Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free, but some suggest that the mould cultures used to make it may be grown on wheat or rye bread. This has led to a debate about whether blue cheese contains gluten. Some brands of blue cheese are made using gluten-free mould cultures, such as Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. Other brands that offer gluten-free cheese include Cypress Grove, Cabot Creamery, Vermont Creamery, and Sargento.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blue cheese is usually gluten-free | Yes |
| Modern cheese-making techniques | Obsolesce the need for bread as a mold-growing medium |
| Brands that offer gluten-free blue cheese | Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, Rogue Creamery, Cypress Grove, Cabot Creamery, Vermont Creamery, Sargento |
| Mold cultures grown on | Wheat or rye bread |
| Mold spores | Used in the cheese-making process |
| Gluten-free cheeses | Brie, Cheddar, Parmesan, Feta, Goat, Mozzarella, Provolone, Ricotta |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free
Secondly, some blue cheeses are made using bread mould, which can contain gluten. Modern cheese-making techniques have reduced the need for bread as a mould-growing medium, but some artisans still use traditional methods. This means that some blue cheeses may contain traces of gluten. However, analysis of blue cheese samples by Dr Terry Koerner's laboratory at Health Canada's Food Research Division found no detectable levels of gluten in any of the samples, even in those fermented using gluten-containing media or wheat-based dextrose.
The Canadian Celiac Association has classified blue cheese as acceptable for a gluten-free diet, and there are several brands that offer gluten-free blue cheese options. These include Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. Additionally, brands like Cypress Grove, Cabot Creamery, and Vermont Creamery are known for their gluten-free cheese options.
Overall, while blue cheese is usually gluten-free, it is always a good idea to read the labels and verify the gluten content, especially if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy.
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Some blue cheeses are made using bread mould
Blue cheese is made by adding mould cultures to milk. Traditionally, the mould spores were grown on bread or cultures that contain gluten. However, modern cheese-making techniques have made bread obsolete as a mould-growing medium. Today, blue cheese is usually gluten-free, and there is strong evidence that only a few blue cheeses on the market contain gluten.
According to legend, one of the first blue cheeses, Roquefort, was discovered when a young boy, eating bread and ewes' milk cheese, left his meal in a cave after seeing a beautiful girl in the distance. When he returned months later, the mould (Penicillium roqueforti) had transformed his cheese into Roquefort. Other well-known types of blue cheese include Gorgonzola and Stilton.
Blue cheese is made by adding a starter culture to milk, which contains bacteria and enzymes that convert lactose into lactic acid. Once the starter culture has been added, a mould culture is also introduced to the milk. The most common mould culture is Penicillium roqueforti, which creates the blue veins in blue cheese. After the mould culture is added, rennet (an enzyme) is added to help coagulate the milk.
After the curds are formed and cut, the whey is drained, and the curds are pressed and shaped into the desired form. Salt is then added to provide flavour and act as a preservative. The final step is ripening the cheese by ageing it. When the cheese is freshly made, there is little to no blue cheese flavour development. A fermentation period of 60–90 days is usually needed before the flavour is typical and acceptable for marketing.
Some blue cheese brands that are gluten-free include Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery.
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Modern techniques have made bread obsolete as a mould-growing medium
Blue cheese is a delicious treat, but for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease, it can be a concern. Traditionally, blue cheese has been inoculated with mould spores grown on bread or cultures that contain gluten. However, modern techniques have made bread obsolete as a mould-growing medium, and several brands now offer gluten-free options.
Firstly, it is important to understand that cheeses are naturally gluten-free. The concern with blue cheese arises from the mould cultures used in the cheese-making process, which are sometimes grown on gluten-based bread. Modern cheese-making techniques have rendered this traditional method obsolete. Today, most cheese-makers buy pre-grown mould spores in powder form, which they add directly to the milk at the beginning of the cheese-making process. This 'forced' blueing from pre-packaged mould develops quickly and results in a consistent blue colour and veining.
Additionally, there are now several brands of blue cheese that are specifically marketed as gluten-free. For example, Rosenborg blue cheese is made using gluten-free mould cultures, making it safe for those with gluten aversions, including those with coeliac disease. Other brands that produce gluten-free blue cheese include BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. These companies have found alternative methods for creating their blue cheese without relying on gluten-based spores.
While the traditional method of growing mould cultures on bread may still be practised by some artisans, modern techniques offer a more efficient and gluten-free alternative. This is good news for those with gluten intolerance, as it means they can enjoy blue cheese without worry. It is always important to carefully read the labels and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer to verify the gluten-free status of the product.
In conclusion, modern techniques have indeed made bread obsolete as a mould-growing medium for blue cheese. With the development of pre-grown mould spores and the availability of gluten-free options, those with gluten intolerance can confidently indulge in this tasty treat. So, the next time you're at the cheese counter, remember that blue cheese doesn't have to be off the menu!
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Some companies clearly state their blue cheeses are gluten-free
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free. However, some blue cheeses are made using bread mould, and there is a question as to whether these cheeses contain gluten. Some companies clearly state their blue cheeses are gluten-free. For example, Rosenborg blue cheese is made using mould cultures that are gluten-free, making it safe for everyone with gluten aversions, including those with celiac disease. Additionally, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery all produce versions of blue cheese not fermented in gluten-based spores. Cabot Creamery is another brand that offers a wide array of gluten-free cheddar cheeses.
Cypress Grove is also a brand that caters to celiac and gluten-sensitive cheese lovers. Their entire line, including Humboldt Fog, is gluten-free. Vermont Creamery is another brand that specialises in artisanal goat cheeses, all of which are gluten-free. Sargento is known for its natural cheese products that are also gluten-free.
It is important to note that while most natural cheeses are inherently gluten-free, risks arise with processed cheeses and additives. Therefore, it is always a good idea to carefully read the ingredients label and look for any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives.
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Some blue cheeses are certified as gluten-free
Blue cheese is usually gluten-free. However, some blue cheeses are made using bread mould, which may contain gluten. Therefore, some brands of blue cheese are certified as gluten-free. For example, Rosenborg blue cheese is made using gluten-free mould cultures, making it safe for people with gluten aversions, including those with celiac disease. Similarly, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery all produce versions of blue cheese not fermented in gluten-based spores. Cabot Creamery is another brand that offers a wide array of gluten-free cheeses.
It is important to note that while most natural cheeses are inherently gluten-free, risks may arise with processed cheeses and additives. For example, shredded cheese can sometimes have starch or cellulose added to prevent the shreds from sticking together, and some cellulose can come from wheat. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the ingredients list and look for gluten-free labels, especially if you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several brands of blue cheese that are gluten-free. These include Rosenborg, BelGioso, Dutch Farms, Litehouse, Organic Valley, and Rogue Creamery. Cabot Creamery, Vermont Creamery, Cypress Grove, and Sargento are also brands that offer gluten-free cheese options.
Blue cheese is typically gluten-free, but some may contain traces of gluten if the mold cultures are grown on wheat or rye bread. To be sure, check the ingredients label for wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives.
Yes, people with celiac disease can generally consume blue cheese. However, it is important to carefully observe your body's response to blue cheese, especially if you suspect a food allergy to gluten or dairy.
