Patrick Oconnell
When it comes to gluten-free diets, cheese can be a confusing topic. Most cheese is naturally gluten-free, as it is typically made from milk, bacterial cultures, and rennet. However, processed cheeses like American cheese may contain gluten. It is always important to check the labels of packaged or processed cheeses, as additional ingredients may introduce gluten. While most lunch meats are gluten-free, added ingredients like wheat-derived dextrin or modified food starch can be potential sources of gluten. Condiments like mustard and mayonnaise are typically gluten-free, but it is important to check the labels to ensure they do not contain wheat-based ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is deli American cheese gluten-free? | Most cheese is gluten-free, but some processed cheese, such as American cheese, may contain gluten. |
| What are the basic ingredients of cheese? | Milk, bacterial cultures, and rennet. |
| Are there any other ingredients added to cheese that may contain gluten? | Wheat starch, modified food starch made from wheat, and flavorings. |
| How can I know if a cheese product is gluten-free? | Read the ingredients list and look for certifications or labels that indicate the product is gluten-free. |
| Are there any specific types of cheese that are gluten-free? | Goat cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta, Swiss, shredded cheese, string cheese, cheese powder, and cheese spreads are usually gluten-free. |
| Are there any condiments that are gluten-free? | Mayonnaise and mustard seed are inherently gluten-free, but some mustards may contain added flour. |
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What You'll Learn
Most cheese is gluten-free
Processed cheese, such as American cheese, and cheeses that are low-salt, low-fat, or fat-free may also contain gluten. Additionally, any time ingredients are added to a food product, the risk of gluten being present increases. For instance, some shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While the starches or cellulose used in shredded cheese typically do not contain gluten, if the cellulose is derived from wheat, this should be stated on the label.
It is important to always check the labels of packaged or processed cheese products to confirm their gluten-free status. 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 purchase 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 examples of gluten-free cheeses include mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta, Swiss, and goat cheese. String cheese or cheese sticks are also usually gluten-free.
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Blue cheese may contain gluten
Deli American cheese is generally considered gluten-free, but it is always good to check the label. While most cheese is gluten-free, some processed cheeses may contain gluten.
Now, on to the topic of blue cheese. Blue cheese may contain gluten, and it is recommended that those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease exercise caution when consuming it. The concern arises from the production process of blue cheese, where the mold used is sometimes grown on gluten-containing substrates, such as wheat, rye, or barley. However, the actual levels of gluten present in the final cheese product are likely to be low, and modern cheese-making techniques have made bread a less common medium for growing mold.
Some blue cheese manufacturers have confirmed that their products are gluten-free. These include Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. Additionally, the Canadian Celiac Association has added blue cheese to its "Acceptability of Food and Food Ingredients for the Gluten-Free Diet" pocket dictionary, suggesting that it is safe for individuals with celiac disease.
However, there are conflicting opinions on the matter. Some individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance have reported adverse reactions to blue cheese, while others have not noticed any issues. The level of sensitivity to gluten can vary, and it is essential to monitor how your body reacts to different foods.
To ensure that your blue cheese is gluten-free, look for brands that are certified or labeled as such. Additionally, blue cheeses cultured in wheat-based dextrose are more likely to be gluten-free. When in doubt, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
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Processed cheese may contain gluten
Processed cheese, such as American cheese, and cheeses that are low-salt, low-fat, or fat-free may contain gluten. The actual levels of gluten present in these cheeses are likely to be low, but it is recommended to look for products that are certified or labelled gluten-free.
When purchasing cheese, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products. In addition to wheat, barley, and rye, one should also check for wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat, as these ingredients may indicate the presence of gluten.
It is worth noting that some hard cheeses are soaked in beer, which contains gluten. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the ingredients list on cheeses if they are not labelled or certified gluten-free.
Furthermore, cross-contact is a concern when purchasing cheese from a deli counter. To ensure gluten-free options, not only must the cheese be gluten-free, but the slicing equipment must also be thoroughly cleaned to prevent any potential gluten contamination.
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Always check the ingredients list
Most cheese is gluten-free because the basic ingredients are milk, bacterial cultures, and rennet—components that are naturally gluten-free. However, some cheeses go through processes where gluten could be present. For instance, if the Penicillium cultures in blue cheese are grown on wheat or barley, they could contain gluten. Additionally, some hard cheeses are soaked in beer, which contains gluten.
Processed cheese, such as American cheese, and cheeses that are low-salt, low-fat, or fat-free may also contain gluten. Therefore, it is important to always check the ingredients list on cheeses if they are not labeled or certified gluten-free. While most Land O'Lakes cheeses are best stored in the center of your refrigerator, the company notes that their products have not been thoroughly evaluated, and manufacturing controls are not in place to assure that they meet the FDA definition of "gluten-free."
When purchasing cheese at a deli counter, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese must also 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.
When in doubt, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs.
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Lunch meats are usually gluten-free
Most cheeses are gluten-free because the basic ingredients are milk, bacterial cultures, and rennet, the enzymes that separate milk solids from the water in milk to create curds. However, some cheeses go through processes where gluten could be present. For example, blue cheeses, such as Roquefort and Gorgonzola, are made with cultures from the mold Penicillium. If the Penicillium cultures are grown on wheat or barley, they could contain gluten. The actual levels of gluten present in the final cheese product are probably low, but the safest bet is to find blue cheese that is certified or labeled gluten-free. In addition, processed cheese, such as American cheese, and cheeses that are low-salt, low-fat, or fat-free may also contain gluten.
Some brands of lunch meats are known to be gluten-free. For example, all of Applegate's deli meats are gluten-free, casein-free, and dairy-free, according to the company's website. Many are also sugar-free. Similarly, Bar S states that all of its products are gluten-free, except for its corn dogs. Hormel does not label its meat products as gluten-free but provides a list of products that do not include ingredients derived from wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Pre-packaged lunch meat products on Hormel's "no gluten ingredients" list include Hormel Natural Choice Honey Roasted Turkey Breast, Hormel Natural Choice Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, and Hormel Natural Choice Carved Chicken Breast. Oscar Mayer, a subsidiary of Kraft Foods, also clearly discloses any gluten-containing ingredients on its products' ingredients labels. However, the labels won't necessarily disclose any risk of gluten cross-contamination.
Cross-contamination on deli slicers is a common issue, and it is very difficult to ensure that they are completely clean between slices. Therefore, some people choose to buy pre-packaged lunch meats instead of meat sliced at the deli counter. However, it is still important to check the labels on pre-packaged meats, as gluten can still be present.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cheese is gluten-free, but some processed cheeses like American cheese may contain gluten. It is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it.
Swiss, Gouda, Havarti, Cheddar, and Muenster are gluten-free. Other types of gluten-free cheese include mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and ricotta.
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. Some hard cheeses are soaked in beer, which contains gluten.
Most lunch meats are gluten-free, but it is always possible that they may contain additives that could contain gluten. Condiments like mustard and mayonnaise are typically gluten-free, but it is important to check the labels.
