Gluten-Free Tillamook Colby-Jack: Safe To Eat?

is tillamook colby jack cheese gluten free

Tillamook Colby Jack Cheese is a delicious snack available in snack portions, baby loaf, block, shredded, and deli slices. The product is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto for colour. But is it gluten-free?

Characteristics Values
Product Tillamook Colby Jack Cheese
Product Types Snack Portions, Slices, Deli Slices, Shredded, Block, Baby Loaf
Ingredients Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (color), Jalapeno Peppers, Chipotle Peppers, Smoked Jalapeno Peppers, Red Scotch Bonnet Peppers
Contains Milk
Serving Size 1 piece (21g), 1 slice (28g)
Calories 80

cycheese

Tillamook Colby Jack cheese ingredients

Tillamook Colby Jack cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural colouring). The spicy Colby Jack cheese variety also includes red and green jalapeno peppers, chipotle peppers, smoked jalapeno peppers, and red scotch bonnet peppers.

The product contains milk and is labelled as such on the packaging. This information is available on the Tillamook website, where they provide details of their products' ingredients and allergens.

Colby Jack cheese is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese. It has a semi-soft, open, and creamy texture with a mild flavour. The cheese is named after Colby and Monterey, California, where it was first made.

The cheese is available in various forms, including blocks, slices, shredded, and portions. The portions are 21g each, with 10 portions per pack, and contain 80 calories per serving. The sliced variety comes in an 8-slice pack, with each slice weighing 28g and containing 80 calories.

Grand Noir Cheese: Gluten-Free Delight

You may want to see also

cycheese

Gluten-free cheese alternatives

Colby Jack cheese from Tillamook is gluten-free, as indicated by the absence of gluten-containing ingredients in its composition, which includes cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural colour additive).

While most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, some commercially processed cheese products may contain gluten. It is always important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese products to ensure they are gluten-free. Aside from wheat, barley, and rye, one should also check that the cheese does not contain wheat starch or modified food starch derived from wheat.

When it comes to gluten-free cheese alternatives, there are a variety of options available:

  • Non-dairy cheese alternatives: These are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but it's important to check the ingredients as some may contain gluten. Examples include Babybel Plant-Based Original Cheese Alternative Snacks and Daiya Dairy-Free Block Cheddar.
  • Avocado: Avocados can be used as a gluten-free alternative to cheese, adding flavour and a creamy texture to dishes such as sandwiches or salads.
  • Nutritional yeast: This non-dairy alternative can be sprinkled on dishes or added to sauces to impart a cheese-like flavour.
  • Lactose-free cheese: While not necessarily gluten-free, lactose-free cheese alternatives are available, such as Borden American Lactose-Free Singles Cheese.
  • Plant-based cheese: There are several plant-based cheese options available, such as Esti Plant-Based Mozzarella Style Cheese Slices and Lisanatti Foods The Original Almond Jalapeno Jack Style Cheese Alternative. These alternatives are gluten-free and made from plant-based sources.

cycheese

Gluten intolerance and allergies

Tillamook Colby Jack cheese is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural colouring). It does not contain gluten, and so is suitable for those with gluten intolerance. However, it does contain milk, so is not suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Gluten intolerance is a common disorder where the body cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It is not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. Symptoms of gluten intolerance include widespread issues such as headaches, depression, anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, pain, and digestive problems. It is important to distinguish between gluten intolerance and celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, which causes intestinal damage. Those with celiac disease also experience symptoms similar to gluten intolerance, but these are caused by intestinal damage and the presence of antibodies.

Wheat allergy is a food allergy that causes an immune system reaction to certain proteins found in wheat, including gluten and other compounds. Wheat allergy often causes hives and skin rashes, as well as digestive issues, nasal congestion, and sometimes anaphylaxis. Wheat allergy is more common in children, with approximately 66% outgrowing it by age 12. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis to distinguish between gluten intolerance, wheat allergy, and celiac disease, as symptoms often overlap. An allergist can determine whether a wheat allergy is present through a skin-prick test or a blood test.

