Randy Chandler
Tillamook Medium Cheddar is a popular cheese product that is enjoyed by many. The product is made using the traditional cheddar method and only four ingredients: cultured milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (colour). Tillamook Medium Cheddar is also available in convenient slices and snack portions. But is it gluten-free? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, and those with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders must avoid it. Some people may be curious about whether Tillamook Medium Cheddar is a gluten-free option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Ingredients | Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (color) |
| Contains | Milk |
| Calories | 90 |
| Serving Size | 1 slice (21g) |
| Servings Per Container | 42 |
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What You'll Learn
Tillamook Medium Cheddar ingredients
Tillamook Medium Cheddar is crafted using a traditional cheddar-making method, with only four natural ingredients, resulting in an award-winning flavour. The cheese is aged naturally for a minimum of 60 days, allowing it to develop a clean, rich, and delicious taste profile.
The ingredients in Tillamook Medium Cheddar are:
- Cultured Milk: This ingredient provides the base for the cheese, made from cow's milk that has been treated with a specific blend of bacteria to initiate the cheesemaking process.
- Salt: Salt is added to enhance the flavour and act as a preservative, ensuring the cheese lasts longer.
- Enzymes (Rennet): Enzymes are added to help solidify the cheese and separate it from the whey during the cheesemaking process.
- Annatto (colour): Annatto is a natural colouring extracted from the seeds of the annatto tree, native to tropical regions. It gives Tillamook Medium Cheddar its distinctive, appealing yellow colour.
It is worth noting that Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese is gluten-free, as gluten is not listed as an ingredient. However, it is always advisable to refer to the product's packaging or the company's website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding ingredients and allergen statements.
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Gluten-free shopping
One example of a dedicated online gluten-free store is The Gluten-Free Mall, which offers a comprehensive selection of gluten-free products, including frozen foods, breads, pastas, snacks, and meals. They also cater to other dietary preferences, such as vegan and organic options. With over 20 years of experience, they are a trusted resource for the gluten-free community, providing not just food but also educational articles to support their customers' dietary needs.
Another online option is GlutenFreePalace.com, which offers a diverse range of gluten-free products, including gifts and specialty items. They have an extensive diet filter system, allowing customers to narrow down their searches according to specific dietary requirements, such as dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, or organic.
When it comes to gluten-free cheese, Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese is a gluten-free option, made with cultured milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto for colour. It is produced using a traditional method, aged naturally for at least 60 days, and contains only milk as a dairy product.
In summary, those embracing a gluten-free lifestyle can find a plethora of options online, with dedicated stores like The Gluten-Free Mall and GlutenFreePalace.com offering a wide variety of products to meet their dietary needs.
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Celiac disease and gluten
Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese is gluten-free. The product is made with cultured milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural colourant).
Now, let's delve into the topic of celiac disease and gluten.
Celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease, is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. For individuals with celiac disease, consuming even a tiny amount of gluten, such as crumbs, can trigger an immune response that attacks the small intestine, causing damage to the villi. These villi are small, finger-like projections that line the small intestine and play a crucial role in promoting nutrient absorption. When left untreated, celiac disease can lead to severe health complications, including an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease and small bowel cancers.
The only treatment option for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. This means completely avoiding gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, and barley, as well as being cautious of cross-contamination from utensils and cooking equipment. It is important to note that gluten-free diets should be medically prescribed, as they can alter an individual's gut microbiome and may be lacking in certain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and fibre.
It is worth noting that gluten intolerance or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is different from celiac disease. While celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, gluten intolerance is a sensitivity that may only require a reduction in gluten and carbohydrate intake rather than complete avoidance. NCGS does not have the same detrimental impact on intestinal tissues or immune function as celiac disease.
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Gluten-free alternatives
Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese is gluten-free as it only contains cultured milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a type of colour additive). However, it is important to note that while cheese is naturally gluten-free, some cheese products may contain gluten due to additional ingredients or processing. For example, shredded cheese, cheese spreads, and cheese sticks are usually gluten-free, but they may contain starch or cellulose to prevent sticking or provide texture, and in rare cases, this starch may be derived from wheat.
When looking for gluten-free alternatives to Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese, it is important to consider natural, firm cheeses that are minimally processed, as they are less likely to contain gluten. Here are some gluten-free cheese alternatives:
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but there is some debate about certain kinds of blue cheese. It is recommended to read the ingredients label, as mold cultures may be grown on wheat or rye bread.
- Parmesan Cheese: Firm, natural cheeses like Parmesan are less likely to contain gluten.
- Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is typically gluten-free, but some brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch, so checking the ingredient list is important.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is usually gluten-free.
- Feta Cheese: Feta cheese is gluten-free and can be a good alternative.
- Goat Cheese: Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is naturally gluten-free.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is another option that is usually gluten-free. However, be cautious of breaded mozzarella sticks, as they are often coated in breadcrumbs and fried in oil that may have been used for gluten-containing foods.
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone is a type of Italian cheese that is gluten-free.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is a soft, fresh cheese that is typically gluten-free.
In addition to these cheese alternatives, there are also dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives available that are vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free. These alternatives are usually made from emulsions of starch and coconut oil and can be a good option for those with dairy intolerances or vegan dietary preferences. Nutritional yeast is another non-dairy alternative that can be sprinkled on dishes or added to sauces for a cheese-like flavor.
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Tillamook's other gluten-free products
Tillamook Medium Cheddar cheese is gluten-free, as it is made with only cultured milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (for colour). In addition to this cheese, Tillamook offers a range of other gluten-free products, including:
Ice Cream
Most Tillamook ice cream flavours are gluten-free, as the main ingredients, such as milk, cream, and sugar, do not contain gluten. However, it is important to note that Tillamook ice cream is not certified gluten-free, and the company notes that their products are manufactured in facilities that also process wheat. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the label for specific flavours and their allergen information, especially if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity. For example, Tillamook Mudslide ice cream is gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Bread
Tillamook Creamery offers gluten-free bread, which can be used to make sandwiches and burgers.
Gluten-Free Restaurants in Tillamook, Oregon
There are several gluten-free dining options in Tillamook, Oregon. For example, the Tillamook Creamery offers a turkey pesto grilled cheese on gluten-free bread. Additionally, there are gluten-free restaurants in the area, such as Main Street Pizza Co., Fern Restaurant & Lounge, and Crab Rock Pizza, which offer gluten-free pizza options. Other gluten-free dining spots include an oyster bar restaurant where all the seafood, except the shrimp tacos, is gluten-free, and a restaurant offering a gluten-free French Dip sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese is gluten-free. It is made with the traditional four ingredients: cultured milk, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural colour additive).
Tillamook offers a range of gluten-free products, including:
- Medium Cheddar Cheese Deli Slices
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar
- Shredded Mozzarella
- Shredded Mexican 4 Cheese
A popular gluten-free recipe using Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese is gluten-free mac and cheese. This recipe combines Tillamook Shredded Sharp Cheddar with gluten-free pasta and other gluten-free ingredients to create a delicious and safe dish for those avoiding gluten.
