Kamil Perry
If you're following a gluten-free diet, it's important to know which foods are safe to eat and which aren't. While cheese is naturally gluten-free, some shredded cheese products may contain gluten-based additives or anti-caking agents. So, is Best Choice shredded cheese gluten-free?
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What You'll Learn
Best Choice shredded cheese is gluten-free
Best Choice Fancy Sharp Cheddar Shredded cheese is believed to be gluten-free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label. However, it is important to note that the product may be manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products, so there is a risk of gluten cross-contamination. Therefore, it is always recommended to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products and look for certifications or statements indicating gluten-free status.
Shredded cheese is generally considered gluten-free, as cheese itself does not naturally contain gluten. However, some shredded cheese products may include additives or anti-caking agents that contain gluten. These additives are often starches or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. Potato starch, which is gluten-free, is commonly used. If cellulose powder is derived from wheat, the package should indicate the presence of gluten-containing ingredients.
When purchasing shredded cheese, it is advisable to opt for name-brand cheese brands as they tend to be more transparent about their ingredients. Some popular gluten-free shredded cheese brands include Kraft, Sargento, Tillamook, and Organic Valley. These brands offer a variety of gluten-free options, including cheddar, mozzarella, and Mexican-style blends. Additionally, some brands specifically label their products as "gluten-free," providing assurance to consumers.
For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, it is crucial to look for certified gluten-free options to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. It is also recommended to consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions.
In summary, Best Choice shredded cheese is believed to be gluten-free based on the absence of gluten-containing ingredients on the label. However, it is always advisable to refer to the product label and consider the potential for cross-contamination to make an informed decision regarding your dietary choices.
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Always check the ingredients label for gluten
While most shredded cheese brands are naturally gluten-free, it is always a good idea to check the ingredients label to ensure that the product is safe for your dietary needs. Some shredded cheese products may contain added ingredients or anti-caking agents that contain gluten. For instance, shredded cheese can sometimes have starch or cellulose added to keep the shreds from sticking together. While potato starch is gluten-free, cellulose can sometimes be derived from wheat. If the cellulose used is derived from wheat, this should be indicated on the label.
Name-brand cheese brands tend to be more open about their ingredients, so it may be safer to buy from these companies over generic (private label) brands. Companies like Kraft Cheese test their shredded cheese for gluten and label any Kraft products with over 10ppm of gluten. Sargento also states on its website that it uses potato starch and gluten-free anti-caking agents for gluten-free shredded cheese. Other gluten-free shredded cheese brands include Tillamook and Organic Valley.
If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, look for brands that are certified gluten-free to avoid potential cross-contamination. If you're still unsure, look for packages specifically labelled as "gluten-free" or contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.
In North America, if “modified food starch” is on the label and there is no mention of wheat in the ingredients list, the cheese should be safe for those avoiding gluten.
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Potato starch is gluten-free
According to Spoonful, Best Choice Fancy Sharp Cheddar Shredded cheese is believed to be gluten-free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label. However, it is not lactose-free, dairy-free, or nightshade-free.
Shredded cheese is usually gluten-free, although it often contains starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. Potato starch is commonly used in shredded cheese, and it is gluten-free. It is also used in baking to add moisture to recipes and as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and pies. Potato starch is a fine, white powder that is also a popular choice for those with gluten sensitivities. It is often used as a substitute for corn starch, especially for those with corn allergies.
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Cellulose powder may contain gluten
According to sources, shredded cheese is usually gluten-free. However, some shredded cheese products may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While the starches and cellulose used in shredded cheese typically do not contain gluten, it is important to check the label to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients or gluten cross-contamination.
Cellulose powder is often used as an anti-caking agent in shredded cheese to prevent the cheese from clumping. While cellulose powder itself is gluten-free, it can be derived from various sources, including fruits, vegetables, or wheat. If the cellulose powder used in shredded cheese is derived from wheat, this should be indicated on the label.
Some well-known cheese brands that use cellulose powder in their shredded cheese products include Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Belgioioso. These companies have stated that their shredded cheese products are gluten-free, and some even specify that their anti-caking agents are not derived from wheat or other gluten-containing sources.
It is always recommended to read the ingredient labels of shredded cheese products to verify their gluten-free status. Additionally, name-brand cheese brands tend to be more transparent about their ingredients, so purchasing from these companies may provide added assurance regarding gluten-free claims.
In summary, while cellulose powder may contain gluten if derived from wheat, it is typically gluten-free when sourced from other plants. It is important to consult the manufacturer's website or product labels to confirm the source of cellulose powder and ensure the shredded cheese product is gluten-free.
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Popular gluten-free shredded cheese brands
Most shredded cheese brands are gluten-free. However, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before consuming it. Some shredded cheese brands use anti-caking agents to prevent the shreds from sticking together, which may contain gluten. These anti-caking agents can come in the form of cellulose powder, food starch, or potato starch. Potato starch is gluten-free, whereas cellulose powder is not always derived from wheat and may sometimes be gluten-free. If a company uses cellulose powder, it is recommended to check the manufacturer's website for information on where it is sourced.
Name-brand cheese brands tend to be more transparent about their ingredients, so it may be safer to opt for these companies over generic brands. For instance, Kraft Cheese tests its shredded cheese for gluten and labels any products containing over 10ppm of gluten. Sargento is another example of a name-brand cheese company that uses potato starch and gluten-free anti-caking agents for its shredded cheese products.
Regardless of the brand of shredded cheese, it is always good practice to read the ingredients label to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients or gluten cross-contamination. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, other ingredients to look out for include wheat starch and modified food starch made from wheat.
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Frequently asked questions
Best Choice Fancy Sharp Cheddar Shredded cheese is believed to be gluten-free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label.
Shredded cheese typically contains an anti-caking agent to prevent the shreds from sticking together. This is usually starch or cellulose powder. While starch is often derived from gluten-free sources like potatoes, cellulose powder can sometimes be derived from wheat.
Yes, popular gluten-free shredded cheese brands include Kraft, Sargento, Tillamook, and Organic Valley.
