Kamil Perry
ShopRite offers a variety of shredded cheese products, including mild and sharp cheddar, and reduced-fat options. While most shredded cheese is typically gluten-free, it's important to scrutinize the labels of packaged or processed cheese products. ShopRite's shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for instance, is believed to be gluten-free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label. However, it's always advisable to check the labels of specific products and be cautious about potential cross-contamination, especially with pre-made salads or deli counters.
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What You'll Learn
ShopRite Sharp Cheddar Cheese is gluten-free
ShopRite Sharp Cheddar Cheese is made from pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, and coloured with annatto. It may also contain calcium carbonate, cellulose powder, corn starch, potato starch, and rice flour, which are added to prevent caking. According to Spoonful, this product is yeast, fish, lupin, sesame, shellfish, soy, sunflower, tree nut, almond, and peanut-free. However, it is not lactose-free, alpha-gal free, corn-free, dairy-free, or nightshades free.
Shredded cheese is typically made with more complex cheeses, so you are unlikely to find shredded blue cheese, feta cheese, or cottage cheese products. Most shredded cheese brands are gluten-free, but it is always good to check the label to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients or gluten cross-contamination. Some anti-caking agents used in shredded cheese are a form of cellulose powder, which can sometimes be extracted from wheat starch. However, this should be listed on the label, and most manufacturers use potato starch or corn starch instead.
If you are looking for gluten-free cheese alternatives, ShopRite also offers dairy-free and vegan cheese options, such as Dairy-Free American Slices, Dairy-Free Block Cheddar, and Dairy-Free Mozzarella Shreds.
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Anti-caking agents in shredded cheese
ShopRite's Sharp Cheddar Cheese is labelled as gluten-free. However, it does contain anti-caking agents, including calcium carbonate, cellulose powder, corn starch, potato starch, and rice flour.
Anti-caking agents are added to shredded cheese to prevent the cheese shreds from sticking and clumping together, thus improving shelf life and ease of use. Common anti-caking agents used in shredded cheese include potato starch, cellulose, corn starch, calcium sulfate, tapioca starch, and rice flour. While these additives are generally recognized as safe for consumption, some consumers prefer to avoid them due to their potential impact on the texture and taste of the cheese.
The use of anti-caking agents in shredded cheese is a common practice in the food industry, and they are typically listed on the ingredient label. These additives can affect the sensory properties of the cheese, including appearance, flavour, and texture. Some consumers may prefer to grate their own cheese to avoid these additives, while others may opt for pre-shredded cheese for convenience.
While anti-caking agents can be effective in preventing clumping, they may also impact the melting properties of the cheese. Some consumers have reported that pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents does not melt as evenly or smoothly as freshly grated cheese. However, others have found that adding a small amount of American cheese can improve the melting properties of pre-shredded cheese.
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Starch and cellulose in shredded cheese
ShopRite Sharp Cheddar Cheese is believed to be gluten-free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label. However, it is not lactose-free, dairy-free, or vegan.
Shredded cheese often contains anticaking agents to increase its shelf life and ease of use. Anticaking agents such as starch and cellulose prevent the shreds of cheese from caking or clumping together. Common anticaking agents include potato starch, a blend of potato starch and cellulose, and a blend of potato starch, corn starch, and calcium sulfate. These blends are typically applied to the cheese shreds at a rate of up to 3% by weight to avoid negatively impacting consumer acceptance.
The addition of starch and cellulose to shredded cheese has been criticised for its negative impact on culinary uses, such as sauces. The powdery substance can alter the texture of the sauce, resulting in a grittier texture. However, it is important to note that while this may be undesirable, it is not toxic.
Some consumers prefer shredded cheese options without anticaking agents, as they perceive these additives as harmful to gut health. RAW FARM, for example, markets its shredded raw cheddar as a clean option that does not contain potato starch, cellulose, or natamycin. Instead, consumers can break apart and crumble the cheese with their hands, accepting minor clumping in exchange for a more natural product.
