Quick Answer
Kraft American cheese slices are gluten-free according to Kraft’s website. Kraft states that their American cheese slices do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or oats, which means they are free of gluten.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and fatigue.
People with gluten-related disorders must follow a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding any foods and drinks containing gluten. This includes avoiding wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats (unless certified gluten-free).
Why is it important for people with celiac disease to avoid gluten?
For people with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. Specifically, gluten exposure causes inflammation and deterioration of the intestinal villi, which are small finger-like projections that line the small intestine and absorb nutrients from food.
When the villi are damaged from celiac disease, nutrients cannot be properly absorbed. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
Over time, the chronic inflammation and villi damage can cause long-term complications like osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions, and in rare cases, cancers like intestinal lymphoma.
The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly and completely avoiding gluten for life. Even tiny amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can trigger intestinal damage. This is why it’s so important for those with celiac disease to vigilantly check labels and avoid products with any gluten-containing ingredients.
Which ingredients contain gluten?
Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. Here are some specific ingredients that contain gluten:
– Wheat and wheat varieties like spelt, durum, emmer, farina, einkorn
– Barley
– Rye
– Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
– Malt (usually from barley)
– Brewer’s yeast
– Wheat starch
– Semolina
– Couscous
– Soy sauce or tamari (unless marked gluten-free)
– Teriyaki sauce
– Brown rice syrup
– Beer and malt beverages
Any foods or ingredients containing these items (like bread, pasta, cereal, baked goods, beer, etc.) are not gluten-free and should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Why do some people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity?
In addition to celiac disease, some people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). These individuals have symptoms when they eat gluten, but they do not have the autoimmune reaction and intestinal damage seen in celiac disease.
Researchers are still studying the mechanisms behind NCGS. There are a few theories of how gluten impacts those with NCGS:
– The protein zonulin is released, making the intestinal lining more permeable and allowing gluten peptides to enter the bloodstream
– Changes to the gut microbiome and immune activation in the digestive system
– The carbohydrates in wheat called FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) trigger IBS-like symptoms
– There is some overlap with a wheat allergy
Symptoms of NCGS may include bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, pain, and eczema. These symptoms improve when following a gluten-free diet.
NCGS is estimated to affect around 6-7% of the population, compared to around 1% with celiac disease. Diagnosis involves eliminating gluten from the diet for 6 weeks and monitoring for improvements in symptoms. Those with NCGS must adhere to a gluten-free diet to manage symptoms.
What ingredients and foods typically contain gluten?
Here is an overview of common food products that contain gluten:
Breads, Grains, Pasta
– Bread
– Bagels
– Rolls, buns
– Pasta
– Couscous
– Cereal
– Oats (unless certified gluten-free)
– Crackers
Baked Goods
– Cakes, pie crusts, muffins, donuts
– Cookies, brownies
– Pancakes, waffles
– Pretzels
– Croutons
– Pastries, pies, tarts
Snack Foods
– Granola bars
– Chips, crisps with wheat/malt
– Popcorn with malt flavoring
– Beer nuts
Soups, Sauces, Dressings
– Soy sauce
– Teriyaki sauce
– Gravies thickened with wheat flour
– Salad dressings with malt vinegar
Meat Products
– Sausages, hot dogs with wheat fillers
– Burger patties with breadcrumbs
– Meatballs or meatloaf with breadcrumbs
– Breaded chicken, fish fillets
Other
– Beer
– Flavored coffee drinks
– Imitation crab meat (surimi)
– Soup bases and bouillon cubes
– Seasoned rice mixes
– Flavored chips
– Licorice candy
– Protein or granola bars
What makes a food product gluten-free?
For a product to be considered gluten-free, it must meet the FDA gluten-free labeling rule:
– It cannot contain a gluten-containing grain (wheat, rye, barley, or a crossbred hybrid like triticale)
– It cannot contain an ingredient derived from these gluten-containing grains
– It cannot contain an ingredient derived from a gluten-containing grain that has not been processed to remove gluten
– Any unavoidable presence of gluten must be under 20 parts per million (ppm)
Manufacturers must carefully control their facilities and supply chain to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing grains. Surfaces, equipment, and utensils used for gluten-free foods must be thoroughly cleaned.
Distillation and fermentation processes can remove gluten from wheat/barley, allowing ingredients like wheat starch and malt vinegar to test below 20 ppm and be considered gluten-free.
Oats are inherently gluten-free but are often contaminated with wheat or barley during growing and processing. Oats labeled gluten-free are processed in facilities with dedicated equipment and are tested to verify purity.
The FDA audits manufacturers’ gluten-free compliance. Consumers should look for the FDA gluten-free certification or contact manufacturers directly if concerned about gluten content.
Is Kraft American cheese gluten-free?
According to Kraft’s website, their popular Kraft Deli Deluxe American cheese slices are gluten-free. Kraft states:
“Kraft American Cheese Slices (Honey Melt, 2%, Light and Deli Deluxe varieties) contain no wheat, rye, barley, oats or triticale and therefore can be classified gluten-free based on the FDA definition.”
