Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is gluten-free, but shredded cheese products may use anti-caking agents to prevent clumping, which could contain gluten. Most shredded cheese brands are gluten-free, but it is important to check the ingredients label to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients or gluten cross-contamination. Some manufacturers use potato starch or corn starch, which are gluten-free, while others may use cellulose powder, which is sometimes derived from wheat starch. Name-brand cheese brands tend to be more transparent about their ingredients, so it may be safer to buy from these companies.
Is shredded cheddar cheese gluten-free?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is shredded cheddar cheese gluten-free? | Yes, most shredded cheddar cheese is gluten-free. |
| Anti-caking agents | Some shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents such as cellulose powder, food starch, potato starch, corn starch, or powdered cellulose. While cellulose powder is usually gluten-free, it can sometimes be derived from wheat starch. |
| Reading labels | Always read the ingredient label to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients or gluten cross-contamination. |
| Celiac disease | Shredded cheddar cheese is generally safe for people with celiac disease, but it is important to check the label to ensure no wheat or gluten ingredients have been added. |
| Brand recommendations | Some recommended gluten-free brands include Sargento, Crystal Farms, Tillamook, and Cabot. |
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What You'll Learn
Most shredded cheddar cheese is gluten-free
Shredded cheese is typically made with more complex cheeses, so you are more likely to find cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or Parmesan cheese in shredded form than blue cheese, feta cheese, or cottage cheese. These shredded cheeses are usually just cheese that has been shredded and bagged, and most shredded cheeses will also be naturally gluten-free. However, some shredded cheeses may contain added ingredients, such as starch or cellulose, to prevent the shreds from sticking together.
The starches or cellulose used in shredded cheese typically don't contain gluten. Often, potato starch or corn starch is used, which is gluten-free. If the cellulose used is derived from wheat, this should be listed on the label. According to Celiac.com, it is important to carefully read all ingredients, as some shredded cheeses use anti-caking agents like corn or potato starch to keep the cheese dry and prevent clumping.
Some sources suggest that name-brand cheese brands tend to be more open about their ingredients, so it may be safer to buy from these companies over generic (private label) brands. For example, companies like Kraft Cheese test their shredded cheese for gluten and label any Kraft products with over 10ppm of gluten. Sargento also states on its website that it uses potato starch and gluten-free anti-caking agents for gluten-free shredded cheese.
In some cases, cheese may be contaminated with gluten during processing or packaging. For example, cheese from a deli counter may be sliced with the same knife used for bread, or cheese blocks may be packaged in a facility that also processes wheat products. Therefore, it is always important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before consuming it if you are concerned about gluten.
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Anti-caking agents in shredded cheese
Shredded cheese is usually gluten-free. However, some shredded cheese products may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While the starches/cellulose used in shredded cheese typically don't contain gluten, it's important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese before consuming it if you're sensitive to gluten. If the cellulose used is derived from wheat, this should be indicated on the label.
Anti-caking agents are added to shredded cheese to prevent clumping and extend shelf life. These agents can affect the texture and appearance of the cheese, with higher application rates decreasing consumer liking. Anticaking agents are typically applied to shredded cheese at up to 3% (wt/wt) to minimise their impact on consumer perception.
Common anti-caking agents used in shredded cheese include:
- Potato starch: This is a popular choice for manufacturers as it is gluten-free and effective in preventing caking.
- Cellulose powder: This is a fibre found in the cell walls of plants and is often derived from fruits, vegetables, or wood pulp. While cellulose powder is sometimes extracted from wheat starch, it is not always derived from wheat and can be gluten-free.
- Corn starch: This is another food-safe ingredient that can act as a thickening agent.
- Tapioca starch: This is used by some manufacturers as an alternative to potato starch.
- Calcium sulfate: This is a component in cement and can be used alone or in combination with other starches.
Some manufacturers may also add citric acid as a natural mold inhibitor. While citric acid is gluten-free, it's important to check the ingredient list to ensure there are no other sources of gluten or cross-contamination.
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Importance of reading labels
Cheddar cheese is gluten-free, but it is essential to read the labels on packaged or processed cheese before consumption. This is because shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together, and while starches or cellulose used are typically gluten-free, some products may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Reading labels is crucial to ensure that you are consuming gluten-free products, especially for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. While most shredded cheese brands are gluten-free, not all are, and it is important to realize that cellulose powder, a common anti-caking agent, can sometimes be extracted from wheat starch, making it a higher risk for gluten intolerance and allergies. Therefore, it is essential to scrutinize the ingredient list for any sources of gluten or cross-contamination.
