Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues. Many people on a gluten-free diet carefully check labels to avoid any products containing gluten. For those who love cheese but need to avoid gluten, the big question is: Is Happy Cow cheese gluten free?
What is Happy Cow Cheese?
Happy Cow is a brand of vegetarian and vegan cheeses made by Treeline Cheese. The company was founded in 2009 with a mission of making plant-based dairy products like cheese accessible to more people. All Treeline products are made without animal milk, hence the “happy cow” name. Treeline uses a variety of bases for their cheeses like cashew, almond milk, coconut, and more. The cheeses come in soft, aged, and shredded varieties. Some of their most popular cheese flavors are:
- Cranberry Chili Pepper Soft Cheese
- Sundried Tomato Garlic Soft Cheese
- French Style Soft Cheese
- Greek Style Soft Cheese
- Herb Garlic Soft Cheese
- Chive & Onion Soft Cheese
- Cracked Pepper Soft Cheese
- American Style Sliced Cheese
- Mozzarella Style Shreds
- Mexican Style Shreds
In addition to classic cheese flavors, Treeline also makes innovative blends like blue cheese and charcoal cheddar. Their products are sold at grocery stores across the United States and internationally. Many restaurants also use Treeline cheeses on their vegan menus.
Are Happy Cow Cheeses Gluten Free?
The good news is yes, all varieties of Happy Cow cheese are certified gluten free! Here are some key reasons why Happy Cow cheese contains no gluten:
- The cheese bases are naturally gluten free. Treeline uses plant-based bases like cashew, almond, and coconut that contain no gluten.
- There are no gluten-containing grains added during processing. The ingredients do not include wheat, barley, rye or malt.
- The facility practices strict allergen protocols. Treeline’s production facilities are completely gluten free with procedures in place to avoid cross contamination.
- Every product is third-party tested. Happy Cow conducts testing to verify gluten levels are below 20ppm, the recognized gluten free standard.
- The packaging is clearly labeled gluten free. Consumers can easily see the certification on every Happy Cow cheese product.
With both the manufacturing processes and ingredients being gluten free, those with celiac disease or sensitivity can enjoy Happy Cow cheese without worry. People on a strict gluten free diet can incorporate these plant-based cheeses into their meals and recipes. Happy Cow cheese provides the taste and texture of cheese without the gluten.
Benefits of Choosing Happy Cow Cheese
Going gluten free does not mean giving up the joy of melted cheese. Opting for Happy Cow cheese has many benefits for those avoiding gluten:
- Peace of Mind: No need to email the company or scour forums looking for answers. Happy Cow cheese is clearly labeled gluten free for guaranteed safety and confidence.
- No Sacrificing Taste: These plant-based cheeses taste delicious and mimic the properties of dairy cheese without any gluten-containing ingredients.
- Ease: Happy Cow cheese can be found at many major grocery retailers like Whole Foods, making it easy to find and purchase.
- Versatility: With so many flavors and types like shredded, sliced, and soft cheese, it can be used in any recipe calling for regular cheese.
- Nutrition: Happy Cow cheese is often high in protein, calcium, and good fats while being dairy and gluten free.
Those avoiding gluten do not have to resort to bland food. Happy Cow cheeses come in savory flavors like smoky gouda that add exciting taste and nutrition to gluten free cooking and baking.
Is All Treeline Cheese Gluten Free?
Yes, consumers can rest assured that all varieties and flavors of Treeline cheese are certified gluten free. In addition to the Happy Cow brand, Treeline makes other cheese products under brands like:
- Founders: Aged nut-based cheeses inspired by traditional dairy styles.
- Fresh: Treeline’s soft cheese spreads made with cashew or almond bases.
- Cream Cheese: Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for bagels and spreads.
- Fancy: Treeline’s line of upscale flavored soft cheeses.
No matter which Treeline brand or type of cheese you choose, you can have confidence it’s been manufactured in a gluten-free facility and tested to be below 20ppm of gluten. Those with celiac disease or on a strict gluten-free diet can eat any Treeline products safely.
What About Cross-Contamination Risk?
For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination is always a concern. Even tiny amounts of gluten from shared equipment or facilities can trigger symptoms and damage. Here’s how Treeline Cheese prevents cross-contamination with gluten:
- Dedicated equipment: The cheese making equipment is solely used for Treeline’s gluten-free products, not any wheat-based cheeses.
- Thorough sanitation: Equipment and surfaces are carefully cleaned between runs to avoid residue buildup.
- Testing: In addition to cleaning procedures, Treeline actively tests products for traces of gluten from potential cross-contamination.
- Allergen training: Employees receive regular training on allergen control procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
- Product flow: Cheese production areas are arranged to ensure non-gluten products do not come into contact with gluten-containing items.
With comprehensive procedures in place and employees trained on food allergies, Treeline mitigates the risks associated with cross-contamination at its facilities. Those highly sensitive can feel safe eating Happy Cow and other Treeline cheese products.
How to Identify Happy Cow Cheese
Want to make sure you grab the right gluten-free product at the store? Here are some tips for identifying Happy Cow cheese:
- Look for the Happy Cow brand name on the packaging.
- Check for the gluten-free certification label or gluten-free claim.
