Andy Montoya
Athenos Feta Cheese is a popular product with a creamy and tangy taste. It is made with pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance often wonder if this cheese is gluten-free. While there is no explicit gluten-free labelling on the product, some websites, including Costco, claim that it is gluten-free. However, the presence of natural flavors and spices in the ingredients list raises questions about its gluten content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | There is no gluten-free labeling on the product, but some websites, including Costco, claim it is gluten-free |
| Ingredients | Feta cheese (pasteurized milk, salt, cheese culture, enzymes), powdered cellulose, natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor) |
| Contains | Milk |
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What You'll Learn
Athenos Feta Cheese Ingredients
Athenos Feta Cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. The full list of ingredients varies slightly depending on the variety of feta cheese. For example, the traditional variety contains powdered cellulose to prevent caking and natamycin (a natural mould inhibitor), while the reduced-fat variety contains vitamin A palmitate. The whipped feta dip and spread contain additional ingredients such as cultured pasteurized milk and cream, water, milk protein concentrate, canola oil, olive oil, carob bean gum, sorbic acid (preservative), and xanthan gum.
Athenos Feta Cheese is not explicitly labelled as gluten-free, which has caused some concern among consumers, especially those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, and it is important for individuals with celiac disease or gluten-related disorders to strictly avoid gluten in their diet. Cross-contamination in restaurants is a significant concern, and it is challenging to find safe dining options, especially for those who are highly sensitive to gluten.
The Athenos Feta Cheese ingredients list includes "natural flavors" and "spice", which has sparked uncertainty among consumers regarding its gluten content. While some sources, including the Costco website and other sites, indicate that Athenos Feta Cheese is gluten-free, there is no official gluten-free labelling on the product. This lack of clear labelling can make it challenging for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to make informed choices.
It is important to note that individuals with celiac disease may experience additional food intolerance issues during the initial stages of their recovery. Keeping a food diary and experimenting with an elimination diet can help identify specific triggers. Some common food intolerances associated with celiac disease include dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy.
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Gluten-Free Labelling
Feta cheese, in general, is gluten-free. However, it is always advisable to check the product label to ensure it is free from gluten-containing ingredients. Athenos Feta Cheese, for example, lists its ingredients as feta cheese (pasteurized milk, salt, cheese culture, enzymes), cultured pasteurized milk and cream, water, milk protein concentrate, canola oil, salt, enzymes, olive oil, carob bean gum, sorbic acid (preservative), and xanthan gum. None of these ingredients contain gluten, and the product does not claim to contain any other gluten-containing ingredients. Thus, it can be assumed that Athenos Feta Cheese is gluten-free.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict guidelines for gluten-free labelling. The FDA defines gluten-free as foods that do not contain any of the following:
- Wheat
- Rye
- Barley
- Crossbreeds of these grains, such as triticale
- Ingredients derived from these grains that have not been processed to remove gluten
- Ingredients derived from these grains that have been processed to remove gluten but still result in the food containing more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten
The FDA's definition of gluten-free is voluntary for food manufacturers. However, if a product is labelled gluten-free, it must meet all the requirements of the regulations. This includes having less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is the lowest amount that can be reliably detected using scientifically validated methods. The FDA performs food label reviews and analyzes food samples to ensure compliance with gluten-free labelling regulations.
The gluten-free labelling regulation is especially important for individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten. Celiac disease affects approximately 3 million Americans and can cause damage to the small intestine, leading to nutrient deficiencies. The gluten-free label provides a standardized tool for consumers with celiac disease to manage their health and dietary intake confidently.
It is important to note that some foods are naturally gluten-free, such as bottled spring water, fruits, vegetables, eggs, and tomatoes. These foods may or may not carry a gluten-free label. However, if they do not have the label, they may still be gluten-free, and consumers should read the ingredients list to check for any gluten-containing ingredients.
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Natural Flavours and Spice
Athenos feta cheese is a popular product available at Costco and other retailers. Feta cheese typically contains pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. Some varieties also include powdered cellulose to prevent caking and natamycin as a natural mold inhibitor.
While feta cheese itself does not typically contain gluten, a forum user on celiac.com raised concerns about the Athenos brand of feta cheese, specifically mentioning the "Natural Flavors and Spice" listed in the ingredients. This particular product does not have gluten-free labeling, which has caused confusion among consumers, especially those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Natural flavors are added to enhance the taste of a product, and they can be derived from a variety of sources, including plants, animals, or microorganisms. In the context of cheese, natural flavors may be added to intensify the cheese flavor or create specific flavor profiles. These flavors are typically safe for consumption and are not known to contain gluten.
