Andy Montoya
Cheese is a beloved dairy product made from the milk of cows, sheep, goats, and even buffalo. It is a staple in many diets and cuisines, but is it gluten-free? The answer is a bit complex. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it is this protein that those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity must avoid. Most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but the issue arises when additional ingredients or additives are introduced during processing. For those on a gluten-free diet, it is crucial to scrutinize labels and be cautious about cross-contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free cheeses | Brie, Cheddar, Colby, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Feta, Swiss, Ricotta, Cottage cheese, Cream cheese, Goat cheese, Provolone, Blue cheese, Cheese whiz, Cheese sticks, Cheese powder, String cheese, Cheese spreads |
| Gluten-containing ingredients | Wheat, Barley, Rye, Wheat starch, Modified food starch, Beer, Breadcrumbs, Oats, Brewer's yeast, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Malt, Food starch, Powdered cellulose, Artificial flavor, Fillers, Emulsifiers, Spice blends |
| Gluten-free alternatives | Avocado, Nutritional yeast |
| Gluten-related conditions | Celiac disease, Non-celiac gluten sensitivity |
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What You'll Learn
- Most cheeses are gluten-free, but always read the label
- Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but check the ingredients
- Dairy-free cheese may contain gluten
- Gluten-free alternatives to cheese include avocado and nutritional yeast
- People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should be cautious
Most cheeses are gluten-free, but always read the label
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, but some varieties may contain gluten due to added ingredients or cross-contamination during processing. It is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consumption, as gluten can be present in additives, thickeners, and anti-caking agents.
Gluten is a type of protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye. It is also commonly found in processed foods such as bread, pasta, noodles, and cereals. For those following a gluten-free diet, it is crucial to check ingredient labels for any gluten-containing ingredients, including wheat, barley, rye, oat, and brewer's yeast.
Most plain and full-fat cheeses are gluten-free, while low-fat, low-salt, and fat-free varieties are more likely to contain gluten due to added ingredients. Some cheeses that are typically gluten-free include Brie, Cheddar, Colby, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Goat cheese, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Feta, Swiss cheese, and more.
However, it is important to note that some cheeses may be processed on equipment that also handles gluten-containing products, leading to potential cross-contamination. Additionally, shredded cheese, cheese spreads, and specialty cheeses with added ingredients like spices, herbs, or beer may contain gluten. Always opt for plain, natural cheeses when possible, and carefully read labels to ensure the product is gluten-free.
When purchasing cheese from a deli counter, it is important to ensure that the cheese is gluten-free and that the slicing equipment is thoroughly cleaned to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing foods.
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Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but check the ingredients
Most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but there are some exceptions. Dairy, in general, is considered a gluten-free product. However, certain types of cheeses may contain gluten. Some cheeses are flavoured with ingredients that contain gluten, such as beer or spices. Other cheeses may be coated in breadcrumbs, such as breaded mozzarella sticks.
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but it is important to check the ingredients. Traditionally, the milk used to make blue cheese is inoculated with mould spores grown on bread or cultures that contain gluten. However, modern cheese-making techniques have made bread obsolete as a mould-growing medium. Some manufacturers still use these traditional practices, so it is important to check the ingredients list. If you are gluten intolerant, it is advised to avoid blue cheeses unless you can verify that they are gluten-free.
Some blue cheese brands that are considered gluten-free include Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. These companies produce blue cheese not fermented in gluten-based spores.
When it comes to packaged or processed cheese, it is very important to read the labels before eating it. 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. If you are 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.
Some cheeses that are usually gluten-free include:
- Cream cheese
- Feta cheese
- Goat cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Provolone
- Ricotta cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Cottage cheese (although some brands may contain wheat starch)
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Dairy-free cheese may contain gluten
Gluten is a type of protein naturally found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is also commonly found in processed foods like bread, pasta, noodles, and cereals. For those following a gluten-free diet, it is important to be vigilant about checking food labels to identify any hidden sources of gluten.
Cheese can be a confusing product for those avoiding gluten. Most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but additional ingredients or processing may introduce gluten. For example, shredded cheese may contain starch to prevent the shreds from sticking together, and this starch may contain gluten. Similarly, cheese spreads may use gluten to achieve the desired consistency.