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Gluten-free alternatives at ShopRite
ShopRite offers a variety of gluten-free alternatives, catering to those with dietary restrictions or preferences. While pre-shredded cheeses may sometimes contain gluten due to anti-caking agents or starches, ShopRite's Sharp Cheddar Cheese, for example, is believed to be gluten-free. It's important to always check the labels for ingredients and allergen information.
ShopRite has an extensive gluten-free selection, including dedicated sections in their stores. They offer gluten-free alternatives in various categories, ensuring that customers with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease can find suitable options. Here are some of the gluten-free alternatives available at ShopRite:
Baked Goods and Baking Products:
ShopRite offers gluten-free baked goods, such as bread, bagels, baguettes, and flatbreads. They also provide gluten-free baking mixes, flours, and ingredients from brands like Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur, and Krusteaz.
Snacks and Treats:
The store carries a range of gluten-free snacks, including pretzels, crackers, chips, and chocolate coconut chews. They also have gluten-free cereal, oatmeal, and healthy options like GF breads and vitamins.
Dairy and Cheese Alternatives:
ShopRite offers a variety of cheese alternatives that are dairy-free and gluten-free. These include options from brands like Daiya and Tofutti, with products such as dairy-free cheese slices, blocks, and shreds in different flavors.
Frozen Foods and Meals:
ShopRite has a dedicated gluten-free freezer section with a variety of options. They offer gluten-free frozen meals, such as beef and broccoli, as well as frozen treats like creamy coconut fruit bars.
Condiments and Seasonings:
The store carries gluten-free condiments, sauces, jams, and jellies. They also offer gluten-free seasonings, like garlic ghee clarified butter and gluten-free crumbs for coating or topping foods.
ShopRite's gluten-free selection extends beyond these categories, and they are continually expanding their offerings. It's always a good idea to check the labels and consult resources or staff members to ensure the products meet your specific dietary needs.
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Reading labels for gluten
ShopRite Sharp Cheddar Cheese is believed to be gluten-free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label. However, it is always important to carefully read food labels to ensure that a product is gluten-free, especially if you have celiac disease or are allergic to wheat.
Firstly, look for a "gluten-free" label on the product packaging. If there isn't one, read the ingredients label thoroughly and check for hidden or questionable ingredients that may contain gluten. Remember that "wheat-free" does not necessarily mean "gluten-free", as other grains such as rye and barley also contain gluten. In addition, wheat starch may contain gluten unless it is in a product that is certified or labelled gluten-free, in which case the gluten has been processed out.
Some products may carry a third-party certification, such as the GFCO mark, which indicates that they have undergone a rigorous certification process and are safe for gluten-free consumers. If a product is regulated by the FDA and labelled "gluten-free", it is considered safe for gluten-free consumers. The FDA only allows packaged foods with less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be labelled "gluten-free".
It is important to note that manufacturers are not required to test for the presence of gluten in ingredients or in the finished gluten-free-labelled food product. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully read the ingredient list even if a product claims to be gluten-free. Some common allergens listed on packaging include wheat, soy, egg, nuts, and milk, which can be a quick way to rule out products that are not gluten-free.
By following these guidelines and carefully reading labels, you can make informed choices about the food you purchase and ensure that it aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
ShopRite offers a range of shredded cheeses, including mild and sharp cheddar, and reduced-fat options. While ShopRite does not explicitly label its shredded cheese as gluten-free, it is believed to be gluten-free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label. However, it is always recommended to check the ingredient labels to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients or gluten cross-contamination.
Shredded cheese typically contains anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. These agents can include cellulose powder, food starch, or potato starch. While cellulose powder is usually derived from plants and is gluten-free, it can sometimes be extracted from wheat starch, making it a potential source of gluten. Therefore, it is important to read the labels and look for any gluten-containing ingredients or mentions of cross-contamination.
Yes, there are gluten-free alternatives to shredded cheese available. Some brands that offer gluten-free shredded cheese options include Sargento, which uses potato starch and gluten-free anti-caking agents, and Kraft, which tests its shredded cheese for gluten and labels products with over 10ppm of gluten. Additionally, ShopRite also offers dairy-free and vegan cheese alternatives, which may be gluten-free, but it is essential to read the ingredient labels to confirm.
