Kraft Shredded Cheese: Gluten-Free Option?

is kraft shredded cheese gluten-free

Kraft shredded cheese is a popular product with a variety of flavors and blends. It is generally considered gluten-free, as Kraft does not use any gluten-containing ingredients in its cheese products. However, it's always a good idea to check the labels for the most up-to-date information, as product formulations can change. Some shredded cheese products may contain additives or anti-caking agents, such as cellulose powder, food starch, or potato starch, which can sometimes be derived from wheat or other gluten-containing sources. Kraft labels any of its products that contain more than 10 ppm of gluten, so consumers can be confident that their shredded cheese is gluten-free if no wheat is listed on the label.

Characteristics Values
Gluten-free Yes, Kraft shredded cheese is generally considered gluten-free.
Kraft's Official Statement According to Kraft, their shredded cheese products are generally gluten-free, but they recommend checking the specific product labels for the most up-to-date information.
Kraft's Labelling Policy Kraft labels for all sources of gluten above 10ppm. If an ingredient is sourced from wheat, it will be stated on the label.
Ingredients Kraft shredded cheese uses either cellulose powder or modified cornstarch as an anti-caking agent.
Cross-Contamination If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, contact Kraft directly to confirm potential cross-contamination risks.

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Kraft's official statement

Kraft's statement reflects its commitment to providing transparent and accurate information about its products. The company understands the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies, and thus, takes measures to ensure the safety and satisfaction of its consumers.

While Kraft shredded cheese is not specifically labeled as gluten-free, the company assures that they label for all sources of gluten above 10ppm. This means that if an ingredient is sourced from wheat, it will be stated on the label. As none of their shredded cheese labels claim wheat as an ingredient, consumers can be assured that Kraft shredded cheese is gluten-free.

Additionally, Kraft addresses the concern of cross-contamination, particularly for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. The company encourages consumers with such conditions to contact them directly to confirm manufacturing processes and potential cross-contamination risks. This proactive approach demonstrates Kraft's dedication to ensuring the well-being of its consumers with special dietary needs.

In conclusion, Kraft's official statement on the matter assures consumers that their shredded cheese products are generally gluten-free. However, they emphasize the importance of checking product labels and encourage individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities to contact them directly for further clarification and peace of mind.

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Kraft shredded cheese ingredients

Kraft shredded cheese products are generally considered gluten-free. However, it is always recommended to check the specific product label for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and potential allergens. Kraft does not add gluten-containing ingredients to their shredded cheese products, but there may be a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Kraft shredded cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural colour). It also contains modified cornstarch to prevent caking and natamycin, a natural mould inhibitor. These additional ingredients are not gluten-containing, but it is important to review the label to ensure none of the anti-caking agents contain gluten.

The Kraft Grated Three Cheese Blend, which includes Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses, is not labelled gluten-free. This product contains cellulose powder to prevent caking and potassium sorbate to protect flavour, in addition to the basic ingredients of pasteurized milk, cheese culture, and salt.

Kraft's shredded cheese products provide a source of protein, calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and zinc. Cheese is naturally gluten-free, as it is made from milk, enzymes, and bacteria. However, some shredded cheese products may include additives or anti-caking agents that contain gluten, so it is important to read labels carefully.

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Kraft gluten-free alternatives

Kraft's shredded cheese products are generally considered gluten-free. However, as with any processed food, it is always recommended to check the specific product label for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and potential allergens. Kraft does not add gluten-containing ingredients to their powdered cheese products, and the same goes for their string cheese, which is also gluten-free.

