Andy Montoya
Whether or not pre-grated cheese is gluten-free is a common question for those who are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease. Cheese is made from milk, which is gluten-free, but the concern arises when it comes to additives and anti-caking agents used in pre-grated cheese. It is important to read the labels of processed cheese products, as gluten is sometimes added during manufacturing. However, many companies now use potato starch or powdered cellulose to prevent caking, and some popular brands such as Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook label their shredded cheese products as gluten-free.
Is pre-grated cheese gluten-free?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is cheese gluten-free? | Yes, most cheeses are gluten-free. |
| Pre-grated cheese | May contain gluten due to starch added to prevent clumping. |
| How to ensure pre-grated cheese is gluten-free | Check the label for gluten-free certification or a lack of gluten-containing ingredients. |
| Examples of gluten-free pre-grated cheese brands | Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook. |
| Alternative | Buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself. |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook shredded cheese is gluten-free
It is a common misconception that store-bought shredded cheese is coated in flour to prevent clumping. However, this is not true. In the US, the top brands of shredded cheese are Private Label (store brand), Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook. According to Kraft, the company labels all sources of gluten above 10ppm, and none of their shredded cheese labels claim wheat, so their shredded cheese is gluten-free. Sargento's shredded cheese products use potato starch and powdered cellulose to prevent caking, and the company states that all of their natural cheeses are gluten-free. Crystal Farms shredded cheeses also use potato starch and powdered cellulose for anti-caking, and the company states on its website that all of their cheeses are gluten-free. Tillamook, which also uses potato starch to prevent caking, states that all of their cheeses are gluten-free.
While it is generally believed that standard shredded cheeses available in the US are gluten-free, it is always a good idea to read labels, visit the company's website, or send them an email to be sure. It is also important to be cautious of potential cross-contamination when eating out at restaurants, as gluten-free dishes may still be contaminated.
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Cheese is made from milk, which is gluten-free
Cheese is typically made by first pasteurizing milk to eliminate harmful bacteria. Manufacturers may also standardize the milk by adding more fat, cream, or protein. Once the base milk is ready, starter cultures are added to facilitate the fermentation process, which transforms lactose, the natural sugar in milk, into lactic acid. The type of culture and the duration of fermentation determine the final flavour and texture of the cheese.
While milk and most ingredients used to make cheese are inherently gluten-free, some manufacturers add starch or flour to shredded cheese to prevent the shreds from sticking together. This practice has led to concerns about the gluten content of pre-shredded cheese. However, several popular brands of shredded cheese in the United States, including Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook, have been confirmed to be gluten-free. These companies use anti-caking agents like cellulose powder, modified cornstarch, potato starch, and powdered cellulose instead of gluten-containing ingredients.
To ensure that the cheese you purchase is gluten-free, it is important to read the labels carefully. Look for products labelled as "certified gluten-free" or "all-natural," as they are less likely to contain additives. According to the FDA, a processed or packaged food can be labelled "gluten-free" if it contains no wheat, rye, barley, or their crossbreeds and has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
If you are highly sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, it is advisable to buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself using a box grater or a food processor. This way, you can have more control over the ingredients and avoid any potential gluten cross-contamination.
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Gluten-free cheese may contain additives
While cheese is derived from milk, which is naturally gluten-free, some commercially available cheese products may contain additives that are not gluten-free. These additives are often used to enhance the texture, flavour, or shelf life of the product.
Cheese is a beloved dairy product made from milk, typically cow's milk, but also from goat's, sheep's, or buffalo milk. The milk is pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria and then cultured to start the process of turning the milk into cheese. The type of culture and the length of the aging process determine the final flavour and texture of the cheese.
However, during the manufacturing process, some companies may add ingredients to the cheese that can introduce gluten. This is particularly common in shredded cheese, where starch or flour is added to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While cheese itself is gluten-free, these added ingredients may not be, so it is important to read the labels of processed cheese products to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Some common additives in shredded cheese include cellulose powder, modified cornstarch, potato starch, and powdered cellulose. While these additives are typically gluten-free, it is important to check the labels to confirm. Additionally, some cheese products may contain modified food starch or wheat starch, which are not gluten-free.
