Frederic Melton
Cracker Barrel's Tex Mex cheese is a blend of Pizza Mozzarella, Queso Quesadilla, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers. It is a popular choice for those looking to make Mexican dishes like tacos. But is Cracker Barrel's Tex Mex cheese gluten-free? The short answer is yes. While Cracker Barrel as a restaurant chain is not considered gluten-friendly, with no gluten-free menu options and no gluten-free labels on their website, their Tex Mex cheese blend does not list any gluten ingredients on its label.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Cracker Barrel Tex Mex Light Shredded Cheese |
| Ingredients | Pizza Mozzarella, Light Cheddar, Light Monterey Jack Cheese, Queso Quesadilla, Jalapeño Peppers, Partly Skimmed Milk, Modified Milk Ingredients, Bacterial Culture, Salt, Colour, Calcium Chloride, Microbial Enzyme, Seasoning, Cellulose Powder, Natamycin (Natural Preservative) |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Lactose-Free | No |
| Lupin-Free | Yes |
| Milk-Free | No |
| Nightshades-Free | No |
| Oat-Free | Yes |
| Peanut-Free | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Cracker Barrel Tex Mex cheese ingredients
Cracker Barrel's Tex Mex cheese is a blend of several types of cheese and other ingredients. The ingredients in the regular version of the cheese include milk, modified milk ingredients, cream, salt, seasoning, bacterial culture, calcium chloride, microbial enzyme, and Annatto (colour). It also contains cellulose powder to enhance flow and Natamycin as a natural preservative.
The light version of Cracker Barrel's Tex Mex cheese has a different blend of cheeses and contains 32% less fat. The ingredients in the light version are partly skimmed milk, modified milk ingredients, bacterial culture, salt, colour, calcium chloride, and microbial enzyme. This version also includes seasoning in the form of jalapeño peppers, water, vinegar, salt, calcium chloride, and potassium sorbate. Like the regular version, it contains cellulose powder and Natamycin.
The cheese blend in the regular version of Cracker Barrel's Tex Mex cheese includes Pizza Mozzarella, Queso Quesadilla, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack. The light version, on the other hand, features Light Cheddar and Light Monterey Jack, along with Pizza Mozzarella. Both versions of the cheese are designed with tacos in mind and include jalapeño peppers, with the light version offering a spicier option with 32% less fat.
Kraft Foods Canada sells Cracker Barrel Tex Mex Cheese Shreds in a 320-gram package. While the specific ingredients listed may vary by region or over time, it is important to review the ingredient list on the package or consult the manufacturer's website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the ingredients in Cracker Barrel Tex Mex cheese.
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Is Cracker Barrel gluten-friendly?
While Cracker Barrel does offer a gluten-free menu, reviews are mixed on how gluten-friendly the restaurant is. Some customers with gluten allergies have reported positive experiences, praising the staff for being knowledgeable and careful with their orders. Others have expressed disappointment, stating that their meals were not adequately prepared to accommodate their gluten restrictions, and warning of a high risk of cross-contamination.
The Cracker Barrel website lists various allergens, including gluten, in a tabular schedule, and some customers have reported that the website is helpful for choosing gluten-free items. However, others have described the website as not user-friendly, and some in-restaurant staff have been reported as not being well-informed about gluten allergies or the gluten-free options available.
When ordering gluten-free at Cracker Barrel, it is recommended that you inform your server of your dietary requirements, who will then bring the manager to speak to you. The manager will flag your order for extra precaution. Gluten-free items on the menu include eggs, meats, fruit, baked potatoes, green beans, hamburgers, and grits (although one review noted that the grits were no longer gluten-free as of 2025). French fries are also gluten-free, as they are cooked in a dedicated fryer.
While Cracker Barrel does offer gluten-free options, those with gluten allergies or Celiac disease may want to exercise caution due to the potential risk of cross-contamination and the varying levels of staff knowledge about gluten allergies.
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Cracker Barrel's gluten-free menu
While Cracker Barrel does offer a gluten-free menu, reviews suggest that it is confusing and limited, with a high risk of cross-contamination. The menu consists mostly of sides, including eggs, bacon, ham, hash browns, grits, and fruit. Some reviewers noted that they were able to order gluten-free hamburger, steak, fish, and chicken, but only after asking staff and looking up information online.
One reviewer mentioned that the staff at Cracker Barrel were knowledgeable and careful with their gluten-free options, but others had the opposite experience, with staff unsure of what gluten-free meant and serving bread with their meals despite being asked not to.
If you have Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it might be best to avoid Cracker Barrel due to the limited options and high risk of cross-contamination. However, if you are simply looking to reduce your gluten intake, the restaurant does offer some gluten-free choices.
It is always a good idea to ask for a manager and inform the staff of any allergies or dietary restrictions when dining out. This will help ensure that your meal is prepared correctly and safely.
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Cracker Barrel's gluten-free options
While Cracker Barrel does offer a gluten-free menu, reports on the availability and quality of gluten-free options vary. Some customers have praised the staff for being knowledgeable and careful with gluten-free orders, while others have expressed disappointment over a lack of gluten-free choices and inadequate staff training regarding gluten allergies.
For gluten-free options at Cracker Barrel, stick to items like eggs (preferably scrambled), bacon, fruit, grits, and regular hash brown potatoes. You must specifically request regular hash browns, as their fried apples contain flour. Other gluten-free choices include baked potatoes, green beans, and French fries, as they have a dedicated fryer.
Some customers have noted that while there may not be a dedicated gluten-free menu, the regular menu is marked with gluten-free options, typically indicated by a carrot symbol. However, there have been instances of confusion, with staff mistaking the vegetarian symbol for gluten-free. It is recommended to refer to the allergen menu online to cross-reference with the regular menu.
While Cracker Barrel offers a variety of menu items, many of their dishes are breaded, fried, or thickened with wheat flour, limiting the gluten-free options. It is always advisable to inform the staff about any gluten allergies and request accommodations to ensure a safe dining experience.
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Cracker Barrel's gluten-free desserts
While Cracker Barrel does offer gluten-free options, reviews indicate that their gluten-free menu is confusing and inconsistent across different locations. It is recommended that customers with gluten allergies speak to a manager to ensure their meal is gluten-free.
Some gluten-free options at Cracker Barrel include:
- Eggs
- Hamburger
- Bacon
- Ham
- Grits
- Regular hash brown potatoes
- Baked potato
- Green beans
- Fish
- Chicken
- Steak
- Pork ribs
- Beef ribs
- Ice cream
- Fruit
However, it's important to note that Cracker Barrel's menu items are subject to change, and there may be variations between different locations. Additionally, there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing items in the kitchen. Therefore, it is essential to communicate your gluten allergy to your server and ask about the gluten-free status of specific dishes.
As for gluten-free desserts, Cracker Barrel may offer ice cream as a gluten-free option, but specific dessert options are not mentioned in the reviews. It is always best to inquire about gluten-free dessert options directly with the restaurant or refer to their allergen information, as their offerings may vary or change over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cracker Barrel Tex Mex Light Shredded Cheese is gluten-free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label.
Cracker Barrel Tex Mex Cheese is a blend of Pizza Mozzarella, Light Cheddar, Light Monterey Jack Cheese, and Queso Quesadilla with jalapeño peppers.
No, the cheese lists 3 ingredients that contain lactose and 1 ingredient that could contain lactose depending on the source.
No, Cracker Barrel is not considered gluten-free or gluten-friendly. Gluten-free items are few and far between, and they do not have a gluten-free menu.
Tex Mex Cheese is a Mexican-style blend of four cheeses: Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla.
