Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause adverse health effects. As a result, these individuals must follow a strict gluten-free diet and avoid foods containing gluten. But what about everyone’s favorite party snack – cheese dip? Is cheese dip gluten-free?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. The two main proteins that make up gluten are:
- Gliadin
- Glutenin
When flour and water are combined and kneaded together, these two proteins form elastic strands that give bread and other baked goods their chewy texture and help them rise and keep their shape. Gluten provides the structure and stability that allows bread to trap the gases produced by yeast during fermentation and rise properly.
For most people, gluten does not cause any issues or adverse health effects. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to a variety of unpleasant gastrointestinal and other symptoms.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body mounts an attack against itself every time gluten is eaten. For those with celiac disease, gluten triggers inflammation and damage to the villi in the small intestine. Villi are tiny, finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food. When they are damaged, nutrients cannot be properly absorbed.
In celiac disease, the immune system identifies gluten as a foreign invader and produces antibodies to attack it. However, these antibodies also end up attacking the intestinal villi. This causes symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, nutrient deficiencies and more.
The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. This gives the intestinal villi a chance to heal and stops the immune system from continuing to attack itself every time gluten is consumed.
What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition where gluten triggers symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, headache, fatigue and more, but all tests for celiac disease come back negative. It is estimated to affect around 6-7% of the population.
The mechanism behind non-celiac gluten sensitivity is not fully understood. It is possible that gluten can trigger immune system activation and low-grade intestinal inflammation in those with NCGS. However, more research is needed.
Following a gluten-free diet is the main treatment for NCGS. Many people find their symptoms improve significantly or resolve completely when they remove gluten from their diet.
Is Cheese Made from Gluten-Containing Grains?
Most types of cheese are naturally gluten-free. This includes popular varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Parmesan, feta and many more.
These types of cheese are made by coagulating milk with enzymes called rennet. The milk can be from cows, goats, sheep or buffalo. None of these types of milk or rennet contain gluten.
Some specialty cheeses may contain gluten-based ingredients like wheat flour, breadcrumbs, beer, ale or malt vinegar. These could include:
- Blue cheeses
- Gouda
- Some smoked cheeses
- Cheese spreads
- Processed cheeses
Always check the label on these types of cheese to see if any gluten-containing ingredients are used.
Can Cheese Become Contaminated with Gluten?
Pure cheeses that are naturally gluten-free can still get contaminated with gluten during processing and handling:
- Shared Equipment: If a facility uses the same equipment to manufacture cheese and gluten-containing products, cross-contamination can occur.
- Shared Facility: If gluten-free cheese is produced in a shared facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients, airborne particles can transfer gluten to the cheese.
- Shared Ingredients: Some additives like preservatives, anticaking agents or flavorings may contain gluten. If used on gluten-free cheeses, they introduce a source of contamination.
- Packaging: Cheese is often packaged on equipment also used for gluten-containing products. The packaging itself could also be a source of gluten cross-contact.
For these reasons, it’s important to look for cheese specifically labeled “gluten-free” when following a gluten-free diet. Cheese made by smaller, specialty manufacturers that use dedicated equipment is less likely to have issues with cross-contamination.
What is Cheese Dip?
Cheese dip is a type of hot or cold appetizer made with cheese and other ingredients that is scooped or dipped with items like tortilla chips, pretzels, crudités and bread.
There are many varieties of cheese dip, but some of the most popular include:
- Nacho cheese dip – Made with melted cheese like cheddar, Monterey jack, queso quesadilla or American cheese along with milk or cream. Often spiced with jalapeno peppers.
- Beer cheese dip – Made by mixing grated cheddar cheese with beer, spices and worcestershire sauce.
- French onion dip – Made with sour cream, onion soup mix, onion and other spices.
- Spinach artichoke dip – Contains spinach, artichokes, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise and/or sour cream and seasonings.
- Crab Rangoon dip – Flavored with cream cheese, crab meat and scallions.
- Buffalo chicken dip – Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce and ranch dressing.
The specific ingredients in cheese dips vary between recipes. But most contain some type of creamy base like sour cream, mayonnaise or cream cheese combined with shredded melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, mozzarella or Parmesan.
Are the Main Cheese Ingredients in Dip Gluten-Free?
Many popular cheeses used as the main ingredients in hot or cold cheese dips are naturally gluten-free:
| Gluten-Free Cheeses |
|---|
| Cheddar |
| Monterey Jack |
| Mozzarella |
| Parmesan |
| Swiss |
| Gruyere |
| Provolone |
| Pepper jack |
| Havarti |
| Gouda |
These types of cheese do not contain any gluten-containing grains. But as discussed earlier, there is still a risk of cross-contamination during processing. When preparing gluten-free cheese dip, be sure to use verified gluten-free cheese.
