Andy Montoya
Natural cheese is typically gluten-free, but some cheese products may contain gluten. People with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should carefully read the labels on cheese and cheese products to ensure they do not ingest gluten. This is because gluten may be added as a thickener or stabilizer to prolong shelf life or prevent ingredients from separating. Old English cheese is a type of natural cheese, so it is likely gluten-free, but it is always best to check the label to be sure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes, but read the label to check for additives |
| Additives | Wheat starch, modified food starch, vinegar, spices, seasoning, thickeners, anti-caking agents |
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What You'll Learn
Old English cheese ingredients
Dairy products do not naturally contain gluten. However, some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. Old English cheese, for example, is a pasteurized process cheese spread that contains several ingredients.
Kraft Old English Sharp Cheese Spread is a flavourful and savoury cheese spread with a creamy texture. It is ideal as a condiment or dip and can be spread on crackers or toast. It can also be used in recipes such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and macaroni and cheese.
The ingredients in Kraft Old English Sharp Cheese Spread include Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes), Water, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Lactic Acid, Sorbic Acid as a Preservative, and Apocarotenal (Color).
While most of these ingredients are not a source of gluten, there are a few that may be of concern to those following a gluten-free diet. Sodium phosphate, for instance, is an additive that may be derived from wheat or other gluten-containing grains. Enzymes and cultures used in cheese production may also be grown on media that contains gluten.
It is important to note that the regulations and standards for labelling gluten-containing ingredients vary across regions. In general, those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should carefully check the labels of packaged or processed cheese products and contact the manufacturer if unsure about specific ingredients.
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Gluten-free alternatives to Old English cheese
Old English cheese is a pasteurized cheese with a sharp and distinct flavor. It is a versatile ingredient that can be added to recipes or used as a spread with crackers. However, it may not be readily available in all regions or stores, and its high price may be off-putting to some. Here are some gluten-free alternatives to Old English cheese:
Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
Sharp cheddar shares the characteristic sharpness and tangy flavor of Old English cheese, making it an ideal replacement. For an even closer match in flavor, consider using extra-sharp cheddar, which has an intensified sharpness.
Colby-Jack Cheese:
This variety combines the mildness of Colby cheese with the sharper taste of Monterey Jack, resulting in a versatile option that can provide a balanced and flavorful alternative to Old English cheese.
Gruyère Cheese:
Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a slightly nutty and sweet taste. It offers a milder alternative to the sharpness of Old English cheese while still providing a distinct flavor.
Homemade Cheese Spread:
For those who enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavor of Old English cheese, a homemade cheese spread can be an excellent substitute. This spread can be made by combining cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce.
Havarti Cheese:
Havarti has a creamy and slightly tangy taste. While it may not be as sharp as Old English cheese, it can be a suitable alternative in recipes that call for a milder cheese.
Provolone Cheese:
Provolone has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and can be a good substitute in recipes where a less pungent cheese is preferred.
Crumbly Cheshire:
Cheshire cheese offers a tangy flavor and light texture, making it a versatile alternative to Old English cheese. However, some may find its overall taste a bit mild.
Graceburn:
Graceburn is the English version of feta cheese, known for its creamy texture and flavor. It provides a similar mouthfeel to Old English cheese while offering a milder taste.
Stilton Cheese:
Stilton is a sharp, creamy, and sweet cheese that can be a perfect substitute for Old English cheese. Its unique taste may be better suited for those already familiar with its flavor.
Homemade Cheese:
For those feeling adventurous, making cheese at home is an option. This can be done by heating milk to just below its boiling point and then adding white vinegar, resulting in the separation of the milk into curds and whey.
While most cheeses are gluten-free, it is important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese to ensure they do not contain wheat starch or other gluten-containing ingredients.
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Gluten-free labelling
While most cheeses are gluten-free, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before consuming them. Some cheeses, such as cottage cheese, may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Other cheeses, such as blue cheese, may be grown on wheat or rye bread. Therefore, it is always good to check the ingredients list to ensure that the cheese does not contain wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives.
