Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a gluten-free product, and it is safe for patients with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. However, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consuming them, as some cheese products may contain gluten.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Dairy product | Yes |
| Safe for patients with Celiac disease | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese is gluten-free
Dairy products are generally gluten-free. However, some cheese products may contain gluten. This is because they may contain ingredients that are a source of gluten. For example, shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together. If the cellulose is derived from wheat, this should be stated on the label.
It is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you should also ensure the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. If you go to a deli counter to purchase cheese, the machine used to slice the cheese must be cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
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Dairy is gluten-free
Dairy products are generally gluten-free, but there are some exceptions. For example, plain milk—regardless of whether it's regular, skimmed, or heavy cream—is gluten-free, whereas flavoured milk may not be. Malted milk products, including milkshakes, are also not gluten-free, as malt is made with barley.
Most cheese is gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Some manufacturers use wheat as a catalyst when making blue cheese, so it is advised to contact the maker to determine if a particular blue cheese is gluten-free. Additionally, watch out for "beer-washed" cheeses, and cheese cut up and packaged at individual grocery stores. Cheeses that are usually gluten-free include feta, goat, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta, Swiss, and shredded cheese.
Other dairy products that are gluten-free include plain yogurt, butter, and eggs. Some yogurts, however, come with cookies and granola, which should be avoided. Most margarine is also gluten-free, but it is important to check the ingredients.
Overall, while most dairy products are gluten-free, it is always important to read labels carefully and be aware of potential cross-contamination when purchasing and consuming dairy products.
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Cheese products may contain gluten
Dairy products are generally considered gluten-free. However, some cheese products may contain gluten. While most cheeses are made from milk, which is gluten-free, some cheese products may include additional ingredients that are a source of gluten.
Cheese products that have undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese, cheese spread, or cheese sticks, are more likely to contain gluten. This is because these products often have additional ingredients to add flavour or improve texture, which may be sources of gluten. For example, shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together, and while these ingredients typically do not contain gluten, it is important to read the label to ensure that the cellulose is not derived from wheat.
Even cheese products that are not highly processed may contain gluten. For example, blue cheese may contain gluten depending on where the mould is grown, as some suggest that mould cultures may be grown on wheat or rye bread. Therefore, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products to ensure that they do not contain gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, wheat starch, or modified food starch made from wheat.
Some cheeses are less likely to contain gluten, such as firm, natural cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan. Other cheeses that are typically gluten-free include feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, Swiss cheese, and brie.
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Gluten-free alternatives to cheese
Most cheese is naturally gluten-free, but some cheese products may contain gluten. It is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you also want to ensure the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. If you go to a deli counter to purchase cheese, the machine used to slice the cheese must be cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
Some varieties of cheese that are usually gluten-free include feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta, Swiss cheese, and shredded cheese. Blue cheese and brie are also gluten-free.
There are non-dairy cheese alternatives, which are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but others may contain gluten. A naturally gluten-free alternative to cheese is avocado, which adds flavour and a creamy texture to many dishes, such as sandwiches or salads. Nutritional yeast is another non-dairy alternative to cheese. It can be sprinkled on top of dishes or added to sauces for a cheese-like flavour.
- Kite Hill™: almond milk cream cheese, yogurt, ricotta, soft-ripened artisanal cheeses
- Treeline™: cashew-based soft cheeses, cream cheese and aged artisanal cheeses as well as vegan goat cheese
- Forager Project®: cashew-based vegan cheeses (Vegan Parmesan, Vegan Mozzarella, Vegan Jack and Vegan Queso Fresco)
- Violife: 100% vegan, coconut oil-based, and nut-free cheeses (contains coconut, potato, corn) shreds, slices, cream cheese, feta, parmesan block, plant butter, dips, cream cheese, cocos
- So Delicious® Cheese Alternatives: Shreds, Slices, Spreads. Coconut-based. Shreds come in Mozzarella, Cheddar and Mexican flavors. Certified Gluten Free from GFCO.
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Gluten-free diets and Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine, preventing it from absorbing the nutrients in food. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is the cause of intestinal damage in individuals with Celiac disease. When a person with Celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks the villi, the tiny, finger-like tubules lining the small intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition and severe health complications, including anemia, seizures, joint pain, thinning bones, infertility, chronic diarrhea, low vitamin levels, and cancer.
The only treatment for Celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Even a small amount of gluten can trigger a reaction and damage the small intestine. A gluten-free diet typically involves avoiding most grains, pasta, cereals, and processed foods. However, it is important to note that gluten can be hidden in unexpected places, and it is crucial to read ingredient labels carefully. Many commercially available products are labelled “gluten-free,” but not all gluten-free products may be labelled as such.
Some naturally gluten-free food groups include fruits, vegetables, meats, rice, and certain grains. It is recommended to base a gluten-free diet around these food groups. Additionally, gluten-free alternatives for typically gluten-containing foods, such as bread and pasta, are widely available in most grocery stores. When it comes to cheese, most varieties are gluten-free, including goat cheese, feta, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, ricotta, Swiss, and shredded cheese. However, it is still important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese to ensure they do not contain gluten-containing ingredients or wheat starch.
Adjusting to a gluten-free diet can be challenging, but it is crucial for managing Celiac disease effectively. It is important to be vigilant about reading labels, understanding hidden sources of gluten, and being cautious when eating out at restaurants. Additionally, some individuals may require additional time for their bodies to heal and recover, even after starting a gluten-free diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, goat cheese is gluten-free and safe for patients with celiac and other gluten-related disorders.
Feta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Swiss, and Ricotta cheese are all gluten-free.
Cheese products that have undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese or cheese spread, are more likely to contain gluten.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Yes, avocados and nutritional yeast are gluten-free alternatives to cheese.