On the other hand, spices are plant-derived substances, such as seeds, berries, roots, or bark, used in small quantities to flavor or color food. Spices do not typically contain gluten, but there may be concerns about cross-contamination during preparation or handling, processing, or packaging. It is important to note that spice blends or seasonings may sometimes contain gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour or wheat starch, which are used as anti-caking agents or carriers.
In the case of Athenos feta cheese, the "Natural Flavors and Spice" in the ingredients list may refer to natural flavor enhancers and spices added to the cheese. While natural flavors and individual spices are typically gluten-free, it is always advisable for consumers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to exercise caution. Checking the product's ingredients list, contacting the manufacturer, or using apps like Fig that scan barcodes and flag non-gluten-free ingredients can provide additional assurance.
While the Costco website and two other sites mentioned in the forum indicate that Athenos feta cheese is gluten-free, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should make an informed decision based on their sensitivity levels and available information.
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Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
Athenos feta cheese is gluten-free, as the ingredients listed on the product page do not include gluten. That said, those with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance should always be cautious when consuming new foods.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Even a crumb of gluten can activate an immune response in someone with celiac disease, causing damage to the lining of their small intestine and preventing the proper absorption of food nutrients. The treatment for celiac disease is a complete and lifelong avoidance of gluten.
Gluten intolerance, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), is a sensitivity rather than an autoimmune disorder. Those with NCGS may experience abdominal pain and other symptoms, but they do not have the same negative consequences on intestinal tissues or immune function as those with celiac disease. Treatment for NCGS involves reducing gluten and carbohydrate intake rather than completely avoiding gluten.
It is important to note that removing gluten from your diet if you don't have celiac disease or gluten intolerance will not improve your digestive or metabolic health. Additionally, gluten-free diets can alter your gut microbiome and may be higher in refined carbohydrates and sugars. Therefore, it is recommended that gluten-free diets be medically prescribed by a healthcare professional.
If you think you may have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing your condition.
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Restaurants and Cross-Contamination
Eating at restaurants can be challenging for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance due to the risk of gluten cross-contamination. Gluten cross-contamination occurs when gluten-containing foods come into contact with gluten-free foods, leading to the presence of gluten in the latter.
Restaurants and other foodservice establishments often cook naturally gluten-free foods, such as omelettes and potatoes, alongside gluten-containing dishes like pancakes and French toast, on shared surfaces such as grills or griddles. This practice can result in cross-contamination, as crumbs or residues from gluten-containing foods can be transferred to the gluten-free options. Therefore, it is essential to inquire about the cooking methods and assess the risk of cross-contamination before consuming any dish.
To reduce the risk of gluten cross-contamination in restaurants, it is recommended to ask specific questions to the chef or manager. For instance, inquire whether they toast bread products or cook gluten-containing foods on the same grill or griddle. Additionally, ask about separate fryers and oils used for gluten-free items and if they have dedicated gluten-free preparation areas and utensils. These precautions can help ensure that your meal is safe and gluten-free.
Some studies have investigated the occurrence of gluten cross-contamination in restaurants. For example, a study by Korth et al. examined the simultaneous cooking of traditional and gluten-free pasta in the same water, finding that gluten concentrations remained below 20 ppm for smaller portions but increased consistently for larger portions. Another study by Thompson et al. analysed gluten cross-contamination in French fries from California and Ohio restaurants, revealing that most samples did not show significant levels of cross-contamination, with the highest gluten level detected at 12.78 ppm.
While the risk of gluten cross-contamination in restaurants is a concern, it is encouraging to see that some countries, like Italy, have strict regulations for gluten-free certification in restaurants, ensuring compliance with good manufacturing practices. These measures positively impact the production of gluten-free products, as evidenced by gluten-free pizzas and cooked dough bases in Turin. However, it is always advisable to remain vigilant and proactive when dining out to ensure your dietary needs are met.
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Frequently asked questions
Athenos feta cheese does not have a gluten-free label, but some websites, including Costco, say that it is gluten-free. The ingredients listed on the package do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients, but there is also no guarantee of no gluten cross-contamination.
The ingredients listed on the package of Athenos feta cheese are: feta cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), powdered cellulose to prevent caking, and natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor).
Yes, there are similar gluten-free products to Athenos feta cheese. One example is the Main St. Bistro Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Potatoes, which can be found using the Fig app. This app allows users to scan barcodes and will flag any ingredients that are not gluten-free.