In terms of gluten-free labelling, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established regulations to provide consumers, especially those with celiac disease, confidence in the "gluten-free" label on food products. The FDA defines "gluten-free" as containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the lowest amount that can be reliably detected using scientifically validated methods. This definition applies to both naturally gluten-free foods and those manufactured to be gluten-free.
Manufacturers that choose to label their products as "gluten-free" are responsible for ensuring accuracy and compliance with the regulations. They must ensure that their products do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients, such as wheat, rye, barley, or their derivatives, and that any unavoidable presence of gluten is below 20 ppm. The FDA may review food labels, follow up on complaints, and analyze food samples to ensure compliance.
It is important to note that the use of a "gluten-free" label is voluntary, and some naturally gluten-free foods may not have the label. Therefore, if a product does not have a "gluten-free" label, it is advisable to read the ingredients list carefully and contact the manufacturer if needed.
Overall, the FDA's gluten-free labelling regulations provide a standardized tool for consumers, especially those with celiac disease, to manage their health and dietary intake.
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Gluten-free preparation and storage
While dairy does not naturally contain gluten, some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. Therefore, it is important to always read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. 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. If you are purchasing cheese from a deli counter, the cheese must be gluten-free, and the machine used to slice the cheese must be cleaned to prevent cross-contact.
Some varieties of cheese that are usually gluten-free include cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, ricotta, and Swiss cheese. Additionally, shredded cheese, string cheese or cheese sticks, and cheese powder are usually gluten-free. However, it is important to check the labels of shredded cheese and cheese powder to ensure they do not contain starches or cellulose derived from wheat.
When preparing gluten-free meals with cheese, it is important to consider other ingredients and cooking methods. For example, breaded mozzarella sticks are not gluten-free unless specified on the label, as they are coated in breadcrumbs. Similarly, mozzarella sticks from a restaurant may be fried in the same oil as gluten-containing foods. Cheesecake is another example of a dish that typically contains gluten, as the crust is made with wheat flour.
There are also gluten-free alternatives to cheese available, such as dairy-free cheese made from plant sources like soy or nuts. However, it is important to read the labels of these products as well, as some dairy-free cheeses may contain gluten-containing ingredients like flour.
In terms of gluten-free food storage, there are several options available. Freeze-dried gluten-free foods, ration bars, and snacks can be stored for a year or more. There are also gluten-free emergency food buckets available, which contain a variety of entrees and have a long shelf life. For everyday meal prep, certified gluten-free cheese powder can be purchased for long-term storage.
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Gluten-free purchasing options
While dairy is considered a gluten-free product, certain types of cheeses may contain gluten. People who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease should carefully scrutinize the packaging of cheese products to ensure they do not consume gluten.
When purchasing cheese, it is advisable to opt for plain, full-fat varieties without any flavorings or additional ingredients, as these are typically gluten-free. Processed cheeses, on the other hand, are more likely to contain gluten. This includes cheeses labeled as low-salt, low-fat, or fat-free, which may have gluten-containing additives. It is also important to check the labels of shredded cheeses, as they sometimes contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While the starches/cellulose used typically do not contain gluten, it is always good to check.
When buying 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 with gluten-containing products.
Some common cheeses that are gluten-free in their natural state include:
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Colby
- Gouda
- Monterey Jack
- Mozzarella
- Muenster
- Goat cheese
- Parmesan
- Pecorino Romano
- Feta
- Swiss cheese
Additionally, there are non-dairy cheese alternatives made from plant sources such as soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels carefully as they may contain gluten. Avocados and nutritional yeast are also naturally gluten-free alternatives to cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cheese is gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it. Generally, unless the ingredients label includes wheat, barley, rye or their derivatives, cheese should be safe.
Plain, full-fat cheeses with no flavourings or additional ingredients are usually gluten-free. Some common cheeses that are gluten-free in their natural state include:
- Brie
- Cheddar
- Colby
- Gouda
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Feta
- Swiss cheese
Processed cheese and cheeses labelled as low-salt, low-fat, or fat-free may have gluten. If cheese contains any type of additive, such as wheat starch or modified food starch, it may also contain gluten.
Always check food labels to learn about the factory your food was made in if you experience symptoms from minimal exposure. Purchasing cheese and cheese products that are labelled as produced in gluten-free factories can help.
