Andy Montoya
Kraft Tex Mex shredded cheese is a popular product, but is it gluten-free? This is an important question for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, as gluten can cause adverse reactions. According to Kraft's official information, their shredded cheese products, including the Tex Mex blend, are generally considered gluten-free. However, as with any processed food, checking the product label is always recommended to verify the ingredients and potential allergens. While Kraft states that they label all sources of gluten, some products may still be at risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Therefore, those with strict dietary restrictions may consider contacting the manufacturer directly to confirm the gluten-free status of their shredded cheese products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Kraft Tex Mex shredded cheese gluten-free? | Yes, Kraft shredded cheese products are generally considered gluten-free. |
| Additives | Kraft shredded cheese contains additives like cellulose and potato starch, which are gluten-free. |
| Cross-contamination | There is a risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process or in facilities where gluten-containing products are also produced. |
| Labeling | Kraft labels all sources of gluten above 10ppm, and their products follow FDA guidelines, which require "gluten-free" labels for products containing less than 20ppm of gluten. |
| Recommendations | It is always recommended to read the label and check for potential allergens before consuming any food product. |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft's official statement
Kraft shredded cheese comes in a variety of flavors and types, including cheddar, mozzarella, and Mexican blend. The primary ingredients are milk, enzymes, and salt, with the milk sourced from cows that are not treated with artificial growth hormones.
However, it's important to note that Kraft shredded cheese also contains additives and preservatives. While the company states that they have strict protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination, they cannot guarantee that their products are completely free of gluten. As with any processed food, it's always recommended to read the label and check for potential allergens before consuming any food product.
Kraft's shredded cheese products are labelled for all sources of gluten above 10ppm. This means that if an ingredient was sourced from wheat, it would be stated on the label. None of their shredded cheese products claim to have wheat as an ingredient, so they are considered gluten-free.
In summary, Kraft's official position is that their shredded cheese products are gluten-free and safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, they also emphasize the importance of checking labels and understanding that there is a risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process.
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Ingredients and allergens
Kraft shredded cheese comes in a variety of flavors and types, including cheddar, mozzarella, and Mexican blend. The cheese is made from milk, enzymes, and salt. The milk used in Kraft shredded cheese is sourced from cows that are not treated with artificial growth hormones.
In addition to the cheese itself, Kraft shredded cheese also contains additives and preservatives. One of the most common additives is cellulose, a type of fiber derived from plants, which is used to prevent the cheese from clumping together. Cellulose is gluten-free. Another common additive in Kraft shredded cheese is potato starch, which is used as a thickener and stabilizer and is also gluten-free.
Some Kraft shredded cheese products may also contain modified cornstarch as an anti-caking agent, as well as natamycin, a natural mold inhibitor. According to Kraft, they label all sources of gluten above 10ppm, so if an ingredient was sourced from wheat, it would be stated on the label. None of their shredded cheese labels claim wheat, so Kraft shredded cheese is considered gluten-free.
While Kraft shredded cheese products labeled as gluten-free are made with ingredients that do not contain gluten, there is still a risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process or in facilities where gluten-containing products are also produced. Kraft has stated that they have strict protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination, but they cannot guarantee that their products are completely gluten-free. Therefore, it is always recommended to read the label and check for any potential allergens before consuming any food product, especially for individuals with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or gluten sensitivity.
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Similar gluten-free options
While Kraft shredded cheese is generally considered gluten-free, it's always a good idea to check the specific product label to ensure it meets your dietary needs. Here are some similar gluten-free shredded cheese options available in the market:
Sargento Shredded Cheese
Sargento is a well-known brand offering a diverse range of shredded cheese flavours made from natural cheese without artificial ingredients. Their products are gluten-free and come in resealable packaging, making them a convenient choice.
Organic Valley Shredded Cheese
Organic Valley is committed to producing shredded cheese from organic milk sourced from pasture-raised cows. They offer a selection of gluten-free options free from artificial preservatives, ensuring a natural and wholesome product.
Tillamook Shredded Cheese
Tillamook is renowned for its high-quality dairy products, and their shredded cheese lives up to this reputation. Made from milk sourced from their farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook shredded cheese is gluten-free and available in various flavours and blends to enhance your culinary creations.
365 by Whole Foods Market Shredded Cheese
Whole Foods' private label, 365, offers affordable shredded cheese options that are gluten-free. Their products are free from artificial colours or flavours, providing a natural addition to your meals.
