Bushra Griffith
Cheese is generally considered gluten-free, but certain types of cheese may contain gluten. It is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consuming them, as they may contain gluten. Some cheese products that are usually gluten-free include cottage cheese, string cheese, cheese powder, and cheese spreads. Additionally, some brands that offer gluten-free cheese include Cypress Grove, Cabot Creamery, Vermont Creamery, BelGioioso, Sargento, and Boar's Head.
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What You'll Learn
Cheese slices to avoid
While most cheese does not contain gluten, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consuming them. Dairy-free cheese alternatives, for example, may contain gluten as they are sometimes made with flour. Similarly, while cottage cheese is usually gluten-free, some brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat.
Cheese that has undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese, cheese spread, and cheese powder, is more likely to contain gluten. Flavored cheeses may also contain gluten due to mix-ins such as crackers or sauces. Cross-contamination is another concern if the same tools or equipment are used to process gluten-containing products.
Some blue cheeses are made using bread mould, so it is important to exercise caution when purchasing these. Cheesecake is not gluten-free unless specified on the label, as the crust is made with wheat flour. Breaded mozzarella sticks are also not gluten-free unless otherwise specified, as they are coated in breadcrumbs.
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Gluten-free cheese brands
While cheese in its natural form is usually gluten-free, some processed cheese products may contain gluten. It is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consuming them.
Some brands that offer gluten-free cheese options include:
- Cypress Grove: Their entire line, including Humboldt Fog, is gluten-free.
- Cabot Creamery: Offers a wide array of gluten-free cheddar cheeses.
- Vermont Creamery: Specializes in artisanal goat cheeses, all of which are gluten-free.
- BelGioioso: Offers an extensive range of Italian cheeses that are certified gluten-free.
- Sargento: Known for their natural cheese products that are gluten-free.
- Boar's Head: All of their deli meats and cheeses are gluten-free.
In addition to these brands, there are also non-dairy cheese alternatives that are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but it's important to read the labels as some may contain gluten. Avocados and nutritional yeast are also naturally gluten-free alternatives to traditional cheese.
When shopping for packaged cheese, it is recommended to check for a "Gluten-Free" label and review the ingredients list to identify potential sources of gluten. Cross-contamination is also a concern, especially with shredded cheese, so it is important to be vigilant when choosing cheese products to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
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Gluten-free cheese types
Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly common, and for those who follow them, it can be challenging to navigate which foods are safe to eat. While cheese is a pretty safe bet, with a few exceptions, it is always good to be vigilant about checking labels and understanding the potential sources of gluten.
The Celiac Disease Foundation lists dairy as a food group that does not naturally contain gluten. However, some cheese products may include ingredients that are a source of gluten. For example, cheese that has undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese or cheese spread, is more likely to contain gluten. Cross-contamination is also a concern if the same tools or equipment are used to process gluten-containing products. Therefore, it is recommended to choose whole, unprocessed cheeses from trusted brands.
Some cheese varieties that are usually gluten-free include:
- String cheese or cheese sticks
- Cheese powder
- Cottage cheese (but some brands may contain wheat starch)
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Goat cheese
- Blue cheese (but some are made using bread mould)
There are also non-dairy cheese alternatives, which are usually made from plant sources, such as soy or nuts. Some of these products are gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels as some may contain gluten. A naturally gluten-free alternative to cheese is avocado, which can add flavour and creaminess to dishes. Nutritional yeast is another non-dairy alternative that can be sprinkled on dishes for a cheese-like flavour.
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Reading labels
Cheese in its natural form is gluten-free. However, some cheese products may contain gluten. Therefore, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consuming them.
The Celiac Disease Foundation recommends the following steps to identify whether a packaged food item is gluten-free:
- Check for a "Gluten-Free" label. The FDA requires packaged foods to contain under 20 PPM of gluten to bear the "Gluten-Free" label.
- Check the Allergen Listing for "wheat". This can be a quick way to rule out products that contain gluten, but keep in mind that the lack of an allergen statement does not mean the product is gluten-free. For example, rye and barley are not part of the eight common allergens, but they contain gluten.
- Look at the ingredients list. If it contains any of the following ingredients, the product is not gluten-free unless they are certified gluten-free: wheat, malt, and brewer's yeast.
In addition, some specific types of cheese may contain gluten. For example, shredded cheese or cheese spread is more likely to contain gluten due to additional processing. The "anti-caking agent" used to prevent clumping may be made from wheat. Similarly, cottage cheese usually does not contain gluten, but some brands may contain wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Flavored cheeses may also contain gluten in mix-ins, such as crackers or sauces.
On the other hand, some cheese varieties are less likely to contain gluten. These include firm, natural cheeses such as Cheddar and Parmesan. Cheese sticks and string cheese are also usually gluten-free.
Some gluten-free cheese brands include Cypress Grove, Cabot Creamery, Vermont Creamery, BelGioioso, Sargento, and Boar's Head.
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Non-dairy cheese
While dairy products are generally considered gluten-free, some cheese products may contain gluten. This is because they may include additional ingredients or undergo processing that introduces gluten. Therefore, it is always important to read labels and contact manufacturers if you are unsure.
When choosing non-dairy cheese, it is essential to be cautious and vigilant. While avocado and nutritional yeast provide naturally gluten-free alternatives to cheese, adding a creamy texture and flavour to dishes, they may not provide the same indulgent experience as cheese. For those who want to enjoy the rich, comforting world of cheese without gluten, there are some excellent options available.
Cypress Grove, Cabot Creamery, and Vermont Creamery are leading brands in this space, offering gluten-free cheese options that cater to celiac and gluten-sensitive cheese lovers. Cypress Grove's entire line, including the Humboldt Fog, is gluten-free. Cabot Creamery offers a wide array of gluten-free cheddar cheeses. Vermont Creamery specialises in artisanal goat cheeses, all of which are gluten-free.
In conclusion, while non-dairy cheese options can be gluten-free, it is important to carefully read labels and understand potential sources of gluten. By choosing trusted brands and indulging in whole, unprocessed cheeses, you can enjoy your favourite cheeses without worry.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese in its natural form is gluten-free. However, cheese slices that are packaged or processed may contain gluten. Therefore, it is important to always read the labels and ingredients lists.
Some brands that offer gluten-free cheese slices include Sargento, Boar's Head, BelGioioso, Cabot Creamery, and Cypress Grove.
Some dairy-free cheese slices may contain gluten as they are made with flour. Therefore, it is important to read the ingredients label.
Yes, some naturally gluten-free alternatives to cheese include avocados and nutritional yeast.
To identify whether a packaged food product is gluten-free, look for a "Gluten-Free" label and check the allergen listing for "wheat". Additionally, you can contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their gluten management practices.
