Bushra Griffith
String cheese, including Cheeseheads, is usually gluten-free. While most cheeses by themselves do not contain gluten, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before eating them. Some cheeses may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Dairy-free cheese may also not be gluten-free, as some are made with flour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Dairy-free | No |
| Organic | No |
| Artificial Ingredients | No |
| Industrial Ingredients | No |
| Genetically Engineered Ingredients | No |
| Synthetic Pesticides | No |
| Synthetic Fertilizers | No |
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What You'll Learn
String cheese is usually gluten-free
When purchasing cheese from a deli counter, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese should be cleaned to prevent cross-contact. Some suggest that mold cultures of cheese may be grown on wheat or rye bread, so it is important to read the ingredients label. Generally, unless the ingredients label includes wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives, cheese should be safe to consume for those avoiding gluten.
Some specific types of cheese that are gluten-free include brie, cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta, and Swiss. Dairy-free cheese may not be gluten-free, as some are made with flour, so it is important to read the ingredients label. Cheese powder and cheese spreads are usually gluten-free, but it is still important to check the label to ensure there is no gluten in the added ingredients.
Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese, Original, does not contain any artificial or industrial ingredients. However, it is important to note that high-fat dairy products, such as string cheese, can be a source of persistent organic pollutants in the diet.
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Always read the label
While most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, it is always important to read the label, especially if you are following a gluten-free diet. This is because gluten can be introduced during the production process or via added ingredients. For example, some dairy-free cheeses are made with flour, and some shredded cheeses contain starch or cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together. While the starches and cellulose used in shredded cheese typically do not contain gluten, if the cellulose is derived from wheat, this should be stated on the label.
Even if a cheese variety is usually gluten-free, always check the label to ensure it is safe for your diet. For example, while blue cheese is usually gluten-free, some suggest that the mould cultures may be grown on wheat or rye bread, so it is important to read the ingredients label. Similarly, cottage cheese is usually gluten-free, but some brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat, so it is important to check the ingredient list.
Cheese products with additional ingredients, such as spreads or breaded coatings, may also introduce gluten. Cheese spreads, for example, are usually gluten-free, but there may be gluten in the ingredients used to create the spread's consistency or add flavouring. Breaded cheese products, such as mozzarella sticks, are not gluten-free unless specified on the label, as they are coated in breadcrumbs. Additionally, fried cheese products, such as mozzarella sticks from a restaurant, may be fried in the same oil as gluten-containing foods, introducing gluten through cross-contamination.
Even if a cheese product is usually gluten-free, always read the label to ensure it meets your dietary requirements. For example, Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese is a product that does not contain artificial or industrial ingredients, but it is important to check the label to ensure it is gluten-free and meets your dietary needs.
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Dairy-free cheese may contain gluten
When it comes to specific types of dairy-free cheese, there are gluten-free options for cream cheese, feta cheese, mozzarella shreds, and cheesecake. For instance, Kite Hill offers a cream cheese alternative, while Follow Your Heart and Violife produce feta-style cheeses. Additionally, Parmela offers gluten-free mozzarella shreds, and both Dayia and Violife provide cheesecake options free from dairy and gluten.
It is worth noting that while these brands offer gluten-free dairy-free cheese options, not all of their products may be gluten-free. It is always important to carefully read the ingredient labels and look for gluten-free certifications or statements to ensure the product meets your dietary needs. Some brands may offer a variety of products, with only select items being gluten-free, so careful selection is necessary.
When in doubt, it is advisable to seek out brands that specifically cater to gluten-free diets. These specialty brands often have a better understanding of the requirements and are more likely to offer a wider range of suitable products. Additionally, some brands may use gluten-containing ingredients in their processing facilities, so it is beneficial to look for companies that prioritize gluten-free production to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Overall, while dairy-free cheese may sometimes contain gluten, there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives available. By exploring the offerings of the aforementioned brands and carefully reviewing ingredient labels, individuals with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences can still enjoy a variety of cheese options that fit their needs and preferences.
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Organic cheese is free of genetically engineered ingredients
In the 1990s, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of genetically modified ingredients in food, specifically allowing the use of bioengineered chymosin, also known as Fermentation-Produced Chymosin (FPC). FPC is now commonly used in cheese-making as a substitute for animal rennet, addressing the shortage of animal rennet and the increasing demand for cheese.
However, organic cheese producers choose alternative methods. They may opt for traditional cheese-making processes, sourcing rennet from microbial or plant-based sources, or using enzymes produced through fermentation without genetic modification. These methods ensure that organic cheese is free of GMOs.
The absence of GMOs in organic cheese is important to consumers who are cautious about the potential health and safety concerns associated with genetically engineered ingredients. Some consumers prefer cheese made "as nature intended," without the use of genetic engineering technology.
Additionally, organic certification programs, such as the USDA Organic seal, further assure consumers that organic cheese is free of GMOs. These certifications uphold standards that exclude the use of GMOs, providing consumers with confidence in the organic nature of their cheese purchases.
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Blue cheese is usually gluten-free
Most cheeses are naturally gluten-free. However, some people with gluten intolerances or celiac disease have reported adverse reactions to blue cheese, sparking a debate about whether blue cheese is truly gluten-free.
Traditionally, blue cheese has been made using milk inoculated with mould spores grown on bread or cultures containing gluten. This has led some to believe that blue cheese may contain gluten. However, modern cheese-making techniques have made bread obsolete as a mould-growing medium. Additionally, some companies specifically use gluten-free mould cultures in their blue cheese production, ensuring that their products are safe for consumers with gluten sensitivities.
While some people with gluten intolerances have reported no issues with consuming blue cheese, others have shared anecdotes of inadvertent "glutenings" after eating blue cheese. This discrepancy suggests that individual sensitivity levels and the manufacturing processes of specific brands may play a role in the potential presence of gluten in blue cheese.
To ensure that blue cheese is completely gluten-free, individuals can opt for brands that use wheat-based dextrose or gluten-free mould cultures in their production processes. Examples of companies that produce gluten-free blue cheese include Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. Consulting labels and verifying the gluten-free status of blue cheese products is essential for those with gluten sensitivities.
In conclusion, while blue cheese is typically gluten-free, individual sensitivities and manufacturing processes may vary. Those with gluten intolerances or celiac disease should carefully observe their bodily reactions to blue cheese and opt for brands that specifically cater to gluten-free diets to ensure their safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, string cheese or cheese sticks are usually gluten-free. However, it is always good to check the label to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients.
Some examples of gluten-free cheese include cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and ricotta.
Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, also look out for wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat in the ingredients list.
If you are purchasing cheese from a deli counter, ensure that the cheese is gluten-free and that the slicing machine is cleaned to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing foods.
