Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a dairy product made from sheep's or goat's milk, or a combination of the two. It is a good source of protein and calcium and is rich in B vitamins. Feta is also lower in lactose than other cheeses, making it more tolerable for some lactose-sensitive individuals. As a naturally gluten-free food, feta cheese is suitable for those adhering to a gluten-free diet. However, those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity may still experience difficulty digesting cheese, and it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Feta Cheese Gluten-Free? | Yes |
| Why is Feta Cheese Gluten-Free? | Feta cheese is made from sheep's or goat's milk and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, or rye. |
| Who Should Not Consume Feta Cheese? | People with a history of kidney stones due to its high calcium content, those following a low-FODMAP diet, those with a history of migraines, those on certain medications, those following a vegan diet, those with compromised immune systems, those with high cholesterol, and those with lactose intolerance. |
| Gluten-Free Diet | A gluten-free diet is typically followed by those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. |
| Gluten Management Solutions | Tolerase G is a gluten-degrading enzyme that can help break down gluten in food, reducing unpleasant reactions. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is naturally gluten-free
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine, often used as a topping or in recipes that require melting cheese. While it is naturally gluten-free, it may not be the best option for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity due to potential cross-contamination during production. It is always important to check the labels and consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice regarding dietary restrictions.
Feta cheese has several health benefits. It contains beneficial fatty acids and is a source of phosphorus, which works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, some varieties of feta cheese contain probiotics that can support gut health.
However, it is important to note that feta cheese is typically high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Those with specific health concerns, such as lactose intolerance, high cholesterol, or a history of kidney stones, should be mindful of their feta cheese intake.
For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, feta cheese can be a safe and nutritious option. It can be incorporated into various recipes and adds a delicious flavour to meals.
Gluten-Free Cheese Balls: What H-E-B Offers
You may want to see also
Feta is made from sheep or goat milk, which does not contain gluten
Feta cheese is a dairy product made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients. Feta is a suitable option for those adhering to a gluten-free diet, but it is important to consider other factors that may impact dietary choices.
Sheep's and goat's milk are also naturally gluten-free, as milk is not produced using wheat, barley, rye, or any other gluten-containing cereals. However, cross-contamination can occur when food that contains gluten comes into contact with food that does not. For individuals with gluten sensitivities, allergies, or celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can cause adverse reactions. Therefore, it is essential to read labels and choose dairy products with a "gluten-free" stamp to ensure they are safe for consumption.
While feta cheese is gluten-free, it is important to remember that it is still a dairy product. For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, feta cheese may not be suitable. Lactose intolerance is different from dairy intolerance, as lactose intolerance refers specifically to the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. A dairy-free diet, on the other hand, typically involves avoiding casein protein, which is present in all dairy products, including sheep's and goat's milk.
Additionally, feta cheese may not be suitable for everyone due to other dietary restrictions or health considerations. For example, individuals with a history of migraines may need to avoid feta and other aged cheeses due to the presence of tyramine, which can be a trigger. Those with compromised immune systems should also be cautious, as unpasteurized cheese varieties may pose a risk of foodborne illness.
In conclusion, feta cheese is made from sheep's or goat's milk, which does not contain gluten. It is a gluten-free food option, but it is important to consider other dietary restrictions and health concerns when deciding whether to include feta cheese in your diet. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, choosing gluten-free labeled products can help ensure the absence of cross-contamination and provide peace of mind.
Gluten-Free Pringles: Cheese and Onion Edition
You may want to see also
People with celiac disease may still have trouble digesting feta
Feta cheese is naturally gluten-free, as it is made from sheep's or goat's milk and does not contain any wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients. However, people with celiac disease may still have trouble digesting feta cheese due to lactose intolerance, which can occur alongside celiac disease. This is because the immune reaction that damages the villi lining the small intestine can also damage the lactase enzymes that aid in lactose digestion.
While feta cheese is lower in lactose than many other cheeses, it still contains some lactose. For individuals with lactose intolerance, consuming lactose can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Additionally, feta cheese is typically high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation, especially by those on a low-sodium diet.
It is important to note that cross-contamination can occur during the manufacturing process, as some facilities handle multiple products with different allergens. While companies have procedures in place to minimise cross-contamination, they may not guarantee that their products are completely allergen-free. Therefore, individuals with celiac disease should carefully read product labels and allergen information to make informed choices.