Name-brand cheese manufacturers tend to be more transparent about their ingredients, so it may be safer to opt for these companies over generic or private-label brands. For instance, companies like Kraft Cheese test their shredded cheese for gluten and label any products with over 10ppm of gluten. Sargento, another well-known brand, states that it uses potato starch and gluten-free anti-caking agents for its gluten-free shredded cheese.
In addition to anti-caking agents, other ingredients added during manufacturing, such as artificial flavors and colors, may also contain gluten. Therefore, reading the labels is essential to ensure that you are making an informed choice. It is also worth noting that some countries, like Finland, prohibit adding a gluten-free label to naturally gluten-free products like dairy, making it challenging for those with celiac disease to identify safe options.
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Shredded cheese brands that are gluten-free
Most shredded cheese brands are gluten-free. However, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese before consuming it, as not all brands are gluten-free. Some shredded cheese may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together, and if the cellulose is derived from wheat, this should be stated on the label.
Name-brand cheese brands tend to be more transparent about their ingredients, so it may be safer to buy from these companies over generic (private label) brands. For example, Kraft Cheese tests its shredded cheese for gluten and labels any products with over 10ppm of gluten. Sargento also uses potato starch and gluten-free anti-caking agents for gluten-free shredded cheese.
Other shredded cheese manufacturers use potato starch or corn starch instead of cellulose powder. Potato starch is gluten-free and safe for those who are gluten intolerant. If a company uses cellulose powder, it is best to check the manufacturer’s website for information on where it is sourced, as it is not always derived from wheat and can sometimes be gluten-free.
Some shredded cheese brands that offer gluten-free options include:
- Kraft
- Sargento
- Target
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Gluten-free for people with celiac disease
Maintaining a gluten-free diet is crucial for people with celiac disease, as gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's villi, finger-like projections responsible for nutrient absorption. Over time, this damage can lead to malnutrition, anemia, seizures, joint pain, thinning bones, infertility, chronic diarrhea, low vitamin levels, and even cancer. Thus, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is the only treatment option for celiac disease.
Gluten is commonly found in grains, pasta, cereals, and processed foods. Therefore, people with celiac disease must be vigilant when choosing their food items. Reading labels is essential, as gluten can be hidden in unexpected places, including seasonings, sauces, salad dressings, and canned soups. Even products labeled "gluten-free" may be contaminated during processing, so it's important to opt for pure, uncontaminated options. For example, pure wheat grass and barley grass are gluten-free, but their seeds contain gluten, and incorrect harvesting or processing can lead to gluten contamination.
When it comes to cheese, most varieties are naturally gluten-free, including cheddar, mozzarella, feta, goat, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese. However, shredded cheese can sometimes contain gluten due to the addition of anti-caking agents like starch or cellulose to prevent clumping. While starches used are typically gluten-free (often derived from potatoes), cellulose powder may occasionally be extracted from wheat starch, which poses a risk for those with celiac disease. Reputable companies like Kraft Cheese and Sargento clearly label their products and use gluten-free anti-caking agents, so choosing well-known brands can be safer.
To ensure a gluten-free diet, people with celiac disease should also be cautious when consuming other food items. For example, while most wines are considered gluten-free, dessert wines and those made from barley malt often contain unsafe levels of gluten. Similarly, corn and rice products can sometimes be contaminated with wheat gluten during processing, so it's important to look for warning labels. Oats, while generally safe, can trigger an immune reaction in some individuals with celiac disease, so they should be consumed in moderation and only if specifically labeled gluten-free. Additionally, gluten can be found in unexpected places, such as medications, lipsticks, and lip balms, so checking ingredient lists is vital.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, shredded cheddar cheese is gluten-free. However, some shredded cheese products may contain starch or cellulose to prevent the shreds from sticking together, but these are usually gluten-free.
Some gluten-free shredded cheese brands include Sargento, Crystal Farms, and Tillamook.
When buying shredded cheese, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully to ensure that no wheat or gluten ingredients have been added. Some common anti-caking agents used in shredded cheese include corn starch, potato starch, and cellulose powder, which can sometimes be derived from wheat.