Dairy-free cheese alternatives are typically made from plant sources like soy or nuts. While some of these products are gluten-free, others may contain gluten-containing ingredients. For instance, some dairy-free cheeses are made with flour, which contains gluten. Therefore, it is crucial to scrutinize the ingredients list of dairy-free cheese to ensure it aligns with a gluten-free diet.
When purchasing cheese, whether dairy-free or not, it is advisable to opt for products labelled "gluten-free". According to the FDA, processed and packaged food can be labelled "gluten-free" if it contains no wheat, rye, barley, or their derivatives and has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This level of gluten is the lowest amount detectable with current scientific tools.
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Gluten-free alternatives to cheese include avocado and nutritional yeast
Cheese is generally gluten-free, but it's important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese before consuming it. Some cheese products may contain gluten, especially if they have undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese or cheese spreads. Dairy-free cheese alternatives, for example, may contain gluten if they are made with flour.
If you are looking for gluten-free alternatives to cheese, avocado and nutritional yeast are great options. Avocados are a naturally gluten-free alternative that adds flavour and a creamy texture to dishes such as sandwiches or salads. Avocado toast, for example, can be made gluten-free by using GF bread. Avocados are also packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Nutritional yeast is another non-dairy, gluten-free alternative to cheese. It is grown and harvested to be deactivated, and it has a nutty, cheesy, umami-rich flavour. Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on top of dishes or added to sauces to impart a cheese-like flavour. It is also a nutritional powerhouse, being fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, and sodium-free, while also being rich in vitamins and protein.
Other gluten-free alternatives to cheese include chickpea flour, which can be used as a base for a nutritional yeast substitute, and mushrooms, which can replicate the iconic cheesy taste of nutritional yeast.
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People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should be cautious
While cheese is typically gluten-free, people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should exercise caution. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, hindering nutrient absorption. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms without damaging the small intestine.
Cheese is made from milk, which is naturally gluten-free. However, additives and processing may introduce gluten. Plain and full-fat cheeses are most likely to be gluten-free, while low-fat, low-salt, and fat-free cheeses often contain gluten-containing additives. Gluten-containing ingredients are sometimes used as thickeners or stabilizers in cheese.
Some cheeses are flavoured with spices, herbs, or nuts, which may contain gluten. Processed cheeses, soft spreadable cheeses, cheese dips, and shredded cheeses often contain additives that may be derived from gluten. Always check the labels of packaged or processed cheese, avoiding ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, wheat starch, or modified food starch made from wheat.
Cross-contamination is also a concern. Cheese is often sliced or served with gluten-containing products, and the same tools or surfaces may be used for both. When purchasing cheese from a deli counter, ensure that the slicing equipment is cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
While most natural cheeses are gluten-free, blue cheese is a notable exception due to the potential use of gluten-containing media to grow the mold strains injected into it. However, the Canadian Celiac Association's previous tests indicate that blue cheese is unlikely to contain unsafe levels of gluten.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, but some varieties may contain gluten due to additives or ingredients used in the manufacturing process.
Plain and full-fat cheeses are most likely to be gluten-free. Some examples of gluten-free cheeses include:
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Colby
- Gouda
- Monterey Jack
- Mozzarella
- Muenster
- Parmesan
- Pecorino Romano
- Feta
- Swiss cheese
- Ricotta
- Goat cheese
- Cream cheese
- Provolone
Cheese that contains additives or is low-fat, low-salt, or fat-free is more likely to contain gluten. Some examples of cheese that may contain gluten include:
- Shredded cheese
- Cheese spreads
- Blue cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Cheesecake
Always read the label on processed cheese. If the cheese is 100% natural, it is probably gluten-free. Look for a "gluten-free" label, but note that this is not the same as "certified gluten-free." Avoid cheeses with additives such as starches, thickeners, anti-caking agents, and spices, which may contain gluten.
Some naturally gluten-free alternatives to cheese include avocados and nutritional yeast. Non-dairy cheese alternatives made from plant sources like soy or nuts may also be gluten-free, but always check the label.
