are naturally gluten-free. Fresh, minimally processed foods form a crucial part of a healthy gluten-free diet, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and other healthy food groups. There are also many gluten-free alternatives available that use alternative flours and grains.
However, it's important to be cautious when choosing commercially available "gluten-free" products, as they may contain high amounts of unhealthy ingredients like sodium, sugar, and fat. These can lead to weight gain, blood sugar swings, and high blood pressure. Additionally, there is a risk of missing out on nutritious whole grains, fiber, and micronutrients when following a gluten-free diet. Some gluten-containing foods are sources of important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
If you are considering a gluten-free diet, it is recommended to consult a physician or registered dietitian. They can help guide you toward a balanced eating plan that meets your unique nutritional needs.
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Other M&S gluten-free products
It is unclear whether M&S Cheese Tasters are gluten-free. While the product does not contain wheat, rye, or barley, it does contain corn grits, which can be derived from gluten-containing grains. In addition, one of the ingredients, dried yeast extract, may contain gluten depending on the source.
M&S offers a variety of gluten-free products, including:
Pastry and Bread
M&S offers a range of own-brand gluten-free pastries, including pain aux raisins, chocolate twists, and hot cross buns. They also offer gluten-free tiger loaf and rolls, as well as ready-to-roll gluten-free pastry.
Snacks
The M&S Cold Pressed Fruit and Nut Bars, particularly the chocolate and peanut butter flavour, are a popular gluten-free snack option. Their gluten-free savoury snacks include vegetable samosas and spring rolls, which are also vegan.
Breakfast Options
M&S offers gluten-free breakfast options such as their Made Without Wheat Porridge Oats and Fruit, Nut and Seed Muesli.
Treats
For those with a sweet tooth, M&S offers gluten-free Belgian Milk Chocolate Cookie Dough and Colin the Caterpillar Cookie Kits. They also have gluten-free Percy Pig icing, perfect for decorating cupcakes or eating straight from the spoon!
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M&S Cheese Tasters reviews
M&S Cheese Tasters are cheese-flavoured corn snacks made with maize grits, sunflower oil, and cheese seasoning. The cheese seasoning contains dried whey, dried cheese, lactose, dried yeast extract, salt, dried cream, natural colour (paprika extract), dried milk protein, natural flavouring (turmeric extract), emulsifier (E433), emulsifying salt (E339), and stabiliser (E450).
Reviews for M&S Cheese Tasters are generally positive, with many customers praising the product for its flavour and value for money. Some reviews on trolley.co.uk describe the product as "better than Wotsits and much cheesier" and "so much nicer than the branded equivalents". One review notes that while they usually buy the large bags of M&S Cheese Tasters, the individual 6-packs seem to be different in some way.
However, it is important to note that M&S Cheese Tasters may not be suitable for individuals with certain dietary restrictions. The product is not gluten-free, yeast-free, lactose-free, dairy-free, or vegan. It also contains milk and ingredients that could contain gluten, depending on the source.
For individuals with specific dietary requirements or allergies, it is always recommended to carefully review the product's ingredient list and contact the manufacturer directly for more information.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether M&S Cheese Tasters are gluten-free. While the product does not contain rye, wheat, or barley, it does contain corn grits, which may contain gluten depending on the source. It is recommended that you contact the manufacturer directly to confirm.
M&S Cheese Tasters are made of corn grits, sunflower oil, dried whey (milk), dried cheese (milk), lactose (milk), salt, dried yeast extract, dried cream (milk), dried skimmed milk, paprika extract, and curcumin.
Yes, as of 2020, there were 20 'accidentally' gluten-free products available at Marks and Spencer. These products do not contain gluten or have a 'may contain' warning for wheat or gluten. Some examples include gluten-free cornettos and gluten-free/vegan mozzarella sticks.
