Kamil Perry
Land O'Lakes offers a variety of cheese products, including Colby Jack cheese, which is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack. The company provides cheese in different forms, such as sticks, slices, and cubes, catering to various consumer needs. While cheese is generally considered gluten-free as it is derived from dairy, some individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease may still experience reactions to certified gluten-free products, including cheese. Therefore, it is advisable to look for products specifically produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (color) |
| Nutritional Information | 80 Calories per serving, 10% DV Protein, 5g Protein per serving, Good Source of Calcium |
| Allergens | Milk |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Land O Lakes® Colby Jack Cheese Sticks ingredients
Cheese is gluten-free, as gluten is found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. Land O Lakes® Colby Jack Cheese Sticks are made from a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese. The ingredients in Land O Lakes® Colby Jack Cheese Sticks are cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (colour). The cheese is rich, creamy, and natural, making it a perfect snack for kids and adults. Each stick is individually wrapped, making it convenient for on-the-go snacking.
The product contains milk, which is one of the most common food allergens, according to the FDA. Other common allergens include peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, sesame, and wheat. It is important to note that while cheese is gluten-free, it is a dairy product, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
The Land O Lakes® Colby Jack Cheese Sticks provide 10% of the Daily Value (DV) of protein, with 5 grams of protein per serving. Each serving also contains 80 calories and is a good source of calcium. The brand is updating its Nutrition Facts panels to comply with new FDA regulations, so the information provided may vary on the product packaging.
Overall, Land O Lakes® Colby Jack Cheese Sticks are a convenient and tasty snack option, especially for those seeking gluten-free choices. However, it is always important to check the ingredient list and nutritional information on the product packaging to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs and restrictions.
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Gluten-free products and cross-contamination
Gluten is a protein that is naturally found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It is also present in some varieties of oats. While cheese is primarily made from dairy, such as milk, and is naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur during the production, packaging, or serving of cheese products.
Cross-contamination can occur when gluten-containing ingredients or products come into contact with gluten-free foods. This can happen at various stages of food production, processing, packaging, transportation, or even in foodservice establishments. For example, gluten-free foods may be exposed to gluten through shared utensils, surfaces, or equipment that have not been properly cleaned.
To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, consumers should look for products that are certified gluten-free or produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities. These products have undergone stricter processes to prevent the presence of gluten, although it does not guarantee the complete absence of gluten. When shopping for gluten-free products, it is advisable to choose packaged items labelled gluten-free, avoid bulk bins, and opt for products with clear and specific labelling.
When dining out or ordering takeout, it is important to inquire about the kitchen's practices to assess the risk of cross-contamination. Ask about the handling and preparation of gluten-free dishes and whether separate equipment and utensils are used. It is also recommended to avoid gluten-free buffets due to the high risk of cross-contamination from shared utensils and serving dishes.
Additionally, consumers should be aware that naturally gluten-free grains, seeds, and flours may still be contaminated with gluten due to cross-contact during transportation, milling, or processing. Oats, in particular, are often contaminated with gluten-containing grains, so it is important to choose only certified gluten-free oat products.
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Gluten-free certification and testing
Gluten-free certification is a voluntary process that verifies whether a product, ingredient, or food service establishment meets strict gluten-free standards. The Gluten-Free Food Program (GFFP) is a widely recognised gluten-free certification program that offers comprehensive and practical solutions tailored to businesses across all major sectors. The GFFP takes a comprehensive approach to certification that involves regulatory compliance, stringent testing methods, product traceability, and certification auditing procedures.
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is another program that ensures gluten-free products are safe and trustworthy. Unlike other certifications that only audit record-keeping, GFCO reviews the manufacturer's products and ingredients and tailors testing requirements based on risk. GFCO works with manufacturers to help them achieve certification and improve their processes to meet their strict 80-point Standard. This includes requirements that all starting ingredients and finished products test below the applicable gluten-free threshold of the country of sale or 10 ppm, whichever is lower.
Beyond Celiac, formerly the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), endorses the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP), a food safety-based gluten management system for manufacturers created by the Allergen Control Group and the Canadian Celiac Association. The GFCP is a management system and facility-based certification that examines the entire practices and production process of the facility, from ingredient sourcing to employee training, cleaning practices, cross-contact controls, operational management, and an effective end-to-end testing plan.
It is important to note that even with these certifications, some individuals may still have reactions to "certified gluten-free" products. This could be due to cross-contamination during the manufacturing process or the presence of other trigger ingredients. Therefore, it is recommended to look for products advertised as produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
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Gluten-free alternatives to Land O Lakes cheese
While Land O Lakes cheese is gluten-free, as it does not include ingredients that contain gluten and is manufactured in gluten-free facilities, the products have not been thoroughly evaluated, and manufacturing controls are not in place to assure that they meet the FDA definition of "gluten-free". This means that there is a chance that gluten could be introduced during the production process, which could be concerning for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
If you are looking for gluten-free alternatives to Land O Lakes cheese, there are a few options to consider:
- Sam's Club offers a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Colby jack, Monterey jack, pepper jack, feta, and Swiss cheese. They also offer shredded cheese, artisanal cheese, and cheese cubes, which can be purchased at members-only prices.
- Other national brands such as Velveeta, Kraft, Frigo, Sargento, Cabot, Babybel, and BelGioioso are available at Sam's Club.
- Look for cheeses that are advertised as being produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities, as this should eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination with gluten.
While it may be challenging to find certified gluten-free cheese products, opting for those produced in gluten-free facilities can help reduce the risk of gluten contamination. It is always a good idea to read labels, check ingredients, and contact manufacturers to ensure the cheese you are consuming aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
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Gluten-free foods and common allergens
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. A gluten-free diet involves excluding foods that contain gluten, such as bread, pasta, crackers, baked goods, and some grains. Many processed and snack foods also contain gluten, and it can be an ingredient in beverages. For those with a gluten intolerance or allergy, gluten can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms.
Cheese is generally gluten-free, as it is primarily made from dairy. However, it's important to check the ingredients and processing information, especially for those with a gluten intolerance or allergy. Land O'Lakes offers a variety of cheese products, including Colby Jack cheese, which is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack. While cheese is naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur during processing if gluten-containing ingredients are also processed in the same facility. Therefore, it is important to look for products specifically labelled as "gluten-free" or those produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Some common foods that are naturally gluten-free include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, poultry, fish, and gluten-free grains. These foods can be safely consumed by those with gluten intolerances or allergies. Additionally, gluten-free alternatives are available for typically gluten-containing foods like pasta and bread, making it easier to follow a gluten-free diet while still enjoying a variety of foods.
It is important to be cautious of common allergens when choosing gluten-free foods. According to the FDA, the most common food allergens include milk, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, sesame, and wheat. When selecting gluten-free products, it is crucial to consider these potential allergens and always read labels to ensure the food is safe for your specific needs or restrictions.
In summary, a gluten-free diet requires excluding foods containing gluten, which is found in certain grains. Cheese, including Land O'Lakes Colby Jack, is typically gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible. A variety of naturally gluten-free foods are available, and gluten-free alternatives exist for some typically gluten-containing foods. When choosing gluten-free options, be mindful of common allergens and always check ingredient labels to make informed choices.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese is gluten-free. Gluten is found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, whereas cheese is primarily made from dairy.
It is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (color).
The %DV tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. Land O'Lakes is updating its nutrition facts panels to comply with new FDA regulations.
Yes, there can be a risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. Look for products advertised as produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility to reduce this risk.
Yes, some people can still react to certified gluten-free products. It is important to read labels and understand your specific dietary needs and restrictions.