The ingredients listed for Kraft Deli Deluxe American Slices are:
– Milk
– Whey
– Milkfat
– Milk Protein Concentrate
– Salt
– Sodium Citrate
– Cheddar Cheese Cultures
– Sorbic Acid As A Preservative
– Enzymes
– Annatto And Paprika Extract (color)
– Vitamin D3
None of these ingredients contain gluten. By avoiding any gluten-containing grains or additives, Kraft American cheese stays gluten-free.
Kraft states that some of their facilities also process gluten-containing foods. To keep products like their American cheese gluten-free, they adhere to strict allergen control procedures. This includes thorough cleaning and sanitation between production runs.
Are there any gluten-free concerns with Kraft American cheese?
While the cheese itself is gluten-free, here are a few things to keep in mind:
– Check labels carefully, as ingredients can change over time
– Look for any allergy warnings about wheat/gluten under the ingredients
– Those with celiac disease should consider the risks of cross-contact at the Kraft facility
– Make sure any other ingredients paired with the cheese (like bread) are also gluten-free
As long as you get the plain slices without any added questionable ingredients, Kraft Deli Deluxe American cheese remains a gluten-free option. But it pays to always double-check labels for any gluten warnings.
What other cheese brands are gluten-free?
Many popular cheese brands and products are gluten-free since cheese is made from dairy ingredients like milk, microbial enzymes, and salt. Here are some other gluten-free cheese options:
Sargento
– Sliced cheeses
– Shredded cheeses
– Snack cheeses
Land O’Lakes
– American cheese slices
– Shredded cheeses
Crystal Farms
– Cheese slices
– String cheese
– Cream cheese
Cabot
– Cheddar cheese
– Pepperjack cheese
– Greek yogurt cheese
Kraft
– Shredded cheese blends (without spices)
– Philadelphia cream cheese
– Velveeta original
Tillamook
– Cheddar block cheese
– Monterey Jack cheese
– Peppercheddar cheese
Always check labels and company websites to confirm gluten-free status. Avoid any flavored cheeses with questionable ingredients. Stick to plain cheese varieties to be safe.
What precautions do gluten-free consumers need to take with cheese?
When choosing gluten-free cheese products, here are some precautions and label-reading tips:
– Check ingredient lists for any gluten-containing additives like wheat starch, croutons, breadcrumbs, malt vinegar, soy sauce, etc.
– Look for an allergen statement listing the presence of wheat, rye, barley or oats.
– Call or email the manufacturer if you see questionable ingredients to inquire about gluten content.
– Opt for brands that specifically state “gluten-free” on packaging.
– Look for cheeses labeled gluten-free that are processed in dedicated facilities.
– Avoid bulk cheese slicers that also cut bread, and request unopened packaged cheese.
– Check gluten-free watchdog sites for updated brand recommendations if concerned about cross-contact.
– Stick to plain, unflavored cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella and feta to reduce risk.
With proactive label reading and proper precautions, cheese can be enjoyed as part of a gluten-free diet. Being an informed gluten-free consumer helps ensure you can safely eat delicious cheeses!
Is it safe for people with celiac disease to eat Kraft American cheese?
While Kraft American cheese is gluten-free, individuals with celiac disease need to weigh the potential risks of cross-contact.
Celiac disease requires strict avoidance of gluten exposure. Even tiny amounts of cross-contact can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage. Some celiacs may not feel comfortable eating Kraft’s products since their facilities also handle wheat-based foods.
However, Kraft states that they follow rigorous allergen control procedures to prevent cross-contact:
– Thorough cleaning and sanitizing of equipment between production runs
– Dedicated tools, utensils and surfaces for gluten-free items
– Extensive employee training on gluten-free protocols
– Stringent testing to verify finished products are gluten-free
Kraft also notes that products made without wheat ingredients (like their gluten-free cheeses) are run first thing in the morning after equipment has been thoroughly sanitized.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual celiac to weigh the risks vs benefits and make an informed decision. Those highly sensitive may wish to avoid products made in shared facilities, while others may be comfortable with the safety protocols in place at Kraft. Checking with your healthcare provider can help determine your personal level of risk tolerance.
Tips for people with celiac disease considering Kraft American cheese
If deciding to eat Kraft American cheese, here are some recommended tips:
– Carefully read labels every time for any ingredient changes
– Look for “gluten-free” labeled varieties processed in dedicated facilities
– Call Kraft to discuss their safety protocols for gluten-free items
– Start with a small serving to check for any reaction before eating larger amounts
– Have an alternative snack on hand in case of symptoms
– Avoid if you’ve been glutened recently or are highly sensitive
With proper precautions, some celiacs tolerate Kraft American cheese well. But it’s a personal decision based on individual risk factors and gluten sensitivity. Setting up a trial with small servings provides the best way to gauge tolerance.
Conclusion
Kraft American cheese slices are formulated to be gluten-free, avoiding any wheat, barley, rye or oat-based ingredients. While processed in shared facilities, Kraft adheres to strict allergen control procedures to prevent cross-contact.
Celiacs and those with gluten sensitivity should carefully check labels, look for “gluten-free” marked cheeses, and call Kraft with any questions. Starting with a small serving is recommended to gauge tolerance, especially for highly sensitive individuals.
Overall, Kraft Deli Deluxe American cheese slices can be considered gluten-free, but some precautions are needed for those with celiac disease. Checking with a healthcare provider helps determine your personal level of risk. When in doubt, choose alternative cheeses processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities.