Quick Answer
Most shredded Kraft cheese products are gluten-free, but some may contain added ingredients that contain gluten. It’s important to check the ingredient label for potential gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or malt. Plain shredded cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan are gluten-free.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, rye and triticale. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and headaches. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Why is gluten an issue in cheese?
Plain cheeses made from the milk of cows, sheep or goats are naturally gluten-free. Gluten can become an issue when additional ingredients are added to cheese or cheese products. These may include:
- Flavors – Onion, bacon, smoke flavoring, etc. can contain gluten sources.
- Starch – Wheat or barley starch may be used as an anti-caking agent.
- Malt – Malt vinegar, malt extract or malt flavoring derived from barley.
- Pasta – Some shredded mixed cheese blends contain gluten-containing pasta.
- Breading – Battered and breaded cheese products will contain gluten.
Cross-contamination is also possible in facilities that make both gluten-containing and gluten-free products.
Are all Kraft shredded cheeses gluten-free?
Most plain Kraft shredded cheeses do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, some flavored and mixed cheese products may contain added ingredients that are not gluten-free.
Here is an overview of the gluten status of popular Kraft shredded cheese products:
Plain shredded cheeses
- Kraft shredded mild cheddar cheese – Gluten-free
- Kraft shredded mozzarella cheese – Gluten-free
- Kraft shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Gluten-free
- Kraft shredded Mexican blend cheese – Gluten-free
- Kraft shredded Parmesan cheese – Gluten-free
Flavored shredded cheeses
- Kraft shredded Italian five cheese with imported Parmesan – Gluten-free
- Kraft shredded taco cheese – Gluten-free
- Kraft shredded pizza cheese – Gluten-free
- Kraft shredded bacon cheddar cheese – Contains wheat starch
- Kraft shredded smokehouse cheddar cheese – Contains maltodextrin
Shredded cheese mixes and blends
- Kraft shredded Tex-Mex fusion cheese – Contains wheat flour
- Kraft shredded nacho cheese with jalapeno – Gluten-free
- Kraft shredded Italian three cheese with tortellini – Contains wheat/gluten
- Kraft shredded macaroni and cheese – Contains wheat/gluten
As you can see, products like the bacon cheddar, smokehouse cheddar, Tex-Mex fusion, and macaroni and cheese blends contain gluten sources. It’s important to read the ingredients list to confirm if a product is gluten-free.
What about other Kraft cheese products?
In addition to shredded cheese, Kraft produces many other cheese products where gluten ingredients may be added:
- Cheese slices – Some contain wheat starch
- Cheese spreads – Some contain wheat flour or maltodextrin
- Cracker Barrel cheese – Some seasoned varieties contain wheat starch or wheat flour
- Breakstone’s cheese – Some flavors contain wheat starch
- Velveeta – Generally gluten-free but some contain maltodextrin
Again, it’s advised to read the ingredient lists carefully on all packaged cheese products, not just ones that are shredded. Also check the labels on cheese dips, cheese sauces and boxed macaroni and cheese mixes.
How to know if shredded cheese contains gluten
To determine if a shredded cheese product contains gluten, follow these steps:
- Look for the blue and yellow gluten-free certification symbol – Products certified gluten-free to less than 20ppm can be considered safe.
- Read the ingredient list – Look for wheat, barley, rye, malt or any derivatives like starch, flour, maltodextrin, malt flavoring, etc.
- Check for “gluten-free” labeled on the packaging – This indicates the product has been tested to ensure it meets gluten-free standards.
- Call the manufacturer if unsure – They should be able to confirm if their product is gluten-free or processed in a facility with wheat.
Also keep in mind that recipes, manufacturing processes and ingredients can change over time. If buying a shredded cheese product you’ve had before, check the label each time to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients were added.
Are there risks of cross-contamination?
Even cheese products with gluten-free ingredient lists could potentially contain trace amounts of gluten due to cross-contamination. This can occur when gluten-containing foods are produced alongside gluten-free foods, and gluten is unintentionally transferred.
