Frederic Melton
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads to pastries. For those following a gluten-free diet, it is essential to understand whether feta cheese is a safe option. In its traditional form, feta cheese does not contain gluten, as it is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, which are curdled, drained, salted, and aged in brine. However, some manufacturers may add ingredients or flavorings that introduce gluten, and cross-contamination during processing in facilities that handle gluten products can be an issue. Therefore, individuals with gluten sensitivities must carefully read labels and consider choosing feta produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, curds, salt |
| Production Process | Milk is curdled, drained to remove whey, and then salted and aged in brine |
| Gluten Content | Gluten-free in its traditional form, but some manufacturers may add ingredients that introduce gluten |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Possible during processing and packaging if equipment or facilities are shared with gluten-containing products |
| Recommended Precautions | Individuals with gluten sensitivities should read labels carefully and choose feta produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities |
| Celiac Disease Considerations | Those with celiac disease should be cautious and may prefer feta from gluten-free facilities to minimize cross-contamination risks |
| Gluten-Free Options | Some brands, like Krinos, offer gluten-free Greek feta cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese ingredients
Feta cheese is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. In the United States, most cheese sold as feta is made from cow's milk. The milk is curdled, drained of whey, and then salted and aged in brine, which gives feta its distinct flavour and texture. The cheese cultures used in the production of feta help to develop its unique tangy taste.
Feta is considered to be one of the oldest cheeses in the world, with the earliest record of its production dating back to the Byzantine Empire. It has been closely associated with Crete, located in present-day Greece. In Greece, feta is often served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and oregano, accompanied by bread. It can also be used as a table cheese or crumbled on Greek salads, omelettes, and pizzas.
To make feta cheese, 4.5 gallons of whole milk is heated to 93°F. Once the target temperature is reached, 1/4 teaspoon of MM100 culture is added and allowed to ripen for 40-60 minutes. If using pasteurized milk, 3 ml of calcium chloride is also added. After the culture has been added and allowed to ripen, a bit over 1/2 teaspoon of single-strength rennet or 1/2-3/4 tablet of rennet is added. The rennet is diluted in 1/4 cup of cool non-chlorinated water, and the mixture is slowly stirred in an up-and-down direction for 1 minute.
The milk will begin to thicken in about 10 minutes, but it should be allowed to set for 40 minutes. After this, the curd is cut into 1/2-inch cubes over 5 minutes and slowly stirred for another 20 minutes to release the whey. The firmness of the final cheese depends on the time stirred in whey. Once the curds reach the proper dryness, they are allowed to settle to the bottom of the pot for 10 minutes. Sanitized molds are then prepared to receive the curds.
After dry-salting the cheese, it is aged in brine (a 7% salt in water solution) for several weeks at room temperature and a further minimum of 2 months in a refrigerated high-humidity environment. The containers are then shipped to supermarkets, where the cheese is cut and sold directly from the container or packaged in sealed plastic cups with some brine.
Feta cheese, in its traditional form, does not contain any gluten ingredients. However, some manufacturers may add additional ingredients or flavourings that could introduce gluten into the cheese. Therefore, individuals with gluten sensitivities should carefully read the labels and choose feta cheese produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities to avoid potential cross-contamination.
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Gluten-free diets
Feta cheese, a staple in Greek cuisine, is a popular choice for those on gluten-free diets due to its simple, gluten-free ingredients. Traditionally, feta is made by curdling sheep or goat milk, draining the whey, and then salting and aging the curds in brine, resulting in its distinct flavor and texture. However, some manufacturers may add extra ingredients or flavorings that introduce gluten. Therefore, those with gluten sensitivities must carefully read labels and opt for feta produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities to avoid cross-contamination.
Krinos, a company that supplies feta cheese to Canadians, offers a gluten-free variety made from 100% organic sheep and goat milk sourced from small producers in southern Greece. This product is suitable for gluten-free diets and can enhance various dishes.
When following a gluten-free diet, it is important to scrutinize food labels and be cautious of cross-contamination risks. Checking for gluten-free certifications and directly contacting manufacturers for detailed information about their processes and allergen control measures can help ensure the gluten-free status of products.
In addition to feta cheese, other gluten-free cheeses include halloumi, stilton, wensleydale with cranberries, and Greek cheeses like kasseri, kefalograviera, and kefalotyri. These cheeses can be safely incorporated into gluten-free meals, providing flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits.
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Greek feta cheese brands
Feta cheese is a popular Greek cheese that is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. The cheese is formed by curdling the milk, draining off the whey, salting the remaining curds, and then ageing them in brine. This process gives feta its distinctive flavour and texture. Feta is a popular choice for those following a gluten-free diet, as it does not traditionally contain gluten. However, some manufacturers may add extra ingredients or flavourings that could introduce gluten, so it is important for those with gluten sensitivities to check labels carefully.
