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Dairy products, such as cheese, butter, and milk, are generally considered gluten-free. However, some processed or packaged cheese products may contain gluten in the form of wheat starch or modified food starch. It is important to read the labels of these cheese products to ensure they are gluten-free, especially for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. In the UK, labelling laws require the clear declaration of allergens, including gluten, making it easier to identify gluten-free options. While natural cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan are less likely to contain gluten, some cheeses with added ingredients or flavourings may introduce gluten. Overall, most cheeses are gluten-free, but label reading and awareness of gluten-containing ingredients are essential for a gluten-free diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free cheeses | Cheddar, Cottage, Cream, Feta, Goat, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Ricotta, Swiss, Brie, Blue cheese |
| Gluten-containing cheeses | Brewers Choice Cheddar, some Cottage cheese, some spreadable cheese including low-calorie or 'light' products |
| General advice | Always read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. |
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What You'll Learn
Most cheeses are gluten-free, but always check the label
Most cheeses are gluten-free, but it's always a good idea to check the label. This is because some cheeses contain added ingredients that may include gluten. For example, some spreadable cheeses, including low-calorie or 'light' products, may contain wheat starch or modified food starch.
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, dairy does not naturally contain gluten. However, the Dairy Good reports that some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. They recommend reading each food label carefully and contacting the manufacturer if you are unsure.
Natural cheeses are generally gluten-free. It's when there's some processing involved or additional flavouring added that gluten may make an appearance. For example, Brewer's Choice Cheddar contains brewer's yeast, so it's not gluten-free.
Under Natasha's Law, which came into force in 2021, food producers in the UK need to label their products to clearly show if they contain any of 14 different allergens, including gluten. All packaged foods in the UK and the EU are covered by labelling laws, which include rules around the allergen information that must be provided on the label. For example, gluten-containing cereals are one of the 14 listed allergens that must be listed and emphasised in the ingredients list.
If you're buying cheese from a deli counter, the cheese should be gluten-free, but it's important to ensure that the machine used to slice the cheese is cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
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Natural cheeses are less likely to contain gluten
Natural cheeses are generally gluten-free, but there are some exceptions. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can be present in some unexpected foods, such as sausages, sauces, and soy sauce. For those with coeliac disease, it is essential to maintain a gluten-free diet, and the UK has labelling laws to help consumers make safe choices.
Cheese is a dairy product, and dairy does not naturally contain gluten. However, some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. Firm, natural cheeses, such as Cheddar and Parmesan, are less likely to contain gluten. Processed cheeses or those with added flavour are more likely to contain gluten. For example, shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together, and these starches may contain gluten. Similarly, spreadable cheese, including low-calorie or 'light' products, may contain wheat starch or modified food starch.
It is important to read labels carefully, especially for packaged or processed cheese. Some sources suggest that blue cheese may be grown on wheat or rye bread, so checking the ingredients is essential. However, while the mould used in blue cheese may be grown on bread, it does not contain gluten. Therefore, blue cheese is usually gluten-free.
Overall, natural cheeses are less likely to contain gluten, but it is always worth checking the label to be sure.
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Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, despite being grown on bread
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, despite the fact that some of the moulds used to create it are grown on gluten-based bread. This is because the mould spores are added to the milk mixture, and the final product rarely contains more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten—the maximum amount allowed for a product to be considered 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 it should not bother people with celiac disease or even those with a gluten intolerance.
However, some people with celiac disease have reported reacting strongly to blue cheese, so it is important to carefully observe your body's response to blue cheese if you think you might have a food allergy to gluten or dairy.
To be sure that your blue cheese is gluten-free, look for blue cheeses cultured in wheat-based dextrose. Generally, unless the ingredients label includes wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives, cheese should be safe.
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Some spreadable cheeses may contain wheat starch or modified food starch
Most cheeses are gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before eating them. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you should also check that the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Some spreadable cheeses, including low-calorie or 'light' products, may contain wheat starch or modified food starch. Modified food starch is often used in shredded cheese to prevent shreds from sticking together. However, the starches or cellulose used in shredded cheese typically do not contain gluten. If the cellulose is derived from wheat, this should be stated on the label.
Cottage cheese is usually gluten-free, but some brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Cream cheese, on the other hand, does not typically contain gluten. It is important to read the labels of low-fat, fat-free, and flavoured varieties, as they sometimes contain additional ingredients.
Under Natasha's Law, which came into force in 2021, food producers in the UK are required to label their products clearly to show if they contain any of 14 different allergens, including gluten. Labelling laws in the UK and EU also require that gluten-containing cereals, such as wheat, rye, or barley, must be listed in the ingredients list, regardless of the amount used.
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Gluten-free alternatives to cheese are available
While most cheeses are gluten-free, some cheese products may contain gluten. For those looking for gluten-free alternatives to cheese, there are a few options available.
Firstly, it is important to distinguish between natural cheeses and processed cheese products. Natural cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese, are generally gluten-free. These cheeses are made from milk and do not typically contain added ingredients that contain gluten. However, it is always a good idea to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products, as they may contain gluten in the form of wheat starch or modified food starch.
If you are looking for a gluten-free alternative to natural cheese, there are non-dairy cheese alternatives made from plant sources like soy or nuts. While some of these products may be gluten-free, it is important to read the labels carefully, as some may contain gluten. Another option is avocado, which can add flavour and a creamy texture to sandwiches or salads. Nutritional yeast is also a non-dairy alternative that can be sprinkled on dishes or added to sauces for a cheese-like flavour.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that blue cheese may not always be gluten-free, as the mold cultures may be grown on wheat or rye bread. Similarly, cottage cheese is usually gluten-free, but some brands may contain wheat starch, so checking the ingredient list is important.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cheeses are 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.
Natural cheeses are generally gluten-free. Cheddar, Parmesan, cream cheese, feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta cheese are all gluten-free.
Some cottage cheese brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Some blue cheese may also contain gluten, as the mould is sometimes grown on bread.
Dairy, in general, is considered gluten-free. Butter and milk are gluten-free.
There are non-dairy cheese alternatives, which are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Nutritional yeast is another non-dairy alternative, which can be sprinkled on dishes for a cheese-like flavour.
