Frederic Melton
Best Choice is a brand that offers a wide range of products, including cheese spreads. While the brand does not specifically mention gluten-free options, their cheese spreads do not contain gluten ingredients. However, due to ingredient suppliers, they cannot guarantee that their cheese products are entirely gluten-free. Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should carefully scrutinize product labels and contact the manufacturer for detailed information. Additionally, gluten-free alternatives to cheese are available, and certain types of cheese, such as plain and full-fat varieties, are more likely to be gluten-free.
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What You'll Learn
Best Choice cheese spread may contain gluten
Dairy products, in general, are considered gluten-free. However, certain types of cheeses may contain gluten due to ingredients added during the cheese-making process. While milk and most other natural ingredients used to make cheese are gluten-free, some additives and cultures may introduce gluten.
People with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should carefully check the packaging of cheese products to ensure they are gluten-free. The Dairy Good reports that firm, natural cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan are less likely to contain gluten. Plain and full-fat cheeses are also most likely to be gluten-free. On the other hand, low-fat, low-salt, and fat-free cheeses are more likely to contain gluten due to additives used as thickeners or stabilizers.
Some ingredients on a food label that may indicate the presence of gluten include hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, food starch, powdered cellulose, artificial flavorings, fillers, emulsifiers, and spice blends. It is recommended to always read the ingredient label and look for the "certified gluten-free" logo to ensure a product is safe for consumption. Additionally, individuals with specific concerns or questions about a product can contact the manufacturer for more information.
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Gluten-free alternatives to cheese
While dairy is considered a gluten-free product, certain types of cheeses may contain gluten due to additives or ingredients used in their production. For those who are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease, it is important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products to ensure they are gluten-free. Some cheese products may include gluten-containing ingredients, such as wheat starch or modified food starch.
If you are looking for gluten-free alternatives to cheese, there are a few options to consider:
- Non-dairy cheese alternatives: These are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but it is important to check the ingredients as some may contain gluten.
- Avocado: Avocados can add flavour and a creamy texture to dishes and are a naturally gluten-free alternative.
- Nutritional yeast: This non-dairy option can be sprinkled on dishes or added to sauces to impart a cheese-like flavour.
- Plain and full-fat cheeses: These varieties are most likely to be gluten-free, while low-fat, low-salt, and fat-free cheeses are more likely to contain gluten.
- Firm, natural cheeses: Varieties such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese are less likely to contain gluten.
- Cottage cheese: While some brands may contain wheat starch, cottage cheese is usually gluten-free.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese is gluten-free and can be used as an alternative to regular cheese.
It is always important to carefully read the labels of any cheese product to ensure it meets your dietary needs and is safe for consumption. Additionally, some naturally gluten-free foods, such as bread or pasta, may come into contact with gluten during processing or preparation, so it is crucial to be mindful of potential cross-contamination.
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Dairy is gluten-free, but some cheese products may contain gluten
Dairy products are naturally gluten-free. However, some processed cheese products may contain gluten due to added ingredients or flavourings. For example, ingredients such as hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, food starch, and artificial flavourings may indicate the presence of gluten.
Cheese is made from milk, which is sourced from cows, sheep, goats, or other animals. The milk is pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria and then cultured to turn it into cheese. The type of culture and the length of the aging process determine the final flavour and texture of the cheese.
Some cheeses are more likely to be gluten-free, such as plain and full-fat cheeses. On the other hand, low-fat, low-salt, and fat-free cheeses are more likely to contain gluten due to added thickeners or stabilizers. Firm, natural cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan are also less likely to contain gluten.
When shopping for cheese, it is important to carefully read the ingredient labels and look for the "'certified gluten-free'" symbol. If you are unsure, you can contact the manufacturer to inquire about specific products. Additionally, some people may need to avoid both gluten and dairy due to allergies, sensitivities, or digestive issues. In such cases, it is essential to be cautious of cross-contamination and carefully read labels or inquire about ingredients when eating out.
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Cheeses that are usually gluten-free
Dairy products, in general, are considered gluten-free. However, certain types of cheeses may contain gluten due to additives or flavourings. Some cheeses that are usually gluten-free include:
- Blue cheese: While some blue cheeses are made using bread mould, many are safe to consume.
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Gouda
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
- Ricotta
- Cream cheese
Cheeses that have undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese or cheese spread, are more likely to contain gluten. Plain and full-fat cheeses are also most likely to be gluten-free, while low-fat, fat-free, and flavoured varieties sometimes contain additional ingredients, so it is important to read the labels. Gluten-containing ingredients are often used as thickeners or stabilizers in certain types of cheese.
When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their gluten management practices.
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Gluten-containing ingredients used in cheese
While dairy does not contain gluten, some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. People with gluten intolerance should carefully check the packaging to ensure the cheese is suitable for consumption.
Gluten-containing ingredients are often used as thickeners or stabilizers in certain types of cheese to prolong their shelf life or prevent ingredients from separating. Some ingredients that may indicate gluten on a food label include hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, food starch, powdered cellulose, artificial flavor, fillers, emulsifiers, and spice blends.
Cheese spreads may also contain gluten, as it may be present in the ingredients used to create the spread's consistency or add flavoring. While most cheeses by themselves do not contain gluten, foods that contain cheese as one ingredient may not be gluten-free. For example, cheesecake is not gluten-free unless specified on the label because the crust is made with wheat flour. Similarly, mozzarella sticks are coated in breadcrumbs and are, therefore, not gluten-free unless otherwise specified.
Some cheeses that are usually gluten-free include feta, goat, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, ricotta, and Swiss cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Best Choice cheese is a pasteurized prepared cheese product that may include gluten. The product label does not confirm that it is gluten-free, but it does state if wheat or gluten is added.
Dairy products made with all-natural ingredients generally don't contain gluten. However, some cheese products may contain gluten. Always look for the "certified gluten-free" label to be sure.
Plain and full-fat cheeses are most likely to be gluten-free. Firm, natural cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Colby Jack are less likely to contain gluten. Pimento cheese is also gluten-free.