When shopping for Greek feta cheese, there are several brands to look out for. Firstly, Krinos offers a wide variety of feta cheeses sourced from Greece and Canada, using a traditional family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Another option is Athenos, a brand inspired by Greek cuisine, which offers feta cheese alongside various flavours of hummus and pita chips. Athenos emphasises its respect for the ingredients it uses. For those seeking a vegan option, Sporked recommends a vegan feta cheese that is briney and olive-like in taste, with a pleasant creaminess.
If you are seeking a brand that adheres to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) standards, there are several options. Dodoni Feta, produced in Epirus, Greece, follows these standards and ships its product to 50 countries, including the United States. Greco feta cheese, made by the brand Karoun, also adheres to PDO standards and is crafted from sheep and goat milk sourced from dairies in Thessaly, Greece. Barrel-aged and brine varieties are available. Mt Vikos is another Greek-made feta cheese brand that uses PDO standards and prides itself on using the freshest, most natural ingredients, free from GMOs.
For those seeking a gluten-free certified option, Belfiore, based in Berkeley, California, offers a "Mediterranean Style" feta cheese that is 100% organic, gluten-free, artisanal, and award-winning. Boar's Head, a company more commonly associated with deli meats, also offers two types of feta cheese: a creamy style and one that is easier to crumble. Remember, when in doubt, always check the labels or reach out to the manufacturer to ensure the gluten-free status of the product.
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Feta cheese recipes
Feta cheese is a popular choice for many dishes, and its tangy, salty flavour makes it a great addition to a variety of recipes. The cheese is naturally gluten-free, but some manufacturers may add ingredients that introduce gluten, so it is important to read labels carefully. Here are some delicious feta cheese recipes to try:
Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad, or horiatiki, is a simple yet tasty option. It typically includes cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and feta cheese. This refreshing salad is a perfect side dish for grilled chicken or baked salmon.
Baked Feta Pasta
For a heartier option, try the famous baked feta pasta. This dish combines penne pasta, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, feta cheese, and basil. The feta melts into the pasta, creating a creamy and indulgent sauce. You can also add ingredients like hard-boiled eggs or canned salmon to make it a complete meal.
Feta and Vegetable Bakes
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient in bakes and casseroles. Try a zucchini feta bake with thyme, or experiment with roasted vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, and zucchini. Feta adds a creamy texture and tangy flavour to these dishes.
Spinach and Feta Pies
Spanakopita, or spinach pie, is a traditional Greek dish. It consists of spinach, onion, garlic, and feta cheese baked in a flaky filo pastry. You can make it as a whole slab pie or create individual pockets for a fun and easy-to-serve appetiser.
Feta as a Topping
Feta cheese is an excellent topping for many dishes. Crumble it over salads, omelettes, pizzas, or even Mexican food like tacos and burrito bowls. It adds a salty, tangy flavour to any meal.
Feta and Shrimp
For a more sophisticated dish, try roasted tomatoes and shrimp with feta cheese. This elegant combination showcases the versatility of feta and is perfect for a dinner party or a romantic dinner for two.
Remember, when purchasing feta cheese, always check the labels and consider buying from manufacturers that produce it in dedicated gluten-free facilities to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious feta cheese recipes!
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Gluten intolerance
Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. The milk is curdled and drained of whey, after which the curds are salted and aged in brine, resulting in feta's distinct flavour and texture. In its traditional form, feta cheese does not contain gluten, which is a group of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. However, some manufacturers may add extra ingredients or flavourings that introduce gluten. Therefore, those with gluten sensitivities should carefully read the labels.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a milder gluten-related disorder that may affect 0.5-13% of people. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, constipation, unintentional weight loss, and other issues. Wheat allergy, a type of food allergy, is different from both celiac disease and NCGS. It can cause symptoms like itchy eyes and trouble breathing, but it does not damage the small intestine.
In addition to these physical symptoms, gluten intolerance may also influence mental health. People with celiac disease may be prone to anxiety or depression due to various factors, including vitamin deficiency, changes in the gut microbiome, and the presence of gluten exorphins, which can interfere with the central nervous system.
To manage gluten intolerance, individuals often have to adopt a gluten-free diet, avoiding foods that contain wheat, barley, and rye. Feta cheese, when produced in a gluten-free facility, can be part of a gluten-free diet. However, due to the potential for cross-contamination during processing and packaging, those with severe gluten sensitivities should choose feta cheese produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities or consult with the manufacturer to ensure its gluten-free status.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Greek feta cheese is gluten-free in its traditional form, as it is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. However, some manufacturers may add ingredients that contain gluten, so it is important to always read the labels carefully.
Yes, Krinos offers a wide variety of feta cheeses, including Greek feta cheese made from 100% organic sheep and goat milk sourced from small organic milk producers in southern Greece. This product is labelled as gluten-free.
When choosing a feta cheese product, it is important to read the labels carefully and look for gluten-free certification. If you are unsure, you can reach out to the manufacturer directly to inquire about their production processes and any measures they take to prevent cross-contamination.
