Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that gets its name from the blue or blue-green veins that run through it. These veins are mould cultures, which are added to the milk mixture to make the cheese. Traditionally, these mould spores are grown on rye or wheat bread, which contain gluten. This has led to a debate about whether blue cheese is gluten-free or not. While some people with gluten intolerance report adverse reactions to blue cheese, others do not seem to be affected. The level of sensitivity to gluten varies from person to person, and it is important to carefully observe your body's reaction to any food that may contain gluten. To be absolutely sure, it is recommended to check the labels of packaged or processed cheese products and opt for brands that clearly state their blue cheese is gluten-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is blue cheese gluten-free? | Most blue cheese is gluten-free. However, some people with gluten intolerance have reported adverse reactions to blue cheese. |
| Reason for controversy | Traditionally, the milk used to make blue cheese is inoculated with mold spores grown on bread or cultures that contain gluten. |
| Modern techniques | Modern cheese-making techniques have made bread obsolete as a mold-growing medium. |
| Recommendations | People on a gluten-free diet are advised to carefully observe their body's reaction to blue cheese and opt for brands that specify their product is gluten-free. |
| Gluten-free blue cheese brands | Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, Rogue Creamery |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese is traditionally grown on gluten-based bread, but modern techniques have made this obsolete
- Some people report adverse reactions to blue cheese, but others do not
- Rosenborg blue cheese is made using gluten-free mould cultures, making it safe for those with gluten aversions
- Blue cheese rarely contains more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten
- If you are unsure, read the label to see if gluten-containing ingredients are present
Blue cheese is traditionally grown on gluten-based bread, but modern techniques have made this obsolete
Blue cheese is a delicious treat, but for those who are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease, it can be a source of worry. This is because, traditionally, blue cheese has been made by adding mould spores to milk. These mould spores are grown on bread or cultures that contain gluten, such as rye or wheat.
However, this has led to a controversy in the world of gluten-free diets. On the one hand, some argue that the cheese-making process results in the final product being gluten-free, even if gluten was used at the beginning. They claim that the cheese is several batches removed from the original starter and that modern techniques have made the use of bread as a mould-growing medium obsolete.
On the other hand, some people with gluten intolerances or coeliac disease report adverse reactions to blue cheese, suggesting that there are still traces of gluten in some varieties. The issue is that it is difficult to know how the mould in blue cheese was grown, as this information is not always readily available to consumers. Some companies clearly state on their websites that their blue cheeses are gluten-free, but it is still important to verify this through research or by checking the labels.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to ensure your blue cheese is gluten-free. Firstly, look for blue cheeses cultured in wheat-based dextrose, as these are less likely to contain gluten. Secondly, some brands, such as Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery, produce blue cheese not fermented in gluten-based spores. Finally, you can refer to resources like Sure Foods' "Living List of Gluten-Free Blue Cheese Products" to find gluten-free options.
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Some people report adverse reactions to blue cheese, but others do not
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is often cultured in wheat-based dextrose and inoculated with mold spores grown on rye or wheat bread. While most blue cheese is gluten-free, containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, some people report adverse reactions to it. This is because the mold spores used in the cheese-making process may be grown on gluten-based bread, which can cause an allergic reaction in those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten consumption, causing an immune response in the small intestine that damages its lining and impairs nutrient absorption. Those with celiac disease must avoid gluten-containing foods, including certain blue cheeses. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is another condition that can cause adverse reactions to gluten, resulting in pain and discomfort.
However, the impact of blue cheese on individuals varies. Some people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease may react strongly to blue cheese, experiencing adverse effects, while others may consume it without any noticeable issues. This variation in response may be attributed to differences in the cheese manufacturing process, individual sensitivity levels, and other factors.
To ensure a gluten-free diet, it is recommended to carefully read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products and opt for brands that explicitly state their blue cheese is gluten-free. Additionally, it is important to observe your body's response to blue cheese and avoid it if you experience any adverse reactions, following the philosophy of "if it hurts, don't do it."
While blue cheese has traditionally been classified as a food to avoid on gluten-free diets, recent analyses have found that blue cheese samples did not contain detectable levels of gluten, even when formed with gluten-containing media. This suggests that the cheese-making process may have evolved to exclude bread as a mold-growing medium, making blue cheese safer for gluten-intolerant individuals.