Are Common Add-Ins and Thickeners Gluten-Free?
Many cheese dips also contain common add-ins and thickeners like:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Cream cheese
- Milk
- Half and half
- Chicken or beef broth
- Hot sauce
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
Most plain varieties of these ingredients are gluten-free. But some specific brands or flavored varieties (e.g. ranch dressing packets) may contain gluten or malt vinegar. Check the labels carefully.
Modified food starch is also commonly added to cheese dips and sauces to help thicken and stabilize them. Maltodextrin is one type of modified food starch that can be derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat or barley. Make sure any starches are labeled gluten-free.
What About Onion and Garlic Powder?
Onion and garlic powders are classic savory seasoning added to many hot cheese dip recipes. Pure onion and garlic powders are naturally gluten-free.
However, some brands add anti-caking agents that may contain gluten, like wheat starch. Choose onion and garlic powders that are specifically labeled gluten-free to avoid any risk of contamination.
Should Beer Cheese Dip be Avoided?
Beer cheese dip is a popular variety of cheese dip made by blending beer with cheese, spices and other ingredients. Unfortunately, most beers contain gluten and are not safe for a gluten-free diet.
There are a few specialty gluten-free beers made from grains like sorghum or buckwheat. While these would be safe to use in beer cheese dip, most regular beers should be avoided.
Instead, try making beer cheese dip with gluten-free ale or hard cider. These will provide similar malty, yeasty flavors without the gluten.
What About Thickening Agents Like Flour?
Some hot cheese dip recipes call for a small amount of all-purpose flour or cornstarch to help thicken and stabilize the dip.
All-purpose flour contains gluten and must be avoided on a gluten-free diet. Replace it with a gluten-free flour blend made with ingredients like rice flour, tapioca flour, sorghum flour or arrowroot starch.
Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and generally considered safe for gluten-free diets as long as good manufacturing practices are followed to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing grains.
Can Wine Be Used in Cheese Dips?
Some recipes for cheese dips like bacon cheddar pub dip call for dry white wine or dry sherry to add flavor. Most wines are made from gluten-containing grains and therefore not gluten-free.
In cheese dip recipes, wine contributes acidity and fruity flavors. Non-alcoholic substitutions could include:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth
Checking for a gluten-free label is advised when using any type of wine or vinegar in gluten-free cooking.
Should Processed Cheese be Avoided?
Processed cheeses, cheese spreads and cheese dips sold in jars and cans may contain ingredients or additives that are not gluten-free, for example:
- Maltodextrin
- Modified food starch
- Flavors & colors
- Cheap thickeners like wheat flour
Always inspect the ingredients lists on these types of products carefully. Look for a gluten-free certification symbol or label for extra assurance.
What About Cross-Contamination Risks?
Like any gluten-free food, there’s a risk of cross-contamination with gluten during the manufacturing process of cheese dips. This can occur through:
- Shared equipment
- Shared manufacturing lines
- Shared facilities
To reduce the risk of gluten cross-contact, look for cheese dips and sauces that are specifically labeled “gluten-free”. Smaller brands or specialty food manufacturers are more likely to use dedicated equipment and have good allergen controls in place.
Should You Make Your Own Gluten-Free Cheese Dip?
Making your own homemade cheese dip is the best way to ensure it is gluten-free. That way you can control all the ingredients and avoid the risk of cross-contamination from manufacturing.
Choose real, whole food ingredients like dairy, cheeses, vegetables, herbs and spices. Read all labels carefully and opt for brands that are labeled gluten-free when possible.
Here are some delicious gluten-free cheese dip recipes to try at home:
Key Tips for Gluten-Free Cheese Dip
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when evaluating cheese dips:
- Use real, whole food ingredients as much as possible.
- Check labels for gluten-containing additives like maltodextrin or wheat flour.
- Look for gluten-free labels for fresh cheeses or opt for brands made on dedicated equipment.
- Avoid beer cheese dips unless using gluten-free beer or hard cider.
- Don’t use all-purpose flour to thicken – use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead.
- Make your own homemade cheese dip to control all ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Most plain cheese dips made with real, natural ingredients like cheddar, cream cheese and sour cream are gluten-free. But there is always a risk of cross-contamination with gluten during manufacturing.
To be safe, look for brands that specifically say “gluten-free” on the label or make your own homemade cheese dip. This will ensure there is no hidden gluten and allow you to enjoy cheese dip on a gluten-free diet.