If you are looking for gluten-free alternatives to Kraft shredded cheese, here are some options:

  • Sargento Shredded Cheese: This brand offers a variety of shredded cheese flavors made from natural cheese without artificial ingredients. Sargento shredded cheese is generally considered gluten-free, and they do not add any gluten-containing ingredients to their products.
  • Organic Valley Shredded Cheese: This brand produces shredded cheese from organic milk obtained from pasture-raised cows. All of their shredded cheese options are gluten-free and free from artificial preservatives.
  • Tillamook Shredded Cheese: Tillamook is known for its high-quality dairy products and offers gluten-free shredded cheese made from milk sourced from their farmer-owned cooperative. Their shredded cheese is available in various flavors and blends.
  • 365 by Whole Foods Market Shredded Cheese: Whole Foods' store brand offers affordable, gluten-free shredded cheese options made without artificial colors or flavors.
  • So Delicious Cheddar Jack Shreds: This is a plant-based cheese alternative made from coconut oil and potato starch. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. While it is not sliced, it offers a convenient shredded option for melting on various dishes.
  • Go Veggie American Style Slices: Another plant-based cheese alternative, this one is made from coconut oil and potato starch. It is dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, with a mild, creamy flavor and good melting properties.
  • Daiya Cheddar Style Slices: This vegan cheese alternative is made from tapioca starch and coconut oil. It is free from dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts, and is known for its good melting properties and cheddar-like taste.

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Kraft cheese manufacturing process

Kraft Singles is a brand of processed cheese manufactured and sold by Kraft Heinz. The idea behind the product was to create a long-lasting, easily shippable cheese product. In 1916, Canadian-American James L. Kraft applied for the first U.S. patent for a method of making processed cheese. Kraft's brother Norman, who was head of research at Kraft, wanted to make things even more convenient for the consumer by pre-cutting the cheese into slices.

The manufacturing process for Kraft Singles involves liquefying the cheese and then flattening it out on a cold stainless-steel table using an iced rolling pin. The flattened cheese is then cut into three-inch squares. Eight slices are stacked on top of each other and packaged to create a peelable block. This process was perfected over 15 years, with the final product being introduced in 1950 as "Kraft De Luxe Process Slices".

Initially, the slices were not individually wrapped, and they often stuck together. In 1956, an engineer named Arnold Nawrocki invented a machine that solved this problem by individually wrapping each slice. Kraft later developed its own similar technology, and in 1965, they introduced the individually wrapped Kraft Singles that are known today.

Kraft Singles do not qualify for the "Pasteurized Process Cheese" labeling because the percentage of milk fat in the product that comes from added dairy ingredients is greater than 5%. Following an FDA warning in 2002, Kraft changed the label to "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product".

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Kraft gluten-free labelling

Kraft's shredded cheese products are generally considered gluten-free. However, Kraft does not explicitly label its shredded cheese products as gluten-free. This may be because, as a major food manufacturer, Kraft Heinz only labels for the eight major allergens recognized by the FDA: eggs, fish, crustacean, shellfish, milk, peanuts, soy, and tree nuts. They also label for additional allergens or substances of interest, including wheat, celery, mustard, lupin, mollusks, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and others.

Kraft's string cheese and powdered cheese products are also generally considered gluten-free, and the company does not add any gluten-containing ingredients to these products. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to check the labels of specific products for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and potential allergens, as formulations can change.

If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, it is advisable to contact Kraft directly to confirm their manufacturing processes and potential cross-contamination risks. While cheese is naturally gluten-free, being made from milk, enzymes, and bacteria, some shredded cheese products may contain additives or anti-caking agents with gluten. Therefore, when in doubt, it is best to look for packages specifically labelled as gluten-free or opt for other naturally gluten-free brands like Sargento, Tillamook, Cabot, or Organic Valley.

Frequently asked questions

Kraft shredded cheese is generally considered gluten-free. Kraft does not use any gluten-containing ingredients in their cheese products, and they label all sources of gluten above 10ppm. However, it's always good to check the label for the most up-to-date information.

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, rye, barley, and oats. It can trigger an immune-mediated disorder called celiac disease.

Kraft shredded cheese is made from milk, enzymes, and bacteria. It may also contain anti-caking agents like cellulose powder, food starch, or potato starch to prevent the cheese from clumping.

Yes, there are several gluten-free alternatives to Kraft shredded cheese, including Sargento, Tillamook, Organic Valley, and 365 by Whole Foods Market.

The best way to ensure a product is gluten-free is to check the label for gluten-containing ingredients or gluten cross-contamination. You can also look for packages specifically labeled as gluten-free or contact the manufacturer directly to confirm.

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