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Rosenborg blue cheese is made using gluten-free mould cultures, making it safe for those with gluten aversions
Blue cheese has traditionally been classified as a food to avoid for those on gluten-free diets. This is because the milk used to make blue cheese is often inoculated with mould spores grown on bread or cultures containing gluten. However, it is important to note that not all blue cheeses are created equal when it comes to gluten content.
Some blue cheeses, like Rosenborg Blue Cheese, are made using gluten-free mould cultures, making them safe for those with gluten aversions or even celiac disease. Rosenborg has been crafting specialty cheeses for three generations and their blue cheese is a sought-after, award-winning product. It is crafted using homogenized cow's milk to create a slightly salty, sharp taste.
The gluten-free nature of Rosenborg Blue Cheese is supported by analysis conducted by Dr. Terry Koerner's laboratory at Health Canada's Food Research Division. This analysis found that neither cultures grown with gluten-containing media nor those grown with wheat-based dextrose resulted in detectable levels of gluten when formed into blue cheese. This means that even blue cheeses made with wheat-based dextrose can be safe for those avoiding gluten.
It is worth noting that individual experiences may vary. While some people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease have reported adverse reactions to blue cheese, others have not. It is always important to carefully observe your body's reactions and consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about including blue cheese in your diet.
In addition to Rosenborg, there are other brands that produce gluten-free blue cheeses, including BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. These companies use mould cultures that are not fermented in gluten-based spores, making their products safe for gluten-averse consumers.
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Blue cheese rarely contains more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is traditionally made by adding mould spores to milk. These spores are sometimes grown on rye or wheat bread, which contains gluten. As a result, there has been a long-standing controversy over whether blue cheese is gluten-free.
The FDA allows processed and packaged foods to be labelled as "gluten-free" if they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Blue cheese rarely contains more than 20 ppm of gluten, and modern cheese-making techniques have made it less likely that moulds are grown on bread. However, some traditional cheesemakers may still use these methods.
People with gluten intolerances or allergies should be cautious when consuming blue cheese. Reactions to blue cheese vary from person to person, and some individuals with gluten intolerances may react strongly to even small amounts of gluten. It is important to always read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products and to be cautious when consuming blue cheese at restaurants, as other ingredients used in dishes may contain gluten.
Some companies clearly state on their websites that their blue cheeses are gluten-free. These include Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. Additionally, some brands of blue cheese are cultured in wheat-based dextrose, ensuring they are completely gluten-free.
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If you are unsure, read the label to see if gluten-containing ingredients are present
Blue cheese is a food that those on a gluten-free diet have traditionally been advised to avoid. This is because the milk used to make blue cheese is often inoculated with mould spores grown on bread or cultures that contain gluten. However, there is debate as to whether blue cheese does, in fact, contain gluten.
Some people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease report adverse reactions to blue cheese, while others do not. It is important to note that every body is different, and individuals should be mindful of how their body reacts to certain foods.
The mould spores used in the cheese-making process are sometimes grown on rye or wheat bread, but blue cheese rarely contains more than 20 parts per million (ppm) gluten, which is the lowest amount of gluten that can be detected with available scientific tools. Analysis of blue cheese samples conducted by Dr. Terry Koerner's laboratory at Health Canada's Food Research Division found that neither cultures used with gluten-containing media nor those used with wheat-based dextrose contained detectable levels of gluten when formed into blue cheese.
If you are unsure about whether a particular brand of blue cheese contains gluten, it is important to read the label to see if gluten-containing ingredients are present. Some blue cheese brands, such as Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery, produce versions of blue cheese not fermented in gluten-based spores. Sure Foods also has a "Living List of Gluten-Free Blue Cheese Products" that can be referenced.
Additionally, when purchasing blue cheese, it is important to be cautious of cheese that has been packaged or cut in a grocery store or deli, as this may not have been done in a crumb-free environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free. However, some of the moulds used to create blue cheese are grown on gluten-based bread, so it is important to read the label.
Goat cheese, mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta are all gluten-free.
Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you should also avoid wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Yes, Bolthouse Farms Chunky Blue Cheese Yogurt Dressing is gluten-free.
The Canadian Celiac Association has added blue cheese to its "Acceptability of Food and Food Ingredients for the Gluten-Free Diet" pocket dictionary. This means that blue cheese is safe for people with celiac disease to consume.