If you suspect gluten intolerance, it is recommended to work with a doctor and undergo necessary testing to get an accurate diagnosis. A registered dietitian can also provide guidance and testing. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, you can make diet and lifestyle adjustments, and create a plan to help control symptoms.

Romano Cheese: Gluten-Free Superfood

You may want to see also

cycheese

Celiac disease and Colby Jack

Celiac disease is a severe form of gluten intolerance that affects the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response in people with celiac disease, causing damage to the small intestine and leading to symptoms like diarrhoea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Colby-Jack cheese, a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, is generally made with milk, enzymes, and bacterial cultures—none of which contain gluten. As a natural cheese, Colby-Jack is typically gluten-free. However, it's important to be cautious when consuming cheese on a gluten-free diet due to potential cross-contamination or added ingredients in flavoured varieties.

Tillamook, a popular manufacturer of Colby-Jack cheese, lists "cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (colour)" as the ingredients in their Colby-Jack cheese portions and spicy Colby-Jack cheese slices. These ingredients are inherently gluten-free, suggesting that Tillamook's Colby-Jack cheese is safe for consumption by individuals with celiac disease.

However, it's always advisable to check the labels or contact the manufacturer directly to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients have been added, especially in flavoured cheeses. Some processed cheeses or cheese spreads may also contain gluten as an additive or binding agent. Therefore, while natural cheeses like Colby-Jack are generally gluten-free, it's crucial for individuals with celiac disease to remain vigilant and informed about the products they consume.

For those with celiac disease, maintaining a strict gluten-free diet is essential. Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response and damage the small intestine. While Colby-Jack cheese is not a concern in terms of gluten content, it's important to remember that cross-contamination can occur, especially with deli cheeses. To ensure gluten-free options, purchasing from companies specialising in gluten-free products, such as Boar's Head, can provide peace of mind. Additionally, supplements like anti-gluten pills with Tolerase® G can be beneficial for those without celiac disease but with gluten sensitivity.

cycheese

Tillamook cheese production

Tillamook cheese is produced in the coastal town of Tillamook, Oregon, where the company has been making dairy products since 1909. The company is farmer-owned and has been since its inception. Tillamook offers guided tours of its flagship Tillamook Creamery facility, where visitors can learn about its history and explore the rich heritage and craftsmanship of its farmer-made dairy products. The company also offers self-guided tours, which are free and do not require reservations. During these tours, visitors can observe the cheese-making process in the Viewing Gallery, where they can see how the company turns high-quality milk into award-winning cheddar. The cheese is then aged for anywhere from 3 months to 5 years.

Tillamook's cheese production involves turning high-quality milk into a variety of cheeses, including bold cheddars and Colby Jack cheese. The company's Colby Jack cheese comes in several forms, including portions, shredded cheese, deli slices, and spicy slices containing red and green jalapeno peppers, chipotle peppers, smoked jalapeno peppers, and red scotch bonnet peppers. The company also produces other dairy products, such as extra creamy ice cream.

Tillamook's cheese-making process involves the use of obsessively sourced ingredients and old-fashioned passion. The company's commitment to uncompromising standards and attention to detail have helped it develop a brand known for producing extra delicious products. This commitment to quality is evident in the numerous awards the company has received for its cheeses, including the World Cheese Awards in 2024, where its cheddar beat 4,785 cheeses from 47 countries.

In addition to its focus on quality, Tillamook also prioritises sustainability and social responsibility. The company is committed to being good stewards of cows and farms, people and products, and the communities and the environment. This holistic approach to cheese production has helped establish Tillamook as a trusted and respected brand among consumers.

Frequently asked questions

Tillamook Colby Jack Cheese is gluten-free as it is made from cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a colour additive).

The ingredients in Tillamook Colby Jack Cheese are cultured pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto.

There are 80 calories in a 21g serving of Tillamook Colby Jack Cheese, which is the recommended serving size.

The recommended serving size for Tillamook Colby Jack Cheese is one piece, or 21g.

You can buy Tillamook Colby Jack Cheese at Target. It comes in snack portions of 7.5oz/10ct.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment