Patrick Oconnell
Sargento cheese is generally considered gluten-free, and the company states that their natural cheeses are gluten-free. However, they recommend checking the label of any processed cheese products to be certain. Sargento shredded cheese does not explicitly say it is gluten-free on the packaging, but it is produced in manufacturing plants that contain no nuts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes, generally considered gluten-free |
| Nut-free | Yes, all shredded, sliced, block, and ricotta cheeses, and refrigerated natural cheese snacks are nut-free |
| Kosher | No |
| Lactose-free | No, but people who are lactose intolerant may be able to eat hard, aged cheeses such as Parmesan |
| Milk | Yes, made from cow's milk |
| Animal products | Yes, not suitable for vegans |
| High in saturated fat | Yes |
| High in calories | Yes |
| High in fat | Some varieties |
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What You'll Learn
Sargento shredded cheese is not labelled gluten-free
While Sargento cheese is generally considered gluten-free, the company only states that its natural cheeses are gluten-free. The company recommends checking the label of any processed cheese products to be certain. This includes shredded cheese, which is not labelled as gluten-free.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. People with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders must strictly avoid gluten for health reasons. Others may choose to limit or avoid gluten to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, gas, and fatigue.
Sargento shredded cheese may not be suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity due to the potential for gluten cross-contamination. Cross-contamination can occur when food comes into contact with gluten during preparation, handling, or manufacturing. This can happen even if the ingredients in the cheese are naturally gluten-free.
While Sargento does not specifically address gluten cross-contamination risks, they do provide information on lactose content and nut allergies. Sargento shredded cheese is produced in facilities that do not contain nuts, but the company recommends consuming their products within five days of opening to prevent mold development.
In summary, while Sargento cheese is generally considered gluten-free, their shredded cheese is not labelled as such. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be cautious and opt for certified gluten-free cheese products to avoid potential cross-contamination risks.
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People with celiac disease must avoid gluten
While I cannot find explicit information on whether Sargento shredded parmesan cheese is gluten-free, I can provide some general information on gluten and celiac disease.
People with celiac disease must strictly avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, causing damage to the villi, which are small finger-like projections that line the small intestine and promote nutrient absorption. This damage inhibits the proper absorption of nutrients into the body. Therefore, a gluten-free diet is crucial for managing celiac disease and preventing further harm to the small intestine.
Maintaining a gluten-free diet can be challenging, as gluten is naturally found in various grains and grain-derived products, including wheat (such as semolina, durum, and spelt), rye, and barley. Reading labels carefully and being vigilant about accidental contamination are essential steps in avoiding gluten. Fortunately, there are abundant resources available to help navigate a gluten-free diet, including registered dietitians and dedicated support groups.
Even with precautions, there is a risk of cross-contamination when eating out at restaurants, as gluten can be present in food despite it being ordered as gluten-free. This underscores the importance of being cautious and informed about the ingredients and potential sources of gluten contamination. Some people with celiac disease express difficulty adjusting to the idea of never consuming gluten again, as it can feel like a loss of spontaneity and enjoyment of food. However, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is crucial for managing celiac disease and preventing further health complications.
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Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley
Sargento does not explicitly state whether its shredded parmesan cheese is gluten-free. However, it is important to note that gluten is generally not found in natural cheeses.
Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, specifically wheat, rye, and barley. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape and provides a chewy texture. While gluten can be safely consumed by most people, it may trigger adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Wheat is a primary source of gluten and includes various types such as wheatberries, durum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, graham, KAMUT® Khorasan wheat, and einkorn. Wheat is commonly used in bread, baked goods, pasta, and cereals, making these food items potentially high in gluten.
Rye is another grain that contains gluten and is often found in bread and baked goods. Barley, the third member of the gluten-containing trio, is present in malt products like barley malt extract and malted barley flour. It is also used in beer brewing and can be an ingredient in cereals and other grain-based products.
It is important to note that oats themselves do not contain gluten. However, they are often grown, processed, and transported alongside wheat, barley, and rye, which do contain gluten. Therefore, cross-contamination can occur, and individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may experience symptoms even when consuming gluten-free oats.
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Sargento natural cheeses are gluten-free
Sargento's natural cheeses are gluten-free, according to the company. However, they recommend checking the labels of processed cheese products to be certain. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley, which are not typically ingredients in natural cheeses.
Sargento's shredded, sliced, block, and ricotta cheeses, as well as their refrigerated natural cheese snacks (e.g. cheese sticks), are all nut-free and produced in facilities that do not contain nuts. However, their Balanced Breaks products, including cheese and crackers, are packaged in a separate facility that does contain peanuts and tree nuts.
It's important to note that while Sargento's natural cheeses are gluten-free, they may not be suitable for everyone. For example, individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies may experience issues with Sargento's cheese, as it is made from cow's milk. Those following a vegan or low-fat diet may also need to avoid Sargento's cheese, as it is an animal product and some varieties are high in fat.
In addition to being gluten-free, Sargento's natural cheeses offer a range of nutritional benefits. Cheese is a high-protein food, essential for muscle growth and repair. It is also rich in calcium, crucial for bone and dental health. Some Sargento cheese varieties contain vitamin B12, important for nerve function and red blood cell formation, as well as phosphorus, another mineral important for bone health.
While Sargento's natural cheeses are gluten-free, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should always carefully read labels and consult healthcare professionals or registered dietitians for personalized advice regarding their diet and any potential restrictions.
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Sargento balanced breaks products contain gluten
While gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley—ingredients not generally found in natural cheeses—it is important to check the packaging for information on potential cross-contamination.
Sargento's Balanced Breaks products, including Balanced Breaks Cheese and Crackers, are packaged in a separate manufacturing facility that contains peanuts and tree nuts. Many Balanced Breaks varieties are packaged in the same manufacturing plant, so all Balanced Breaks products are made in a facility that also processes wheat. However, the anti-caking agents used in Sargento's cheese products, such as powdered cellulose and potato starch, are not derived from wheat, rye, oats, barley, or their cross-bred hybrids, making them acceptable for a gluten-free diet.
Sargento's Balanced Breaks Snacks, which combine Natural White Cheddar cheese, dried fruit, and almonds, contain either peanuts or tree nuts. The company takes steps to prevent one nut variety from being exposed to another during production. However, because all varieties of Balanced Breaks are produced in the same facility, each product variety may contain peanuts or tree nuts, as indicated in the ingredient list.
The Sargento website provides detailed information about the ingredients and manufacturing processes of their products, including the Balanced Breaks line. It is always recommended to check the packaging and official sources for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding the gluten content of any product.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all Sargento natural cheeses are acceptable for a gluten-free diet.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. People with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders must strictly avoid gluten for health reasons.
All Sargento shredded, sliced, block, and Ricotta cheeses, as well as refrigerated natural cheese snacks, are gluten-free.
Sargento Sweet Balanced Breaks and Sargento Sunrise Balanced Breaks, which include graham crackers, wheat germ, oats, and barley, contain gluten.
No, we do not add lactose to our cheese. When cheese is made, 96-98% of the lactose in the milk is removed. As cheese ages, even more, lactose disappears.
