Randy Chandler
Cabot produces a range of cheeses, including Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster, which are all gluten-free. In fact, all of Cabot's products and ingredients, except for spreadable cheeses and repacked deli cheese, have been verified to be gluten-free and are produced in a gluten-free environment. This is because, during the production of these cheeses, there is a risk of gluten contamination from outsourcing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | All Cabot products and ingredients, except for spreadable cheeses and repacked deli cheese, are gluten-free |
| Lactose-free | Cabot produces many cheeses that contain zero grams of lactose, including Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster |
| Salt content | Cabot uses as little salt as possible, but salt is an essential ingredient in their cheese-making process |
| Trans fats | Cabot's 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar does not contain any trans fats |
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What You'll Learn
Deli and spreadable Cabot cheeses may not be gluten-free
Cabot produces a wide range of cheeses, including lactose-free varieties, that are generally safe for people with gluten intolerance. However, it is important to note that their deli and spreadable cheeses may not be entirely gluten-free.
Deli and spreadable Cabot cheeses are repacked at store level, and while the company takes great care to ensure gluten-free production and sourcing for their other products, they cannot guarantee the same for these specific varieties. This is because the repacking process occurs in an environment where gluten could be present, leading to potential contamination.
The company's other products, such as their famous Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster cheeses, are all carefully researched and verified to be gluten-free. These cheeses are produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities, ensuring that consumers can enjoy them without worry.
However, when it comes to their deli and spreadable cheeses, the risk of gluten contamination during repacking cannot be overlooked. This is especially important for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, as even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response and cause adverse health effects.
Therefore, while Cabot cheeses are a delicious and nutritious option for most consumers, those specifically seeking gluten-free options should exercise caution when considering their deli and spreadable varieties. It is always advisable to check the labels and ingredient lists, and if in doubt, consumers can contact the company directly for more detailed information regarding specific products.
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All other Cabot cheeses are gluten-free
Cabot produces a range of cheeses that are gluten-free, including lactose-free options. The company has researched and verified that all of its products, except for spreadable cheeses and repacked deli cheese, are gluten-free and produced in a gluten-free environment. This means that Cabot's blocks of sharp cheddar cheese and shredded Vermont sharp cheddar cheese are gluten-free.
Cabot's lactose-free cheeses include Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster. These cheeses are aged and have had the lactose drained from them during the cheese-making process, which naturally occurs within 3 to 4 weeks of production.
It is important to note that while Cabot's other cheeses are gluten-free, their cream cheese, whipped cream, and spreadable cheddars may be sourced from plants that also produce products containing nuts or tree nuts. Therefore, those with nut allergies should exercise caution when consuming these products.
Additionally, due to the company's sourcing practices, they cannot guarantee that their spreads are wheat-free. However, all other Cabot cheeses are gluten-free and safe for consumption for those with gluten intolerances or sensitivities.
In summary, Cabot offers a wide variety of gluten-free cheeses, including lactose-free options, and is transparent about the potential presence of allergens in their other products.
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Gluten-free products are produced in a gluten-free environment
Cabot's products and ingredients have been researched and verified to be gluten-free and are produced in a gluten-free environment. This includes their famous Cheddar cheese, which is also available in Light Cheddar.
However, it is important to note that due to their sourcing, Cabot cannot guarantee that their spreads and repacked deli cheeses are wheat-free. This is because the repacked deli cheese is wrapped at the store level, where gluten may be present, leading to potential contamination.
Cabot's other products, including their Cream Cheese, Whipped Cream, and Spreadable Cheddars, are sourced from plants that may also produce products containing nuts or tree nuts. Therefore, while these products are gluten-free, they may not be suitable for those with nut allergies or intolerances.
When it comes to lactose, Cabot's cheese-making process naturally reduces lactose content. The microbial-based enzymes used in their process coagulate milk into curds and whey. The whey, which contains most of the lactose, is then drained from the curds. The cheese is then aged, which further breaks down any residual lactose within 3 to 4 weeks. This is why eating any aged cheese, such as Cabot's Cheddar, is generally safe for those with lactose intolerance.
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Cabot's lactose-free cheeses
Cabot produces a range of lactose-free cheeses, including Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Muenster, and Pepper Jack. These cheeses are perfect for those with dietary restrictions, such as lactose intolerance or sensitivity, as they contain very little to no lactose per serving (less than 0.1 grams per 1-ounce serving). In fact, Cabot's naturally aged cheddars have 0 grams of lactose per serving, making them a great option for those who are lactose-free.
The lactose-free properties of Cabot's cheeses are due to the natural aging process, which breaks down any remaining lactose. During the cheese-making process, curds are separated from whey, which contains most of the lactose. The curds are then pressed into cheese, and any residual lactose breaks down over time as the cheese ages. This results in cheese with little to no lactose, making it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance.
In addition to being lactose-free, Cabot's cheeses are a great source of important nutrients such as calcium, protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus. Eating three servings of dairy foods daily is a great way to ensure you're getting enough calcium in your diet. So, whether you're lactose intolerant or just looking for a delicious and nutritious cheese, Cabot's lactose-free cheeses are a great option.
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Cabot's use of salt in the cheese-making process
Cabot's cheese-making process is built on traditional methods, the highest food safety standards, and the freshest ingredients. The company uses as little salt as possible in its cheese-making process but still considers it an important ingredient. Salt is added to cheese after the whey is drained off.
Salt is essential for four reasons. Firstly, it balances the enzyme activity needed to create cheese. If the enzymes were left unchecked, the cheese would spoil very quickly. Secondly, salt helps expel whey from the curds, which is an important part of the manufacturing process. Thirdly, salt acts as a preservative, and finally, it acts as a flavour enhancer. A lack of salt would likely produce cheese that is not fit to eat.
During the manufacturing of the cheese curds, the pH, water activity, and salt concentration must be set at the proper levels. This allows the natural chemical reactions in the cheese to function correctly during the aging process. These natural chemical reactions vary from vat to vat due to the different subtle flavours from the milk, which are influenced by feed and weather.
Cabot uses a microbial-based enzyme to manufacture all of its cheeses, except for its Processed American Cheese slices and Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese. The microbial-based enzyme coagulates the milk into curds and whey. It is approved for vegetarians and also allows the cheeses to pass kosher certification.
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Frequently asked questions
All Cabot products are gluten-free except for spreadable cheeses and deli cheese that are repacked at the grocery store, as these cannot be guaranteed to be GF due to outsourcing.
Cabot produces many gluten-free cheeses, including Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster.
Cabot Cheddar Cheese is also lactose-free. However, Cabot Cream Cheese, Whipped Cream, and Spreadable Cheddars may contain nuts or tree nuts as they are sourced from plants that produce products with these allergens.