Furthermore, feta cheese may not be suitable for everyone, even though it is gluten-free. For example, those with a history of kidney stones should be cautious due to the high calcium content of feta. Individuals taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, antifungals, or MAO inhibitors, should also be aware of potential interactions with aged cheeses like feta.
Overall, while feta cheese is naturally gluten-free, individuals with celiac disease may need to consider other factors, such as lactose intolerance and product labelling, to ensure they can safely include feta in their diet. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice regarding dietary restrictions and potential interactions.
Delicious Dairy-Free Bleu Cheese Alternatives for Your Meals
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Feta is lower in lactose than other cheeses
Feta cheese is a dairy product made from sheep's or goat's milk, or a combination of the two. It is naturally gluten-free, containing no wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients. Feta is also lower in lactose than many other cheeses, making it more tolerable for some lactose-sensitive individuals.
Lactose intolerance affects about 13% of the world's population, but this does not mean that cheese needs to be cut out of the diet entirely. Lactose-intolerant individuals can still eat cheese, but they must choose carefully. Generally, harder, aged cheeses are lower in lactose than soft, fresh cheeses. For example, hard mozzarella, which is often found in blocks or shredded form, ferments for about two weeks, lowering its lactose content. Similarly, parmesan is aged for at least 10 months in the United States, reducing its lactose content to a safe range for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Feta is a soft cheese, but it is still lower in lactose than many other soft cheeses. According to Catherine Rall, a registered dietitian, feta contains between 0.5% and 1.5% lactose, which is very low compared to whole milk, which has around 4.8% lactose. Other low-lactose soft cheeses include Limburger, which has about 2% lactose, and goat cheese, which is often labelled as chèvre.
While feta is lower in lactose than many other cheeses, it still contains some lactose. Lactose-intolerant individuals who consume feta cheese may need to take a lactase supplement to help prevent symptoms. However, feta is a good option for those who are gluten-intolerant and want to include cheese in their diet.
Coles' Dairy-Free Cheese Options: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Feta is high in sodium, saturated fat, and calcium
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made mostly from sheep and goat milk. It is known for its soft, crumbly texture, salty flavour, and slight tang. Feta is a good source of nutrients, but it is particularly high in sodium, saturated fat, and calcium.
Firstly, feta cheese is high in sodium. During the cheese-making process, salt is added to the curd. The cheese block is then stored by submerging it in a brine of up to 7% salt. As a result, feta cheese contains 312 mg of sodium per ounce (28 grams), which can account for up to 13% of your RDI. For those who are sensitive to salt, rinsing the cheese with water before eating can help reduce the sodium content.
Secondly, feta cheese is high in saturated fat. An ounce of feta cheese contains about 4.2 grams of saturated fat, which represents about 21% of the USDA's recommended daily intake for a 2,000-calorie diet. While feta is lower in fat than many other cheeses, it is still considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation.
Lastly, feta cheese is high in calcium. It provides a significant amount of calcium, which is crucial for bone health. Feta has more calcium than other cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, or goat cheese. About 100 grams of feta cheese provides approximately 493 milligrams of calcium, which is around 49% of the recommended daily average intake for adults.
While feta cheese is naturally gluten-free, it is important to consider the overall nutritional content when including it in a gluten-free diet. Feta is a good source of protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, and probiotics, but its high sodium, saturated fat, and calcium content may be a concern for some individuals, especially those with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Schuler Cheese: Gluten-Free Goodness
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is gluten-free in its natural state. However, it is always good to check the labels of packaged or processed cheese to ensure that it does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Blue cheese is sometimes not gluten-free as it may be injected with mold strains grown on gluten-containing media. It is best to avoid blue cheeses that list wheat, barley, or rye ingredients on the label.
It is important to be cautious of cross-contamination when purchasing cheese from a deli counter. Additionally, non-dairy cheese alternatives are processed products that may contain gluten, so always check the ingredient label.
Yes, there are gluten-free alternatives to feta cheese available, such as Litehouse Foods' Simply Artisan Feta Cheese Crumbles, which are both gluten-free and rBST-free.
