Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a beloved dairy product made from milk, usually cow's milk, but also from goat's, sheep's, or buffalo's milk. It is a staple in many diets, but is it a safe option for those who are gluten intolerant or follow a gluten-free diet? Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, as well as many processed foods. While most cheeses are made from milk and other naturally gluten-free ingredients, some cheeses may contain gluten due to additives or the way they are processed. So, is most cheese gluten-free?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether cheese is gluten-free | Cheese is naturally gluten-free, but additives may be added during the manufacturing process. |
| Gluten-free cheese types | Cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, Brie, Cottage, Cream, Feta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Ricotta, Blue, Goat, and Shredded cheese. |
| Gluten-containing ingredients | Wheat, barley, rye, wheat starch, modified food starch, wheat flour, hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, food starch, powdered cellulose, artificial flavor, fillers, emulsifiers, and spice blends. |
| Gluten-free alternatives | Avocado, Nutritional yeast, and some non-dairy cheese made from soy or nuts. |
| Gluten-free products containing cheese | Cheese powder and cheese spreads are usually gluten-free. |
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What You'll Learn
- Most cheese is gluten-free, but always read the label
- Some cheeses are more likely to be gluten-free, like Cheddar and Parmesan
- Some cheeses are less likely to be gluten-free, like blue cheese
- Foods containing cheese as one ingredient may not be gluten-free
- Some gluten-free cheese brands: Belgioioso, Roth, and store brands
Most cheese is gluten-free, but always read the label
Cheese is naturally gluten-free, as it is made from milk, which is inherently gluten-free. However, some cheeses may contain gluten due to the cultures used and any additives. Therefore, it is always important to read the label.
Cheeses that are made from cow's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk, or buffalo milk are all gluten-free in their natural form. Firm, natural cheeses, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, and Colby Jack, are less likely to contain gluten. Brie and feta are also gluten-free.
However, some processed cheeses may contain gluten. For example, shredded cheese may have gluten-containing starch added to prevent the shreds from sticking together. Similarly, cheese spreads may contain gluten to improve texture and consistency. Blue cheese may also contain gluten, as the mold cultures may be grown on wheat or rye bread. Cheesecake is another gluten-containing cheese product, as the crust typically includes wheat flour. Breaded mozzarella sticks are also not gluten-free, as they are coated in breadcrumbs.
When purchasing cheese, it is important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products. In addition to wheat, barley, and rye, watch out for ingredients such as wheat starch, modified food starch, hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, powdered cellulose, artificial flavorings, and spice blends, as these may indicate the presence of gluten. If you are buying cheese from a deli counter, ensure that the slicing machine is cleaned to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing foods.
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Some cheeses are more likely to be gluten-free, like Cheddar and Parmesan
While most cheeses are gluten-free, some may contain gluten depending on how they are produced and which additives are used. The best way to ensure that the cheese you are consuming suits your dietary needs is to carefully check the packaging and ingredient list.
Cheeses that have undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese or cheese spread, are more likely to contain gluten. This is because additives are often used to improve consistency or add flavoring. For example, shredded cheese may have starch or cellulose added to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While potato starch is gluten-free, some cellulose is derived from wheat. Therefore, shredded cheese is more likely to contain gluten.
Similarly, cheese sold at a deli counter may be contaminated with gluten if the machine used to slice the cheese is not cleaned properly. It is also important to note that foods that contain cheese as an ingredient may not be gluten-free. For example, cheesecake is not gluten-free because the crust is made with wheat flour.
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Some cheeses are less likely to be gluten-free, like blue cheese
Most cheese is gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, you also want to ensure the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. 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.
Some suggest that mold cultures of cheese may be grown on wheat or rye bread, so it is important to read the ingredients label. Generally, unless the ingredients label includes wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives, cheese should be safe. It is also important to note that any cheese that has undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese or cheese spread, is more likely to contain gluten. Cross-contamination is also a concern if the same tools or equipment are used to process gluten-containing products.
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Foods containing cheese as one ingredient may not be gluten-free
Cheese is naturally gluten-free. However, some cheeses may contain gluten due to the cultures used and any additives. Dairy products made with all-natural ingredients generally do not contain gluten. Nevertheless, gluten is sometimes added during the manufacturing process for certain types of cheeses and dairy products.
Plain and full-fat cheeses are most likely to be gluten-free, while cheese that contains add-ins as well as low-fat, low-salt, and fat-free cheese are more likely to contain gluten. For example, cottage cheese is usually gluten-free, but some brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Cream cheese is gluten-free, but low-fat, fat-free, and flavored varieties sometimes contain additional ingredients, so label reading is important.
Cheese powder and cheese spreads are usually gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels. While most cheeses by themselves do not contain gluten, foods that contain cheese as one ingredient may not be gluten-free. For example, the filling of cheesecake is usually gluten-free, but the crust is typically made with flour or graham crackers. Breaded mozzarella sticks are not gluten-free because they are coated in breadcrumbs.
Some grated cheese has wheat flour added to keep them from clumping. Manufacturers may also use starch with gluten to prevent the shreds of cheese from sticking together. Therefore, it is important to always read the label of packaged or processed cheese before eating it.
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Some gluten-free cheese brands: Belgioioso, Roth, and store brands
Most cheese is gluten-free, but it is important to check the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before consuming it. This is because, aside from wheat, barley, and rye, wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat may be present in the cheese.
Some gluten-free cheese brands include:
- BelGioioso: This brand offers a range of gluten-free cheeses, including Asiagio, Auribella, Burrata, Fontina, Fresh Mozzarella, and Smoked Fresh Mozzarella. Their Stracciatella variety is a type of Burrata with shreds of mozzarella soaked in sweet cream. They also offer a range of Artisan Cheeses, including Extra Aged American Grana (Parmesan), Artigiano, CreamyGorg (Gorgonzola Dolce), Crescenza-Stracchino, Gorgonzola with Cow and Sheep's Milk, Italico, Pepato, Peperoncino (a spicy Asiago cheese), and Provolone Extra.
- Roth: Roth Cheese offers a variety of gluten-free options, including their popular Gouda, made with fresh Wisconsin milk and cured for at least six months. They also have a smoked version of this cheese, as well as a wide range of other cheeses, including Buttermilk Blue, Natural Smoked Sliced Gouda, Sliced Gouda, Horseradish Havarti, Jalapeno Havarti, and Petite Swiss.
- Store brands: Many stores, such as Target, offer their own brands of gluten-free cheese. For example, Target offers Kraft Cheese Slices, Kraft Parmesan Cheese, Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss, Fetas, Babybel White Cheddar, and Bellavitano Cheese with Garlic and Herb.
It is always a good idea to check the labels of store-bought cheese to ensure that it is gluten-free and has not come into contact with gluten through processing or packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is usually gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Some cheeses that are usually gluten-free include Swiss, Brie, Cheddar, Colby Jack, and Parmesan.
Some varieties of cottage cheese may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Blue cheese may also contain gluten as the mold spores are sometimes grown on rye or wheat bread.
Gluten-containing ingredients may be listed on food labels as hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, food starch, powdered cellulose, artificial flavor, fillers, emulsifiers, and spice blends.
