Andy Montoya
Parmesan cheese is a staple in many kitchens, adding a burst of flavour to pasta dishes, salads, and more. But is it gluten-free? This is an important question for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease, who must be vigilant about their dietary choices. The good news is that Parmesan cheese is typically gluten-free, containing just three ingredients: cow's milk, salt, and rennet, which are naturally gluten-free. However, it's always a good idea to check the label and verify with the manufacturer, as gluten may be added during processing or packaging. Some trusted brands like Kraft offer gluten-free Parmesan, while others like Mama Francesca and Milano's Grated Imported Parmesan Cheese are labelled gluten-free, providing an extra measure of assurance. So, unless otherwise stated, dry Parmesan cheese is generally safe to enjoy for those on a gluten-free diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes, unless gluten is added after processing |
| Ingredients | Cow's milk, salt, rennet |
| Allergens | Milk |
| Brands | Kraft, Mama Francesca, Milano's |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Parmesan cheese is gluten-free
Kraft Parmesan cheese includes the following ingredients: Parmesan cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), cellulose powder, and potassium sorbate to protect flavour. Cellulose powder is usually gluten-free, and often made from potato starch. If cellulose is derived from wheat, this should be listed on the label. Kraft Parmesan cheese does not contain wheat or any other gluten-containing ingredients such as barley or rye.
Some Kraft products are not gluten-free, such as the Kraft Grated Three Cheese Blend, which contains Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses. This product is not labelled gluten-free, and while it does not contain any major allergens, it may contain traces of wheat. Therefore, it is important to always read the label and check for gluten-containing ingredients.
Overall, Kraft Parmesan cheese is considered gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease, but it is always important to check the label and choose carefully when selecting cheese products.
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Parmesan cheese ingredients
Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese produced from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months. It is a type of grana cheese, along with Grana Padano and the now-defunct Granone Lodigiano. Parmigiano Reggiano is named after two of the areas that produce it: the Italian provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is also produced in the part of Bologna west of the River Reno, in Modena, and in the part of Mantua (Lombardy) south of the Po River.
The process of making Parmesan cheese involves mixing the whole milk from the morning milking with the naturally skimmed milk from the previous evening's milking, resulting in a part-skim mixture. Each wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano must meet strict criteria early in the aging process, when the cheese is still soft and creamy, to merit the official seal and be placed in storage for aging.
Parmesan cheese is naturally gluten-free. However, gluten may be added during processing, so it is important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese to ensure it is gluten-free. Some brands of Parmesan cheese, such as Kraft, are not labelled gluten-free but do not contain any gluten ingredients or have any wheat or gluten allergy warnings. The only allergen listed on the label is milk. Other brands, such as Mama Francesca Premium Parmesan Cheese and Milano's Grated Imported Parmesan Cheese, are labelled gluten-free.
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Gluten-free alternatives to Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is generally considered gluten-free and is safe for people with celiac disease. However, it is always good to check the labels to ensure that the product is free from gluten. There are several gluten-free alternatives to Parmesan cheese available in the market, such as:
Vegan Parmesan
Vegan Parmesan cheese is an excellent alternative for those following a plant-based or vegan diet. It has a similar flavor and texture to regular Parmesan, making it a popular choice for those avoiding dairy or gluten.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast, often referred to as "nooch," is a popular vegan condiment with a cheesy, nutty, or creamy flavor. It is frequently used as a Parmesan substitute, as it has a similar savory and umami flavor profile. Nutritional yeast is naturally gluten-free and can be found in health food stores or the specialty sections of some supermarkets.
Other Cheese Varieties
There are several other types of cheese that are naturally gluten-free and can be used as alternatives to Parmesan. These include:
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
- Ricotta
- Swiss cheese
- Blue cheese
- Brie
Additionally, shredded, ground, or grated cheese blends that include Parmesan and other cheeses, such as Asiago and Romano, can be gluten-free options. However, it is important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products to ensure they do not contain gluten-containing ingredients.
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Gluten-free labelling
Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. However, some Parmesan cheese products may contain gluten due to the addition of gluten after processing. Therefore, it is important to always read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products before consumption.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set standards for gluten-free labelling to protect consumers, especially those with celiac disease. The FDA defines "gluten-free" for food labelling, allowing manufacturers to voluntarily claim the "gluten-free" label if their products meet specific requirements. This definition provides consumers with celiac disease confidence in the safety of gluten-free labelled products.
The FDA's gluten-free labelling regulation specifies that products labelled as "gluten-free," "no gluten," "free of gluten," or "without gluten" must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This level is the lowest detectable amount using scientifically validated methods and is generally tolerated by those with celiac disease. Foods that are naturally gluten-free, such as bottled spring water or fruits, may also be labelled as such.
To ensure compliance, manufacturers are responsible for accurate labelling and must meet all regulatory requirements. The FDA may review food labels, investigate complaints, and analyse food samples to enforce these standards.
When purchasing cheese, consumers should look for the "gluten-free" label or thoroughly read the ingredients list to check for gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives. Additionally, when buying sliced cheese from a deli counter, it is important to ensure that the slicing machine is cleaned to prevent cross-contact with gluten.
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Gluten-free cheese spreads
Parmesan cheese is naturally gluten-free. However, some gluten may be added during processing, so it is always good to check the labels. Kraft Parmesan Cheese, for example, does not contain any gluten ingredients, but it is not labelled as gluten-free. Mama Francesca and Milano's, on the other hand, offer gluten-free Parmesan cheese that is clearly labelled as such.
When it comes to gluten-free cheese spreads, it is important to be cautious. While most cheeses do not contain gluten, cheese spreads may have gluten-containing ingredients to create the spread's consistency or add flavouring. Price's cheese spreads, for instance, cannot be confirmed to be gluten-free as they have ingredient suppliers who cannot guarantee that their products are gluten-free. Therefore, it is crucial to scrutinise the labels of packaged or processed cheese spreads before consumption.
Cheese spreads that are usually gluten-free include Boursin's dairy-free cheese spread, which is vegan-friendly and made with bold flavours of garlic and fine herbs. Cheese powder is typically gluten-free, but it is always good to check the label.
Some other naturally gluten-free cheeses include mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, Swiss, cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, and shredded cheese. However, shredded cheese may sometimes contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together, so it is important to check the label for any gluten-containing ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is typically gluten-free. It usually contains just three ingredients: cow's milk, salt, and rennet, which are naturally gluten-free.
Yes, there are several gluten-free Parmesan cheese brands available, including Kraft, Mama Francesca, and Milano’s.
It is good to check the label or verify with the manufacturer to ensure that the Parmesan cheese has not been contaminated with gluten during manufacturing. Avoid ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, wheat starch, or modified food starch made from wheat.
Yes, several other types of cheeses are typically gluten-free, including mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, Swiss, and blue cheese.
