Patrick Oconnell
Athenos feta cheese is a popular product, but it is unclear whether it contains gluten. While some sources indicate that the product is gluten-free, others express doubt due to the lack of explicit gluten-free labelling. People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance must be cautious about consuming gluten, as it can lead to severe symptoms and health issues. Cross-contamination in restaurants poses a significant risk, and even trace amounts of gluten can be harmful to sensitive individuals. The ingredients of Athenos feta cheese include pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and powdered cellulose, none of which contain gluten. However, the presence of natural flavors and spices in the ingredient list raises questions about potential gluten content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | No gluten-free labeling, but some sources say it's gluten-free |
| Ingredients | Feta cheese (pasteurized milk/part-skim milk, salt, cheese culture, enzymes), powdered cellulose, natamycin, carob bean gum, sorbic acid, xanthan gum |
| Allergens | Contains milk |
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What You'll Learn
- Athenos Feta Cheese is gluten-free according to some sources
- However, there is no gluten-free label on the product
- Natural flavors and spices in the ingredients list may be a concern for some
- Cross-contamination is a risk when eating out with celiac disease
- The Fig app can help identify gluten-free products and recommend alternatives
Athenos Feta Cheese is gluten-free according to some sources
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. People with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders must strictly avoid gluten for health reasons. Cross-contamination is a significant concern for those with celiac disease, as gluten can be introduced during the preparation and handling of food in kitchens.
The Fig app is a helpful tool for those seeking gluten-free products. By scanning a product's barcode, the app will flag any ingredients that are not gluten-free and suggest similar products that are safe to consume.
While some sources indicate that Athenos Feta Cheese is gluten-free, it is always important for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to exercise caution and verify the gluten-free status of any product before consumption.
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However, there is no gluten-free label on the product
Athenos feta cheese is made from pasteurised milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. It also contains powdered cellulose to prevent caking and natamycin, a natural mould inhibitor. Some people with coeliac disease have questioned whether Athenos feta cheese is gluten-free, as there is no gluten-free label on the product. However, the Costco website and two other sites say that it is gluten-free.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. People with coeliac disease and other gluten-related disorders must strictly avoid gluten for health reasons. For those with coeliac disease, eating out is considered the number one threat, as it is challenging to avoid gluten and cross-contamination in restaurants. Even gluten-free restaurants may not be entirely safe, as cross-contamination can occur during food preparation and handling.
The Fig app can be a helpful tool for those seeking to avoid gluten. It scans product barcodes and flags any ingredients that are not gluten-free. The app also provides recommendations for similar gluten-free products. For those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, it is essential to read labels carefully and make informed choices to ensure their health and well-being.
While the Athenos feta cheese product label does not explicitly state that it is gluten-free, the absence of gluten-containing ingredients and the confirmation from multiple sources suggest that it is likely safe for gluten-free diets. However, it is always advisable for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance to exercise caution and make informed choices to manage their condition effectively.
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Natural flavors and spices in the ingredients list may be a concern for some
Athenos feta cheese is made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. Some varieties also include powdered cellulose to prevent caking and natamycin as a natural mold inhibitor. The product does not have gluten-free labeling, but several websites, including Costco, claim that it is gluten-free.
However, the presence of "natural flavors" and "spices" in the ingredients list may be a concern for some consumers. While natural flavors and spices themselves are not inherently harmful, the lack of transparency about their specific sources can be problematic for individuals with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.
Natural flavors are generally derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, or minerals. They are added to enhance the taste and aroma of the product. However, the term "natural flavors" can sometimes be vague and non-specific, making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what substances are included. For individuals with allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients, this lack of clarity can be concerning.
Similarly, the term "spices" can encompass a wide range of plant-based seasonings, including common allergens such as mustard, celery, or sesame. For consumers with spice allergies or intolerances, the lack of specific information about which spices are used can be a potential health risk.
It is important to note that the impact of natural flavors and spices on individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may vary. While natural flavors and spices themselves do not typically contain gluten, the possibility of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process cannot be ruled out. This is especially important for individuals with celiac disease, as even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response and cause significant health issues.
In conclusion, while Athenos feta cheese is reported to be gluten-free by some sources, the lack of explicit gluten-free labeling and the presence of unspecified natural flavors and spices in the ingredients list may be a concern for consumers with dietary restrictions or allergies. These consumers may opt to contact the manufacturer directly to obtain more detailed information about the ingredients used in the product or choose alternative products with more transparent labeling that explicitly lists all ingredients, including any potential allergens.
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Cross-contamination is a risk when eating out with celiac disease
Athenos feta cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. It also contains powdered cellulose to prevent caking and natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor. While the product does not have gluten-free labeling, some sources indicate that it is gluten-free.
For individuals with celiac disease, eating out at restaurants presents a significant risk of gluten cross-contamination. Celiac disease is a condition that requires strict avoidance of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Even a small amount of gluten can trigger severe reactions in those with celiac disease, making it essential to be vigilant about cross-contamination when dining out.
The challenge lies not only in the food one orders but also in the preparation and handling of that food in the kitchen. Cross-contamination can occur at multiple stages of food preparation, from the use of shared cooking surfaces and utensils to the handling of gluten-containing ingredients by kitchen staff. This poses a serious health threat to individuals with celiac disease, who may experience vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and other debilitating symptoms upon ingesting even trace amounts of gluten.
To minimize the risk of cross-contamination when eating out, it is crucial to have open and honest conversations with the restaurant staff and cooks. Inquire about their practices to prevent cross-contamination, such as using separate cooking utensils and surfaces for gluten-free items. Some restaurants offer gluten-free options with no cross-contamination, but these establishments are relatively rare and mostly found in larger cities.
For individuals with celiac disease, especially those who are highly sensitive, the safest option may be to avoid eating out altogether. Preparing meals at home allows for better control over ingredients and reduces the risk of cross-contamination. However, when eating out is necessary, careful research, prior planning, and clear communication with the restaurant staff are key to minimizing the risk of gluten exposure.
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The Fig app can help identify gluten-free products and recommend alternatives
People with coeliac disease and other gluten-related disorders must strictly avoid gluten for health reasons. For those who are highly sensitive, eating out can be challenging due to potential gluten cross-contamination during food preparation and handling.
Athenos Feta Cheese is available at Costco, and while it does not have explicit gluten-free labelling, multiple sources, including the Costco website, indicate that it is gluten-free. Athenos offers a range of feta cheese products, including traditional crumbled feta, reduced-fat crumbled feta, and whipped feta dip and spread. The ingredients listed for these products do not include any gluten-containing components, such as wheat, barley, rye, or triticale.
However, some consumers have expressed concerns about the presence of "Natural Flavors" and "Spice" in the ingredients, which could potentially indicate the presence of gluten. It is always advisable for individuals with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease to be cautious and verify the gluten-free status of any product before consumption.
This is where the Fig app can be incredibly helpful. By simply scanning a product's barcode, Fig will flag any ingredients that are not gluten-free and recommend similar products that are safe to consume. The app is an excellent tool for those who want to build a gluten-free shopping list and make informed choices about their food purchases. With the Fig app, users can easily identify gluten-free alternatives and ensure they are adhering to their dietary restrictions without compromising on taste and variety.
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Frequently asked questions
Athenos Feta Cheese does not contain gluten, but there is no gluten-free labelling on the product.
The ingredients listed are: pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and powdered cellulose to prevent caking.
Yes, the Fig app is a useful tool that scans barcodes and flags any ingredients that are not gluten-free.
The Fig app can recommend similar gluten-free products.
Athenos Feta Cheese can be purchased at Costco.