To avoid any risk of gluten contamination, some people choose to buy blocks of cheese and grate them at home. This ensures that the cheese is free of any additives and has not come into contact with gluten-containing surfaces or utensils during preparation or handling.
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Fresh plain milk, butter, plain yogurt, fresh eggs, and many cheeses are gluten-free
Cheeses like cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta, and Swiss are all gluten-free. Blue cheese and brie are also gluten-free. String cheese or cheese sticks are usually gluten-free, and cheese powder is typically gluten-free as well. Cheese spreads are usually gluten-free, but it is important to read the label as there may be gluten in the ingredients used to create the spread's consistency or add flavouring.
Shredded cheese is also usually gluten-free. Some shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together, but these starches or cellulose typically do not contain gluten. In the United States, popular brands of shredded cheese like Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook are all gluten-free. These brands use potato starch, powdered cellulose, or modified cornstarch as an anti-caking agent.
Plain milk is gluten-free, but once flavourings or other ingredients are added to milk, it may no longer be gluten-free. Therefore, it is important to read the label to see if the product contains gluten. Plain yogurt is also gluten-free, but some Greek yogurts may be packaged with granola toppings or contain flavourings or ingredients that may contain gluten. Fresh eggs are naturally gluten-free, but when dining out at a restaurant, it is important to ask how the staff prepare the eggs as there is a risk of cross-contact with gluten-containing foods. Lastly, butter is gluten-free, but flavoured butter may contain gluten, so it is important to read the label.
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Blue cheese is gluten-free
Pre-grated cheese is generally considered gluten-free. However, it is always advisable to read the labels, visit the company's website, or contact them directly to ensure the product is gluten-free. Some popular brands of shredded cheese in the US, such as Kraft, Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook, offer gluten-free options. These companies typically use potato starch, powdered cellulose, or modified cornstarch as anti-caking agents instead of flour.
Now, let's focus on blue cheese specifically. Blue cheese is often a concern for those on a gluten-free diet because of the way it is produced. Some blue cheeses are made using mold cultures initially grown on wheat bread, raising questions about potential gluten contamination. However, it is important to understand that the final product does not contain wheat or gluten. The mold that develops during the cheese-making process does not contain wheat, even if it was initially introduced through wheat bread.
So, is blue cheese gluten-free? The answer is yes. Blue cheese is typically gluten-free, and you can enjoy it as part of a gluten-free diet. However, it is always a good idea to read labels and verify the ingredients, especially if you are highly sensitive to gluten. Some brands may offer gluten-free blue cheese options, and it is worth seeking out these varieties if you have concerns. Additionally, cross-contamination can occur during food preparation, so be cautious when consuming blue cheese in restaurants or pre-made dishes.
It is worth noting that some individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease may still experience reactions to certain blue cheeses. This could be due to lactose intolerance, which can develop as a result of celiac disease, or other food intolerances that sometimes coexist with gluten intolerance. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns or experience adverse reactions to certain foods.
In summary, blue cheese is generally gluten-free, but it is always advisable to be vigilant about checking labels, verifying ingredients, and being cautious in food preparation and dining out to minimize the risk of gluten contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Most pre-grated cheeses are gluten-free. However, some manufacturers may use gluten-containing starch to prevent the shreds from sticking together.
Always check the label to see if the product is certified gluten-free. You can also buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.
Sargento, Crystal Farms, Tillamook, Borden, Belgioioso, Cabot, and Kraft are some brands that offer gluten-free shredded cheese.
Look for the "certified gluten-free" label. The FDA allows food to be labelled "gluten-free" if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Yes, plain and full-fat cheeses are most likely to be gluten-free. Cheese made from all-natural ingredients is also generally gluten-free.
