Andy Montoya
Cheese is a beloved dairy product enjoyed by many, but for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it can be a source of worry. In general, dairy products are considered gluten-free, and natural cheese is typically safe for gluten-intolerant individuals. However, when it comes to processed cheese products, the risk of gluten contamination increases. This is because gluten is often added as a thickener or stabilizer to prolong shelf life and maintain texture. Shredded cheese, for example, may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together, and while potato starch is usually gluten-free, some cellulose is derived from wheat. This is why it is crucial to scrutinize the labels of packaged cheese products, looking out for terms like wheat, malt, food starch, and modified food starch. While cheese in its natural form is mostly gluten-free, vigilance in reading labels is essential for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to ensure their favorite cheesy treats don't become a source of discomfort.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Shredded cheese and cellulose
Cheese is a dairy product and, in general, dairy is considered gluten-free. However, certain types of cheeses may contain gluten. Most commercially available cheese is made using milk that has been pasteurized, a high-temperature process that kills bacteria. Other cheeses are made from raw milk and contain beneficial bacteria, but also carry a higher risk of foodborne illness.
Shredded cheese is usually gluten-free. However, shredded cheese is more likely to contain gluten due to additional processing. Some shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While the starches/cellulose used in shredded cheese typically don’t contain gluten, if the cellulose is derived from wheat, this should be called out on the label. If you’re unsure about a particular brand of shredded cheese, read its label to see if it includes any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, wheat starch, or modified food starch made from wheat.
Cellulose is a common food additive made from wood pulp or other plant fibers and is used in packaged shredded cheese to coat the pieces of cheese, blocking out the moisture that causes them to clump. It is also used to replace fat and give a creamier feel to foods like low-fat ice cream, to thicken and stabilize, and to boost fiber content. Nutritionists say the insoluble fiber in cellulose is no different from those found in vegetables, and offers the same health benefits. However, the use of fillers like cellulose is controversial, with some consumers feeling that it is unfair to have to pay cheese prices for what is, in a sense, sawdust.
To avoid shredded cheese with cellulose, you can buy a fresh block or wedge of cheese and shred it yourself.
Pamasan Cheese Rice: Gluten-Free Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Gluten-free cheese labelling
While dairy is generally considered a gluten-free product, certain types of cheese may contain gluten. This is because some cheese products may contain gluten-containing ingredients, such as wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives. For example, some dairy-free cheeses are made with flour, and some manufacturers use wheat as a catalyst when making blue cheese.
Therefore, it is important to always read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before consuming it. If you are buying shredded cheese, for instance, check the label to see if it includes any gluten-containing ingredients, as shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. If the cellulose used is derived from wheat, this should be stated on the label.
When buying cheese from a deli counter, ensure that the cheese is gluten-free and that the slicing machine has been cleaned to prevent cross-contact. Look for cheese packaged by the manufacturer, as cheese repackaged in a deli may be cut on the same surfaces used to prepare sandwiches.
Some cheeses that are usually gluten-free include cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, and string cheese or cheese sticks. However, even if cheese is naturally gluten-free, cheese products may contain gluten, so it is important to check the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products.
Muenster Cheese: Lactose-Free Delicacy?
You may want to see also
Gluten-free cheese alternatives
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, but some cheese products may contain gluten. This is because gluten can be introduced during the cheese-making process or when cheese is used as an ingredient in other products. For example, shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together. If the cellulose is derived from wheat, this should be stated on the label.
It is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you should also ensure that the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. If you purchase cheese from a deli counter, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese must be cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
Some cheeses that are usually gluten-free include:
- Brie
- Blue cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Feta cheese
- Goat cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Provolone
- Ricotta cheese
- Swiss cheese
There are also non-dairy cheese alternatives, which are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but others may contain gluten. Here are some gluten-free cheese alternatives:
- Avocado: Avocados can add flavour and a creamy texture to dishes such as sandwiches or salads.
- Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on top of dishes or added to sauces for a cheese-like flavour.
- Babybel Plant-Based Original Cheese Alternative Snacks
- Lisanatti Foods The Original Almond Jalapeno Jack Style Cheese Alternative
- Daiya Dairy-Free American Slices
- Daiya Dairy-Free Mexican Blend Shreds
- Esti Plant-Based Feta Style Block Cheese
Gluten-Free Velveeta: Kraft's Cheesy Delight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gluten-free cheese spreads
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, and most commercially available cheeses are safe for a gluten-free diet. However, some processed cheese products may contain gluten, and cross-contamination is also a risk. Therefore, it is essential to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consumption.
Cheese spreads, for example, are usually gluten-free, but it is important to check the label as some may contain gluten to create the spread's consistency or add flavour. Price's cheese spreads, for instance, cannot be confirmed to be gluten-free due to their ingredient suppliers.
Some cheeses that are usually gluten-free include:
- Cheddar
- Cottage cheese (although some brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat)
- Cream cheese
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Provolone
- Ricotta
- Swiss cheese
- Brie
- Blue cheese (although there is some debate about this)
In addition, shredded cheese is usually gluten-free, although it may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. However, these starches or cellulose typically do not contain gluten, and their inclusion should be indicated on the label.
When buying cheese, it is important to be aware of potential cross-contamination risks. For example, cheese cut up and packaged at individual grocery stores may be sliced on the same cutting boards as bread. Therefore, it is recommended to look for cheese packaged by the manufacturer. If buying from a deli counter, ensure that the cheese is gluten-free and that the slicing machine has been cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
Kasseri Cheese: Lactose-Free Superfood?
You may want to see also
Gluten-free dairy-free cheese
Dairy, in general, is considered a gluten-free product. However, certain types of cheeses may contain gluten. While most cheeses do not have gluten, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you should also ensure the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Some manufacturers use wheat as a catalyst when making blue cheese, so it is recommended to contact the specific maker to determine if a particular cheese is safe.
Shredded cheese is usually gluten-free, but it may contain starch or cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together. If the cellulose used is derived from wheat, this should be stated on the label. Dairy-free cheese may not be gluten-free, as some dairy-free cheeses are made with flour. Therefore, it is important to read the ingredients label before consuming dairy-free cheese.
Some non-dairy cheese alternatives are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. While some of these products are gluten-free, others may contain gluten. A naturally gluten-free alternative to cheese is avocado, which adds flavour and a creamy texture to dishes. Nutritional yeast is another non-dairy alternative to cheese, which can be sprinkled on dishes or added to sauces for a cheese-like flavour.
Some recommended brands of dairy-free and gluten-free cheese include Violife, which offers slices, shreds, and feta cheese; Miyokos, which offers wedges, dips, and cheesecakes; and Follow Your Heart, which offers cheese slices, shreds, and salad dressings.
Kraft Cheese Powder: Gluten-Free Option?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cellulose in cheese is usually gluten-free. Potato starch, which is gluten-free, is the most common additive. However, if the cellulose is derived from wheat, the packaging should indicate that it includes gluten-containing ingredients.
The best way to know if cheese contains gluten is to carefully read the label and look for terms like "wheat", "malt", "food starch", "vegetable gum", "thickener", "filler", "emulsifier", and "spice mix".
Natural cheese of all types is typically gluten-free. Firm, natural cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan are less likely to contain gluten.
Yes, shredded cheese, cheese spreads, and processed cheese are more likely to contain gluten. Blue cheese may sometimes contain traces of gluten if the mold cultures were grown on wheat or rye bread.
Avocados and nutritional yeast are gluten-free alternatives to cheese.
