Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, from salads to pizzas. For those who follow a gluten-free diet, it is essential to scrutinize food labels to ensure no adverse health effects. Crumbled feta cheese is typically gluten-free, and some brands explicitly market their products as such. However, it is always advisable to check the ingredient list for any potential allergens or gluten-containing additives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Ingredients | Feta cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), potato starch, powdered cellulose (to prevent caking), natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor) |
| Allergens | Milk |
| Texture | Firm yet crumbly |
| Flavor | Tart and salty |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese ingredients
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. It is soft, crumbly, and slightly grainy, with a tangy, salty, and mildly sour flavour. It is formed into large blocks and aged in brine.
Traditionally, and legally within the EU and other territories where it is protected, feta is produced using only whole sheep's milk or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk (with a maximum of 30% goat's milk). The milk may be pasteurized or not, but most producers now use pasteurized milk. If pasteurized milk is used, a starter culture of microorganisms is added to replace those naturally present in raw milk that are killed during pasteurization.
To make feta cheese, 4.5 gallons of whole milk is heated to 93°F. Once the target temperature is reached, add 1/4 teaspoon of MM100 culture and let it ripen for 40-60 minutes. If using pasteurized milk, also add 3 ml of calcium chloride. After the culture has been added and allowed to ripen, add a bit over 1/2 teaspoon of single-strength rennet or 1/2-3/4 tablet of rennet diluted in 1/4 cup of cool non-chlorinated water. Stir slowly in an up-and-down direction for 1 minute. The milk will begin to thicken in about 10 minutes, but let it set for 40 minutes.
After the milk has set, cut the curd into 1/2-inch cubes over 5 minutes and slowly stir for another 20 minutes to release the whey while maintaining the original temperature. The firmness of the final cheese depends on the stirring time in whey. Allow the curds to settle to the bottom of the pot for 10 minutes. Prepare sanitized molds to receive the curds. Remove the whey down to the curd level before transferring the curds to the draining mold.
Once the cheese is formed, dry-salting is carried out, followed by aging in brine (a 7% salt-in-water solution). This aging takes several weeks at room temperature and a further minimum of 2 months in a refrigerated, high-humidity environment.
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Gluten-free diets
Feta cheese crumbles are gluten-free, and they can be a great addition to a gluten-free diet. Such diets are usually recommended for those who experience gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming gluten or have certain health conditions or allergies.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. It is responsible for the chewy texture in bread and the rise in baked goods. A gluten-free diet involves excluding foods that contain gluten and finding alternatives. While it may seem challenging, there are many naturally gluten-free foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and gluten-free products. Minimally processed fresh foods are crucial to a healthy gluten-free diet.
Wheat-based products like pasta, bread, crackers, and baked goods are typically not gluten-free. However, there are alternative options available. It is important to read labels carefully, as "wheat-free" does not always mean "gluten-free". Many products may appear to be gluten-free but are not, and some may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat-based foods. Oats, for example, are naturally gluten-free but may be contaminated during processing.
Some less obvious sources of gluten include sauces like soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and hoisin sauce, as well as snacks like candy, granola bars, and flavored chips. Beverages like beer and some flavoured alcoholic drinks also contain gluten. On the other hand, most beverages are gluten-free, and gluten-free alternatives are widely available for many products. To ensure nutritional needs are met, it is helpful to work with a registered dietitian when transitioning to a gluten-free diet.
In summary, a gluten-free diet requires excluding gluten-containing foods and being vigilant about checking product labels. While it can be challenging and expensive, the availability of gluten-free alternatives and naturally gluten-free options makes it manageable. Feta cheese crumbles are a great example of a gluten-free food that can be enjoyed as part of a gluten-free diet.
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Gluten-free alternatives
Feta cheese is typically gluten-free, as it is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, which are gluten-free ingredients. However, some brands may add gluten-containing ingredients or process their cheese in facilities that also handle gluten products. Thus, it is always important to check the labels, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
If you are looking for gluten-free alternatives to feta cheese, there are a few options to consider:
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a tangy and creamy cheese made from goat's milk. It has a slightly tart flavor and a crumbly texture similar to feta, and can be used in similar ways, such as crumbled on salads or spread on crackers.
Halloumi
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk. It has a high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying. While it may not have the same crumbly texture as feta, it can be a good alternative in dishes where you want the cheese to retain its shape.
Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a fresh, mild Mexican cheese made from cow's milk or a combination of cow and goat's milk. It has a crumbly texture and a slightly salty flavor, making it a great alternative to feta cheese on salads, tacos, or other dishes where you want a salty, crumbly cheese.
Ricotta Salata
Ricotta salata is an Italian cheese made from the whey of sheep's milk. It is pressed, salted, and aged, resulting in a firmer texture than fresh ricotta. It can be grated or crumbled and used in similar ways to feta, such as on salads or pasta dishes.
Cotija
Cotija is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk. It has a strong, salty flavor and is often used as a topping for various Mexican dishes. It can be a good alternative to feta cheese in terms of texture and saltiness.
In addition to these cheese alternatives, there are also dairy-free and vegan alternatives to feta cheese, such as the "Just Like Feta" product from Violife, which is made with plant-based ingredients and is certified gluten-free. There are also recipes for making dairy-free feta cheese alternatives at home using tofu as a base, which can be a good option for those who are vegan or dairy-free.
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Gluten intolerance
There are several other surprising symptoms associated with gluten intolerance. One such symptom is neuropathy, which is characterised by numbness or tingling in the arms and legs. Additionally, gluten intolerance may be linked to mood disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and changes in the gut microbiome, which can increase the risk of depression.
If you suspect you may have gluten intolerance, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance. Organisations like the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) provide education, support, and resources for individuals living gluten-free. They offer certification programs, such as GFCO, which ensure that certified products and food establishments meet their strict standards for gluten-free safety.
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Litehouse Simply Artisan Feta Cheese Crumbles
Feta cheese is generally considered gluten-free, and the same goes for Litehouse Simply Artisan Feta Cheese Crumbles. This product is labelled as gluten-free by the manufacturer and is described as having a firm yet crumbly texture with a salty and tart flavour. It is available in a 6 oz pouch or a 4 oz sleeve.
The full list of ingredients for the Litehouse Simply Artisan Feta Cheese Crumbles is as follows:
- Pasteurized milk
- Salt
- Culture
- Enzymes
- Potato starch (to prevent caking)
The product contains milk and is labelled as rBST-free. It is described as being a great addition to salads, roasted vegetables, and pizzas.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, crumbled feta cheese is gluten-free. Feta cheese is made from pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. People with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders must strictly avoid gluten for health reasons.
Yes, there are gluten-free feta cheese products available, such as Litehouse Simply Artisan Feta Cheese Crumbles and Athenos Crumbled Feta Cheese Traditional. These products are labelled as gluten-free and can be safely consumed by those on a gluten-free diet.
