Without a doubt, cheese makes everything better. Need a burst of flavor in your dish? Top it with cheese sauce, or even plain cheese, and put it in the oven afterward. In simple terms, your food is bound to level up with the addition of cheese. But the question for those following a gluten-free diet is, is cheese gluten-free?
It can be daunting knowing you'd have to leave this delicacy behind if you're going gluten-free or have celiac disease. However, do not fret; that's not the case. Read on to find out more about how you don't have to miss out if you love eating cheese, and you are on a gluten-free diet.
What is Cheese?
We all know what cheese is; it is made from dairy. But do we know where it comes from and exactly how it's made?
Let's put the obvious aside. Cheese is a product of milk combined with other ingredients. For the process to start, bacteria is incorporated into the milk. On the other hand, the bacteria type differs because of what kind of cheese is being made.
During this step lactose, the natural sugar found in milk starts fermenting. The milk then starts dividing into two parts, curds and whey- the milk's solids and liquids, respectively. While continually stirring and heating the mixture, the solids are then separated from the mixture. The next step depends on what kind of cheese is being produced. The curd could either be salted, soaked in brine, etc. Lastly, the cheese is then allowed to age for a specific period to let it fully develop its flavors.
Does Cheese Contain Gluten?
Now you understand the basics of how cheese is made. So, putting the cheese-making procedure aside. The next step is to answer one of the most common questions; is there gluten in cheese? The process of making cheese requires only milk, rennet, and good bacteria. Hence, it can easily be said cheese naturally has no gluten in it at all!
This means that all-natural cheese can be your favorite accomplice in your gluten-free lifestyle. However, cheese may sometimes still contain gluten. This can be due to several reasons, mainly when the producer adds in additives that are gluten-containing ingredients. Thus, you should always read the label and preferably even contact the manufacturer to be on the safe side.
Types of Cheese With Gluten
To make it easier for you, we've categorized gluten-containing cheese into three main divisions. The key is to avoid the kinds of cheese that fall under these categories while eating a gluten-free diet. The following are types of cheese that may contain gluten in it:
- Beer-Washed Cheese: This type of cheese is becoming more and more in-trend in markets. The cheese is, as the name suggests, cheese that is washed with a beer during manufacturing. Why might this be contaminated with gluten, you may ask? Well, beer contains gluten-containing ingredients such as malted barley, which is added to the cheese. Hence, refrain from consuming beer-washed cheese, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
- Blue cheese: There remain controversial statements on whether blue cheese has gluten in it. It's said that the mold used to produce blue cheese does contain gluten, thus transferring gluten in the final product. It's said that blue cheese is generally safe, even for those with gluten allergies and celiac illness. However, there might still be chances that the cheese might be harmful, especially for high sensitivities. While the gluten quantity is barely detectable, you will want to avoid it if you're strictly going gluten-free.
- Cross-Contaminated Cheese: The risk of cross-contamination remains in the production of cheese as well. Even all-natural cheese might become contaminated in processing and packaging. This becomes a significant risk factor for gluten-sensitive individuals, especially processed and packaged cheese in markets. To avoid the risk, stay away from cheese found in processed and repackaged markets. Alternatively, you can also make your cheese at home without the need to worry about gluten content.
We understand it can be challenging to search each product label for whether it has gluten in it. Thus, here's a list of types of cheese that are usually considered to contain gluten. Of course, these types may also be gluten-free if the product says so. But if you're generally looking, keep these cheese types at arm's length.
- American cheese
- Blue cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded cheese
- String cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Cheese spread
- Dairy-free cheese
- Powdered cheese
Making the Best of a Gluten-Free Life
Some tips and tricks here and there are bound to help you make the best of your gluten-free diet. It's clear by now that you can eat cheese as long as you take precautions. Here are a few more tips to help you get a hold of going gluten-free without missing out on cheese.
- Avoid processed cheese– Processed cheese is bound to have additional ingredients, some of which may contain gluten. While many tend to go for processed cheese compared to all-natural, there are several reasons you shouldn't. For starters, putting the basics aside, processed cheese might have gluten-containing ingredients. However, other than that, natural cheese is healthier for daily consumption than processed cheese.
- Avoid restaurant food– Restaurant food, or even bakery goods, may contain gluten-containing ingredients in the dish or even the cheese itself. Of course, you can always ask whether a particular cheese dish contains gluten, and then order it if it doesn't. However, just to be on the safe side, avoid cheese dishes in restaurants and bakeries e.g., cheesecake, mozzarella sticks, etc.
- Read the Labels– By now, you understand how important it is to read labels on any product before buying it. Although it might not always be as easy as it seems. Manufacturers might label gluten-containing ingredients like additives, thickeners, and emulsifiers in cheese. Hence, double-check these ingredients on the label and ask the manufacturer on the cheese's gluten-content.
Gluten-free Cheese Alternatives
Want to know the best gluten-free alternatives for cheese to add to your daily regime? Some types of cheese are entirely gluten-free, i.e., no gluten additives are added in the manufacturing process. While you'd still have to check for cross-contamination, these types are generally safe to consume on a gluten-free diet. The following types of gluten-free cheese can be eaten on your diet.
- brie
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Parmesan
- provolone
- feta
- goat
- ricotta
Other Alternatives
If you're still unsure about consuming cheese when going gluten-free, there are various alternatives. Firstly, you can go wholly dairy-free and use plant-sourced options instead, especially if you're on a plant-based diet. However, not all options from plant sources are gluten-free, hence check for the labeling.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a natural, nutritious alternative, avocado is the answer. Avocado adds a similar flavor and texture of cheese to your dishes. Another advantage is that you can use avocado in many meals such as salads, sandwiches, and much more!
Gluten-Free Cheese Sandwich
If you're looking for a gluten-free cheese recipe, nothing screams traditional cheese dish more than a grilled cheese sandwich. Here's what you need to make your own artisan grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 small yellow onions, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Schar Artisan Baker Gluten-Free Bread
- Mayonnaise, as needed
- 12 ounces gluten-free shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces gluten-free shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a pan. Once it's completely melted, add in the onions.
- Season this with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- Keep stirring and cook for about 8 minutes till the herbs soften. Add in the sugar while stirring.
- Cook for about one more minute before transferring the onions to a plate.
- Add remaining butter in the pan and let it coat the surface thoroughly.
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of the bread and put it in the pan on the mayonnaise side.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of the bread and cook for about 2-3 minutes till it turns a golden-brown color.
- Once the cheese starts melting, put your onions over the cheese and add another bread slice.
- Flip the sandwich and let it cook until the other side is toasted as well.
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve them while they're hot!
When we're talking cheese, mac and cheese is a dish you can't forget. Turn your stove on and satisfy your cheese cravings with a tasty gluten-free mac and cheese recipe.
Conclusion
Going gluten-free can be an easy diet to follow. For one, cheese has you covered on all your cravings as long as you're buying gluten-free types. Go all-natural to make the best of your diet and live a healthier lifestyle. Take care of your body, avoid any gluten components, and your body will ultimately be thanking you for the effort.
Enjoy & live a Health Yeah Life!
If you are just starting your journey to a gluten-free diet, check out our beginners guide here ——>>>>>
https://healthyeahlife.com/introduction-to-gluten-free-living
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