Randy Chandler
Cheese is a beloved dairy product made from milk, whether it be from a cow, sheep, goat, or some other animal. It is usually pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria and then cultured to start the process that turns the milk into cheese. The question of whether cheese is gluten-free or not is a complex one, as it depends on various factors such as the type of cheese, the manufacturing process, and the possibility of cross-contamination. While most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, certain types of cheese may contain gluten due to added ingredients or processing methods. This article will explore the gluten content of different cheeses and provide guidance for those following a gluten-free diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free status of cheese | Most cheeses are gluten-free, but some may contain gluten due to additives, processing, or cross-contamination. |
| Gluten-containing ingredients | Wheat, barley, rye, wheat starch, modified food starch, hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, food starch, powdered cellulose, artificial flavor, fillers, emulsifiers, spice blends. |
| Gluten-free cheese examples | Cheddar, Parmesan, Feta, Mozzarella, Swiss, Brie, Goat Cheese, Cream Cheese, Provolone, Ricotta, Colby Jack, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Muenster, Pecorino Romano. |
| Gluten-containing cheese examples | Breaded mozzarella sticks, cheesecake (due to the crust), cheese with beer, cheese spreads (sometimes), shredded cheese (sometimes). |
| Gluten-free alternatives | Non-dairy alternatives like avocado, nutritional yeast, or plant-based cheeses made from soy or nuts (check labels for gluten). |
| Cross-contamination | Cheese is often served with crackers or bread, so there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten. Cross-contamination can also occur during processing or slicing. |
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What You'll Learn
Most cheese is gluten-free, but always check the label
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, but some types of cheese may contain gluten due to the addition of certain ingredients during the manufacturing process. Gluten is sometimes added to cheese as a thickener or stabilizer to increase its shelf life.
It is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consuming them if you are following a gluten-free diet. While most cheeses are gluten-free, some may contain added ingredients such as wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. These ingredients are often found in processed cheeses, soft spreadable cheeses, cheese dips, or shredded cheeses. Other ingredients to look out for on food labels that may indicate the presence of gluten include hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, food starch, powdered cellulose, artificial flavor, fillers, emulsifiers, and spice blends.
Cheeses that are typically gluten-free include Cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, Brie, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Goat cheese, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Feta, and Ricotta. Cottage cheese, cream cheese, and shredded cheese are usually gluten-free, but it is important to check the labels as some brands may contain gluten.
Additionally, cross-contamination is a concern when it comes to cheese. Cheese is often served with crackers or bread, and there is a possibility of cross-contact with gluten if the same utensils or surfaces are used for different foods. Blue cheese, for example, is usually gluten-free, but there is some debate as to whether the mold cultures are grown on wheat or rye bread. Therefore, it is important to read the ingredients label and avoid blue cheeses that list wheat, barley, or rye as ingredients.
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Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but there is some debate
Most cheese is gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you also want to ensure the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. If you go to a deli counter to purchase cheese, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese must also be cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
There is strong evidence that relatively few blue cheeses available on the wider market contain gluten. Modern cheese-making techniques have made the need for bread as a mold-growing medium obsolete. However, there are still artisans who engage in old-school practices.
If you are gluten intolerant, it is best to carefully observe your body's reaction to blue cheese and let that be your guide. Major types of blue cheese include Roquefort (made in the south of France), Gorgonzola (Italy), Shropshire Blue (UK), Stilton (England), Danablu (Denmark), and Maytag Blue Cheese (United States). These and other veined cheeses should be verified before they are purchased. Some companies that make gluten-free blue cheese include Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery.
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Dairy-free cheese may contain gluten
It is important to read the ingredients label before eating dairy-free cheese, as some varieties may be gluten-free while others may not. For example, while cheese powder is usually gluten-free, some brands may include gluten in their products. Similarly, cheese spreads are often gluten-free, but some brands may use gluten to help with the consistency of the spread.
Cheeses that have undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese, are more likely to contain gluten. This is because starch is sometimes added to shredded cheese to prevent the shreds from sticking together, and this starch may be derived from wheat. However, it is important to note that the starches or cellulose used in shredded cheese typically do not contain gluten, and potato starch, for example, is gluten-free.
Cross-contamination is also a concern if the same tools or equipment are used to process gluten-containing products. This means that when purchasing 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. Cheesecake is another example of a dairy product that is not typically gluten-free, as the crust is usually made with wheat flour. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available, such as dairy-free cheesecakes made from plant-based, lactose-free, and gluten-free ingredients.
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Gluten-free cheese alternatives exist
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, as it is produced from milk, an ingredient that does not contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including wheat, barley, and rye, and it is this protein that triggers an immune response in people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. However, while cheese itself is safe for gluten-intolerant individuals, some cheeses can be problematic due to added ingredients or potential cross-contamination during processing and storage.
Some varieties of cheese, particularly processed cheese products, may include added ingredients that contain gluten. These additives are often used as thickeners, emulsifiers, or flavor enhancers. For example, wheat flour or modified food starch derived from wheat can be added to processed cheese slices or spreads to improve texture and prevent separation. It is important for those on a gluten-free diet to read the ingredient labels on cheese products to ensure that they are safe for consumption.
Additionally, cross-contamination can occur during the manufacturing, slicing, or packaging processes. This is particularly true for cheeses that are sliced or shredded in facilities that also process gluten-containing products. Crumbs or traces of gluten-containing foods can inadvertently end up in gluten-free cheese products, making them unsafe for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. Therefore, it is advisable to look for gluten-free certification on cheese products or contact the manufacturer to inquire about their practices regarding cross-contamination prevention.
Fortunately, there are many gluten-free cheese options available, and some companies specialize in producing gluten-free cheese products. These companies take extra care to prevent cross-contamination and use only gluten-free ingredients and additives. Natural, unprocessed cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and Brie are also good options, as they are less likely to have added ingredients that contain gluten.
When in doubt, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the sometimes-challenging world of gluten-free eating. With their guidance, you can enjoy cheese safely and confidently as part of a delicious and nutritious gluten-free diet.
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People with coeliac disease may react to cheese
Most cheese is gluten-free. However, some cheeses may contain gluten, especially if they have undergone additional processing. For example, shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together, and this starch may be derived from wheat. Similarly, cheese spreads may contain gluten to help with consistency.
Cheese is often served with foods that contain gluten, such as crackers or breadsticks, so there is a possibility of cross-contact with gluten. Additionally, some cheeses may be flavoured with beer, which often contains gluten.
People with coeliac disease must avoid eating gluten for life. If they eat gluten, they will experience a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea and stomach pain, and their health will be damaged in the long term. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes a reaction in the body to the protein gluten. This reaction damages the lining of the small intestine, impairing its ability to absorb nutrients from food and causing nutritional deficiencies.
Cheese is generally considered safe for people with coeliac disease to eat, as it is usually gluten-free. However, it is important for people with coeliac disease to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, they should also ensure the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. If buying 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cheese is gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you also want to ensure the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Cheddar, colby jack, Swiss, brie, mozzarella, feta, Parmesan, provolone, ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and goat cheese are all gluten-free.
Blue cheese may contain gluten as the mold spores are sometimes grown on rye or wheat bread. Shredded cheese is usually gluten-free, but starch is sometimes added to prevent the shreds from sticking together, and this starch may contain gluten. Cheese spreads may also contain gluten to help with the consistency of the spread.
Cross-contamination is a concern if the same tools or equipment are used to process gluten-containing products. If you go to a deli counter to purchase cheese, the machine used to slice the cheese must be cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