Other Gluten-Free Cheese Options
In addition to shredded cheese, there are several other naturally gluten-free cheese options you can explore:
- Swiss Cheese: A classic choice that is typically gluten-free.
- Blue Cheese: While there is some debate, most blue cheese varieties are considered gluten-free.
- Brie: Indulge in this creamy and gluten-free treat.
- Cottage Cheese: Most cottage cheese varieties are gluten-free, but watch out for those containing wheat starch or modified food starch.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is usually gluten-free, making it a versatile option for sandwiches and baking.
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Anti-caking agents
Some people choose to avoid pre-shredded cheese due to the potential impact of anti-caking agents on the texture and melting ability of the cheese. Anti-caking agents can affect the consistency of dishes like macaroni and cheese, causing the cheese sauce to separate instead of being creamy with stringy pieces of cheese. However, others find that pre-shredded cheese melts just fine, especially with the addition of American cheese.
The Kraft brand offers a variety of shredded cheese products, including Tex Mex shredded cheese. According to Kraft, their shredded cheese products are generally considered gluten-free. However, as with any processed food, it is recommended to check the specific product labels for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and potential allergens. Kraft also offers gluten-free options like string cheese and powdered cheese, but cross-contamination risks may exist, especially for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
For those seeking gluten-free alternatives to Kraft shredded cheese, there are several options available:
- Sargento Shredded Cheese: This brand offers a variety of shredded cheese flavors made from natural cheese without artificial ingredients. Their products are gluten-free and come in resealable packaging.
- Organic Valley Shredded Cheese: Produced from organic milk sourced from pasture-raised cows, Organic Valley offers several varieties of gluten-free shredded cheese free from artificial preservatives.
- Tillamook Shredded Cheese: Known for their high-quality dairy products, Tillamook provides gluten-free shredded cheese made from milk sourced from their farmer-owned cooperative. They offer 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.
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Cross-contamination risks
While Kraft Tex Mex shredded cheese is labelled as gluten-free, there is still a risk of cross-contamination. This can occur during the manufacturing process or in facilities where gluten-containing products are also produced. Kraft has stated that they follow strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, but they cannot guarantee that their products are entirely gluten-free.
Cross-contamination can occur at various stages of the production process, from the sourcing of raw materials to the packaging of the final product. It is important to note that even if the ingredients used in Kraft Tex Mex shredded cheese are gluten-free, the equipment used in the manufacturing process may also be used for other products that contain gluten. This includes shared surfaces, utensils, and machinery, which can lead to the inadvertent introduction of gluten into the product.
In addition to the manufacturing process, cross-contamination can also occur during transportation and storage. If Kraft Tex Mex shredded cheese is transported or stored alongside gluten-containing products, there is a risk of gluten being introduced through accidental mixing or contact. This is particularly relevant if the cheese is stored in bulk containers or warehouses where gluten-containing products are also present.
Furthermore, cross-contamination can happen at the point of sale or consumption. For example, if Kraft Tex Mex shredded cheese is sold in a deli counter, it may come into contact with gluten-containing products or surfaces. Similarly, if the cheese is used in a kitchen where gluten-containing ingredients are also present, there is a risk of cross-contamination during food preparation or serving.
To minimise the risk of cross-contamination, Kraft implements strict protocols throughout the supply chain. This includes segregating gluten-containing products during transportation and storage, using dedicated equipment and facilities for gluten-free products, and providing clear labelling and handling guidelines for retailers and consumers. However, despite these measures, it is important to recognise that the risk of cross-contamination can never be completely eliminated, and it is always advisable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to exercise caution and make informed choices based on their specific needs and sensitivities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kraft shredded cheese products, including Tex Mex, are generally considered gluten-free. Kraft's website states that their shredded cheese products are gluten-free, and none of their labels on shredded cheese claim wheat as an ingredient. However, it's always a good idea to check the specific product label for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and potential allergens.
Kraft Tex Mex shredded cheese contains Monterey jack cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, annatto [colour]), asadero cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, citric acid, enzymes), and queso quesadilla cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, vinegar, citric acid, enzymes). It also contains modified cornstarch to prevent caking and natamycin, a natural mould inhibitor.
Yes, there are several gluten-free alternatives to Kraft shredded cheese, including Sargento Shredded Cheese, Organic Valley Shredded Cheese, Tillamook Shredded Cheese, and 365 by Whole Foods Market Shredded Cheese. These brands offer a variety of shredded cheese flavours that are made without gluten or artificial ingredients.