- Read the ingredients list and verify it doesn’t contain grains like wheat.
- Make sure the cheese is produced by Treeline, the makers of Happy Cow.
- Spot the company’s cow icon, often wearing sunglasses or a chef’s hat.
Some varieties also say “gluten free” directly on the front label for quick identification. Checking for the Treeline name along with the gluten free label offers assurance you have the right gluten-free cheese. Inside the package, you can verify it by the ingredients.
What About Pasta Filled Cheese?
Some Happy Cow products contain bonus ingredients like vegetables, spices, or pasta. For example:
- Sundried Tomato & Garlic Cheese with Penne Pasta
- Pesto Cheese Ravioli
- Broccoli & Cheese Ravioli
While the cheese portion of these products is gluten-free, the pasta fillings do contain gluten. So pasta-stuffed Happy Cow cheese is not gluten free.
However, Treeline does make some gluten-free pasta filled options using rice pasta instead of wheat. These flavors are clearly labeled “Gluten Free” on the package:
- Gluten Free Roasted Red Pepper Ravioli
- Gluten Free Spinach & Roasted Garlic Ravioli
So just check the label to determine if a pasta cheese variety is gluten free or not. Any Happy Cow cheese without pasta is gluten free.
Can You Eat the Rinds?
With many aged cheeses, people wonder if the rind formed on the outside is edible. For Treeline’s aged nut-based cheeses like their Aged English Smoked Farmhouse Cheddar, the rind is gluten free and safe to eat. The rinds are made from the cheese base ingredients along with added seasonings.
However, if you are highly sensitive, take precautions with rinds. Cheeses are labeled gluten free based on the entire food, but some experts recommend removing rinds from aged cheeses if concerned about trace amounts affecting your health. The interior cheese contains less than 20ppm of gluten.
Cooking and Baking with Happy Cow Cheese
All varieties of Happy Cow and Treeline cheese can be melted, shredded, sliced, and used in recipes just like regular dairy cheese. Here are some recipe ideas:
- Pizza with Happy Cow mozzarella shreds
- Quesadillas with Happy Cow Pepper Jack shreds
- Mac and cheese with Happy Cow cheddar shreds
- Grilled cheese with Happy Cow American slices
- Cheese board with Happy Cow aged farmhouse and soft cheese
- Cheesecake with Happy Cow cream cheese
- Enchiladas with Happy Cow Mexican blend shreds
- Lasagna with Happy Cow ricotta and mozzarella
- Souffle with Happy Cow feta crumbles
Blending different styles of Happy Cow cheese can replicate the taste and meltiness of dairy cheeses in your gluten free dishes.
Baking Tips
When baking with Happy Cow cheese, keep these tips in mind:
- Shred or cut cheese into small pieces for even melting.
- Mix shredded cheese with starch like tapioca or cornstarch to prevent clumping.
- Use cheese powders like nutritional yeast to help cheese brown.
- Bake an additional 2-5 minutes longer than recipes call for to fully melt cheese.
- Prevent burning by covering bakes with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
With some trial and error, you can achieve delicious gluten free baked goods topped or filled with melty Happy Cow cheese.
Buying and Storing Happy Cow Cheese
Here are some tips for purchasing and storing Happy Cow cheese:
- Where to Buy: Find Happy Cow cheese at well-stocked grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s. Some retailers like Walmart also carry select flavors.
- Check Packaging: Ensure all packaging is intact with no moisture inside to maintain freshness.
- Check Sell-By Date: For best taste and texture, opt for cheese with the furthest expiration or sell-by date.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated at temperatures below 40°F, either in original packaging or wrapped in plastic wrap.
- Use-By: Consume shredded cheese within 7 days of opening for maximum freshness.
- Freeze It: To extend shelf life, freeze unused portions of block cheese for up to 6 months.
Following proper storage methods helps maintain the taste and gluten free integrity of Happy Cow cheese.
Happy Cow Cheese FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Happy Cow cheese:
Is Happy Cow cheese dairy free?
Yes, all Happy Cow cheeses are 100% dairy-free and made from plant-based ingredients like cashews, coconut oil, and almond milk.
Is Happy Cow cheese soy free?
Most Happy Cow cheese is soy-free, but some shredded and cream cheese varieties do contain soybean oil. Always check the ingredients for soy.
Is Happy Cow cheese vegan?
Yes, Happy Cow cheeses are all vegan. No animal-derived ingredients like milk or rennet are used.
Where are Happy Cow cheeses produced?
Happy Cow cheeses are produced at Treeline’s facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Does Happy Cow cheese melt?
Yes, their shreds and slices are formulated to melt smoothly when heated. The soft cheeses also melt well into dips and sauces.
Can you grill Happy Cow cheese?
Absolutely, Happy Cow cheeses like the mozzarella and provolone slices work great for grilled cheese sandwiches or on top of veggie burgers.
The Bottom Line
If you require a gluten-free diet, you can enjoy the taste, texture, and melting qualities of Happy Cow cheese. All varieties produced by Treeline Cheese are certified gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Made using only plant-based ingredients in dedicated gluten-free facilities, Happy Cow cheese provides delicious flexibility for gluten-free cooking and baking.
