Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a beloved dairy product made from the milk of cows, sheep, goats, or buffalo. It is a versatile food used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas. For those who follow a gluten-free diet, the question of whether cheese contains gluten can be confusing. While most cheese is naturally gluten-free, some cheese products may contain ingredients that are a source of gluten. This is especially true for processed or packaged cheese, where wheat starch or modified food starch derived from wheat may be added. As a result, it is important to carefully read the labels of packaged or processed cheese and check for the presence of wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Feta |
| Brand | Odyssey |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Cheese Culture, and Enzymes |
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What You'll Learn
Most chunk cheese is gluten-free
In general, dairy does not contain gluten. However, some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. For example, cottage cheese is usually gluten-free, but some brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
According to Beyond Celiac, some varieties of cheese that are usually gluten-free include cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, ricotta, and Swiss cheese. Shredded cheese is also usually gluten-free, although it may contain starch or cellulose to prevent shreds from sticking together.
When purchasing cheese, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese to ensure they are gluten-free. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, individuals should also check that the product does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
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However, some cheeses may contain gluten
While most cheese is gluten-free, some cheese products may contain gluten. People who are gluten intolerant should carefully check all packaging to ensure that the cheese is gluten-free. Dairy products do not naturally contain gluten, but some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. For example, some cottage cheese brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
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 go to a deli counter to purchase cheese, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese must 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. If you are unsure about a particular brand of cheese, read its label to see if it includes any gluten-containing ingredients.
There are also gluten-free alternatives to cheese available, such as non-dairy cheese made from plant sources like soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but others may contain gluten. A naturally gluten-free alternative to cheese is avocado, which can add flavor and a creamy texture to dishes.
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Always read the label to check for gluten
While most cheese is gluten-free, it is always important to read the label to check for gluten. Dairy is considered a gluten-free product, but some cheese products may contain ingredients that are a source of gluten. The Celiac Disease Foundation lists dairy as a food group that does not naturally contain gluten. However, according to Dairy Good, some cheese products may include gluten-containing ingredients.
When purchasing cheese, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before consuming it. In addition to wheat, barley, and rye, it is also important to ensure that the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Some varieties of cheese that are usually gluten-free include cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, and ricotta cheese.
If you are 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. Blue cheese is typically gluten-free, but there is some debate about whether certain kinds of blue cheese contain gluten. Some suggest that mold cultures of cheese may be grown on wheat or rye bread, so it is important to read the ingredients label.
When in doubt, it is always best to read the food labels carefully and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions about specific products. While most cheese is gluten-free, it is always important to be cautious and read the labels to ensure that the product is safe for consumption, especially for those with gluten intolerances or allergies.
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Dairy does not naturally contain gluten
Dairy products, such as milk, butter, yogurt, eggs, and cheese, are naturally gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, so foods from other food groups are gluten-free unless they have added ingredients.
All types of plain cow's milk are naturally gluten-free. However, once flavorings or other ingredients are added to milk, it may no longer be gluten-free, so it's important to read the label to check for gluten-containing ingredients. For example, malted milk drinks are not gluten-free because the word "malt" usually indicates the presence of barley, which contains gluten.
Most yogurts and cheeses are also naturally gluten-free. However, some dairy-based foods with multiple ingredients, such as cheese spreads and frozen desserts, may contain gluten. Therefore, it's important to read the ingredient labels of processed or packaged cheese products to ensure they do not contain gluten or derivatives of gluten-containing grains.
Some examples of gluten-free cheeses include cheddar, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, ricotta, and Swiss cheese. Blue cheese is also usually gluten-free, but there may be concerns about mold cultures being grown on wheat or rye bread. Overall, unless the ingredients label of a cheese product includes wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives, it is likely gluten-free.
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Gluten-free alternatives to cheese are available
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, but some cheese products may contain gluten. This is because they may contain ingredients that are a source of gluten, such as wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Therefore, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Some gluten-free cheese options include cottage cheese, cream cheese, feta cheese, goat cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 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. A naturally gluten-free alternative to cheese is avocado, which can add flavor and a creamy texture to sandwiches or salads. Nutritional yeast is another non-dairy alternative to cheese, which can be sprinkled on top of dishes or added to sauces for a cheese-like flavor.
When purchasing cheese at a deli counter, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese must be cleaned to prevent cross-contact. Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but some suggest that mold cultures may be grown on wheat or rye bread, so it is important to read the ingredients label. In general, unless the ingredients label includes wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives, cheese should be safe to consume on a gluten-free diet.
Some other dairy products that are typically gluten-free include fresh plain milk, butter, plain yogurt, fresh eggs, and cheese spreads. However, flavored yogurts, cottage cheese, and puddings may or may not be gluten-free, so it is important to read the labels of these products.
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Frequently asked questions
Most commercially available cheeses are gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Some cheeses may contain gluten, wheat starch, or modified food starch made from wheat. Generally, unless the ingredients label includes wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives, cheese should be safe.
Some gluten-free cheeses include cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and ricotta.
Yes, there are non-dairy cheese alternatives that are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Some gluten-free alternatives include avocados and nutritional yeast.
