
Parmesan cheese is a hard cheese with a distinctive relationship with melting. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but is it suitable for people with gluten intolerance? While dairy does not naturally contain gluten, some cheese products may include ingredients that are sources of gluten. However, Parmesan cheese is typically gluten-free, and even Kraft Parmesan cheese, which is not labelled as gluten-free, does not contain any gluten ingredients. In general, as long as the ingredients label does not include wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives, cheese should be safe for gluten-intolerant individuals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Dairy product | Yes |
| Contains lactose | Yes, but in lower levels than some other cheeses |
| Contains wheat | No |
| Contains barley | No |
| Contains rye | No |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Parmesan is gluten-free, but some cheese products may contain gluten
- Kraft Parmesan is gluten-free, despite not being labelled as such
- Dairy does not naturally contain gluten
- Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but watch out for mould cultures
- Other gluten-free cheeses include Brie, Cheddar, and Mozzarella

Parmesan is gluten-free, but some cheese products may contain gluten
Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. However, some cheese products may contain gluten. People with celiac disease need to avoid most cereals as they contain gluten. While dairy does not contain gluten, some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten.
The Dairy Good reports that firm, natural cheeses like Cheddar and Parmesan are less likely to contain gluten. Cheeses such as Cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Swiss contain lower levels of lactose than other cheeses and are better tolerated by lactose-intolerant people.
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but some suggest that mould cultures of cheese may be grown on wheat or rye bread, so it is important to read the ingredients label. Brie and cheddar cheese are also gluten-free. Generally, unless the ingredients label includes wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives, cheese should be safe.
When purchasing cheese from a deli counter, it is important to ensure that the cheese is gluten-free and that the machine used to slice the cheese is cleaned to prevent cross-contact. For example, Kraft Parmesan cheese is not labelled gluten-free, but it contains no gluten ingredients and does not have any wheat or gluten allergy warnings. The only allergen listed on the label is milk.
Parmesan Cheese: Lactose-Free Superfood?
You may want to see also

Kraft Parmesan is gluten-free, despite not being labelled as such
Parmesan cheese is naturally gluten-free. However, some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. Kraft Parmesan cheese is one such product that is not labelled gluten-free, but it does not contain any gluten ingredients. The only allergen listed on the Kraft Parmesan cheese label is milk. Kraft Parmesan is, therefore, gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease.
Parmesan cheese is one of those foods that is naturally gluten-free. So, unless gluten ingredients are added during processing, all Parmesan cheese is likely to be gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. A glance at the Kraft website shows that Kraft Parmesan Cheese includes the following ingredients: Parmesan cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), cellulose powder, and potassium sorbate to protect flavor.
The Celiac Disease Foundation lists dairy as a food group that does not naturally contain gluten. Dairy products do not contain gluten, but some cheese products could include ingredients that are a source of gluten. The Dairy Good reports that firm, natural cheeses, such as Cheddar and Parmesan, are less likely to contain gluten. Cheeses such as Cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Swiss contain lower levels of lactose than some other cheeses and are better tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
While Kraft Parmesan cheese is not labelled gluten-free, it contains no gluten ingredients and does not have any wheat or gluten allergy warnings. The same is true of most brands of Parmesan cheese, whether they are whole, shredded, or grated. Some brands, like Kraft, contain no gluten ingredients and are known to be trusted. Many brands are labelled gluten-free, and so may provide an extra measure of assurance for people with celiac disease.
As always, it is important to read labels, avoid gluten ingredients, and choose carefully. If you go to a deli counter to purchase cheese, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese must also be cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
Parmesan Cheese: Shelf-Stable Superfood?
You may want to see also

Dairy does not naturally contain gluten
Firm, natural cheeses, such as Cheddar and Parmesan, are less likely to contain gluten. Parmesan cheese, in particular, is typically gluten-free. Other gluten-free cheeses include Brie, Mozzarella, and Swiss cheese. These cheeses also contain lower levels of lactose than some other varieties, making them better tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
If you are purchasing cheese from a deli counter, it is important to ensure that the cheese is gluten-free and that the slicing machine has been cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
If you are looking to start a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, there are many resources available to help you transition. There are plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives to your favorite foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, non-wheat grains, and plant-based oils. You can also find recipes for gluten-free and dairy-free meals, snacks, and desserts online.
Fresh Parmesan: Fattening or Healthy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but watch out for mould cultures
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you're concerned about gluten. Firstly, blue cheese is made using cultures of Penicillium, a type of mould. The mould spores used in blue cheese production are typically grown on bread or cultures that contain gluten. However, recent analyses of blue cheese samples have found no detectable levels of gluten, even in cheeses made with gluten-containing media.
That being said, it's always a good idea to be cautious, especially if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. To ensure your blue cheese is completely gluten-free, look for brands that specifically use mould cultures grown on wheat-based dextrose, such as Rosenborg blue cheese. Other brands that offer gluten-free blue cheese options include BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery.
In general, when it comes to cheese and gluten, it's important to read the labels carefully. While most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, some cheese products may contain added ingredients that are sources of gluten. This includes wheat starch, modified food starch made from wheat, and bread crumbs, which may be used in breaded cheese products.
So, when shopping for cheese, including blue cheese, be on the lookout for gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives. Unless these ingredients are listed on the label, the cheese is most likely safe to consume as part of a gluten-free diet.
As for Parmesan cheese, it is typically gluten-free. Parmesan is a firm, natural cheese, and these types of cheeses are less likely to contain gluten. However, it's always a good idea to check the labels to ensure there are no added ingredients that may contain gluten. Overall, blue cheese and Parmesan cheese are generally safe options for those following a gluten-free diet, but it's important to remain vigilant and informed about the ingredients in your food choices.
Is Grated Parmesan Cheese Halal? The Answer Unveiled
You may want to see also

Other gluten-free cheeses include Brie, Cheddar, and Mozzarella
Parmesan cheese, including Mantias Parmesan cheese, is gluten-free. However, it is always good to check the labels of packaged or processed cheese before consumption. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you should also ensure that the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Other gluten-free cheeses include:
Brie
Brie is a gluten-free cheese. The creamy cheese itself is gluten-free, and the rind is also likely to be gluten-free. However, some have questioned whether the rind contains gluten due to the method of making it, i.e., if the mold spores used to make the brie were grown on wheat or rye bread. Even if this were the case, it is unlikely that the final product would contain more than 20 ppm gluten.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is also gluten-free.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is gluten-free. However, breaded mozzarella sticks are not gluten-free unless specified on the label, as they are coated in breadcrumbs. Additionally, fried mozzarella sticks from a restaurant are likely cooked in the same oil as gluten-containing foods.
Fontina and Parmesan: Similar Cheeses, Different Flavors
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mantia's Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. Parmesan cheese is a natural gluten-free food. However, it is always good to check the ingredients label to ensure it does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Other cheeses that are gluten-free include Cheddar, Mozzarella, Brie, and Swiss.
Foods that are not gluten-free include most cereals, wheat, barley, and rye.
Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye. It is important to check ingredient labels to ensure a product is gluten-free.

