The risks depend on manufacturing procedures, how well equipment and surfaces are cleaned, and how facilities segregate gluten-containing ingredients.
Some individuals who are highly sensitive need to avoid products with advisory labels such as:
- “May contain wheat”
- “Made in a facility that also processes wheat”
- “Made on shared equipment with wheat”
For people who are less sensitive, these advisory labels indicate there could be a low risk of cross-contamination that is unlikely to cause issues.
Gluten-free brands of shredded cheese
In addition to Kraft, there are many other brands offering gluten-free shredded cheese:
- Sargento
- Tillamook
- Crystal Farms
- Cabot
- Belgioioso
- Lactalis American Group
- Kozy Shack
- Galaxy Nutritional Foods
- Daiya (dairy-free)
Always check the labels to confirm gluten-free status, even with these brands. There can be flavor varieties or processed on shared equipment warnings. Buying cheese shredded fresh in-store from a deli counter helps minimize cross-contamination risks.
Gluten-free diet tips
Here are some tips for following a gluten-free diet if you need to avoid gluten due to celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy:
- Eliminate obvious sources of gluten like bread, pasta, cereal, beer, etc.
- Check labels on less obvious products like sauces, dressings, seasonings, chips, crackers, ice cream, etc.
- Look for “gluten-free” labels and gluten-free certification symbols on packaged foods.
- Stick to naturally gluten-free whole foods like produce, meat, dairy, eggs, rice, quinoa, etc.
- Ask about gluten ingredients when eating at restaurants.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate gluten-free toasters, pots/pans and condiments.
- Rinse off fresh produce since gluten-containing grains may be used in processing.
Joining a celiac disease or gluten intolerance support group can also help provide tips for navigating day-to-day living gluten-free.
The bottom line
Many popular brands of shredded cheese are gluten-free, but some flavored varieties or mixed blends may contain problematic ingredients. To be sure a shredded cheese is gluten-free, check the ingredient label for wheat, barley, rye or malt. Plain cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan are good gluten-free choices. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should also consider potential cross-contamination risks when choosing packaged cheese products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kraft grated Parmesan cheese gluten-free?
Yes, Kraft 100% grated Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free to meet FDA standards of less than 20 ppm gluten. Kraft Parmesan is made with four simple gluten-free ingredients: Parmesan cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), cellulose powder to prevent caking, potassium sorbate to preserve freshness, and natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor).
What about Kraft shredded mozzarella cheese – is it gluten-free?
Kraft shredded mozzarella cheese is gluten-free. Kraft mozzarella contains just four basic gluten-free ingredients: pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still check labels carefully in case of recipe changes.
Can I eat Kraft Singles if I have celiac disease?
Some Kraft Singles cheese slice varieties are gluten-free, while others contain wheat starch. To be gluten-free, Kraft Singles must be specifically labeled “gluten free” on the packaging. Flavors like Kraft Singles American and White American are NOT gluten-free because they contain wheat starch.
Is there gluten in Kraft macaroni and cheese powder?
The classic Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in the blue box contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, Kraft now makes a certified gluten-free version called Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Gluten Free. It swaps the wheat flour for corn and rice flour. Always check labels to confirm gluten-free status.
What about cheese sauces and spreads – do they contain gluten?
Cheese dips, sauces and spreads commonly contain thickeners and stabilizers that can be sources of gluten, such as wheat flour or maltodextrin. For example, Kraft Cheez Whiz contains wheat starch. Verify all cheese-based products are gluten-free by carefully reading the ingredient lists before consuming.
Conclusion
Most plain shredded cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but flavored and blended varieties may contain problematic added ingredients. Individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity need to be extra diligent about checking labels for shredded cheese and other cheese products. Potential sources of gluten include wheat, barley, rye and malt. When in doubt, call the manufacturer or stick with cheese shredded fresh from a deli counter to avoid cross-contamination. Following a gluten-free diet requires due diligence, but there are plenty of gluten-free cheese options to still enjoy.
