If you follow a gluten-free diet, you may wonder whether certain types of cheese are safe to eat. One popular variety that often comes up in this context is Parmesan cheese, commonly used as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, and more. But what about Kraft Parmesan Cheese specifically? Is it gluten-free?
According to Kraft’s official website, their Parmesan Cheese is gluten-free. The ingredients listed on the packaging also don’t include any gluten-containing ingredients, such as wheat, barley, or rye. People with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can safely consume Kraft Parmesan Cheese without worrying about adverse effects.
It’s worth noting that Kraft’s labeling of their Parmesan Cheese as gluten-free isn’t just a marketing tactic. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established regulations for labeling products as gluten-free. Under these regulations, a product must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be labeled gluten-free. Kraft has confirmed that their Parmesan Cheese meets this standard, so you can be confident that the product is gluten-free.
Why Is Kraft Parmesan Cheese Gluten-Free?
The specific ingredients used in Kraft Parmesan Cheese are all gluten-free. The cheese culture and rennet used in cheese-making are not derived from gluten-containing grains. The cellulose powder used to prevent caking is made from wood pulp, which does not contain gluten.
Kraft also takes great care to ensure that its Parmesan Cheese is gluten-free. The company uses a rigorous testing process to ensure that the cheese meets the gluten-free standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten. Kraft also works closely with its suppliers to ensure they provide gluten-free ingredients.
Before a supplier is approved to provide ingredients to Kraft, they must undergo a review process to ensure they meet Kraft’s quality and safety standards. The supplier must provide documentation proving that their ingredients are gluten-free and have processes to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.
Can People with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivities Eat Kraft Parmesan Cheese?
People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities can safely eat Kraft Parmesan Cheese. Kraft takes great care to ensure its products are safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. The company uses a testing process to ensure that the cheese meets the gluten-free standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Additionally, Kraft works closely with its suppliers to ensure that they provide gluten-free ingredients and have processes to prevent cross-contamination.
Are all Kraft cheese products gluten-free?
There are a few reasons why some Kraft cheese products may not be gluten-free. First, some ingredients used in Kraft cheese products may contain gluten. For example, some cheese products may contain bread crumbs or other gluten-containing ingredients to add texture or flavor.
Second, some Kraft cheese products may be processed in facilities with gluten-containing ingredients. This can lead to cross-contamination and gluten in the final product.
It is important to note that Kraft ensures that its gluten-free products meet the gluten-free standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten. However, not all of their products meet this standard, so it is important to carefully check the label and ingredient list before consuming any Kraft cheese product.
Guide on How to Identify Gluten-Free Kraft Cheese Products
If you follow a gluten-free diet, it can be challenging to identify which Kraft cheese products are safe to consume. While some products may seem obvious, such as shredded cheese blends with added seasonings, others may not be as clear.
1. Read the Label
One of the best ways to determine if a Kraft cheese product is gluten-free is to read the label. Look for gluten-containing ingredients, such as wheat, barley, or rye. If the product contains any of these ingredients, it is not gluten-free.
Additionally, look for any gluten-free certifications or labels on the packaging. Many gluten-free products will have a certification symbol, such as the Certified Gluten-Free logo from the Gluten Intolerance Group. If the packaging does not have a certification symbol, look for a statement on the label that indicates that the product is gluten-free.
2. Check for Cross-Contamination
In addition to checking the ingredient list, it is important to check for cross-contamination. Some Kraft cheese products may be processed in facilities with gluten-containing ingredients. This can lead to cross-contamination and gluten in the final product.
Look for statements on the label that indicate that the product was made in a gluten-free facility or that steps were taken to prevent cross-contamination. Contact Kraft’s customer service team for more information if there is no such statement.
3. Contact Customer Service
If you are unsure whether a Kraft cheese product is gluten-free, contact Kraft’s customer service team for more information. They may be able to provide additional information about the product’s ingredients and manufacturing processes.
When contacting customer service, be sure to ask specific questions about the product’s gluten content, including whether it contains any gluten-containing ingredients and whether it was processed in a facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients.
4. Be Wary of Flavored Varieties
Flavored varieties of Kraft cheese products may contain additional ingredients that could contain gluten. For example, some flavored cheeses may contain spices or seasonings that contain gluten.
If you are unsure whether a flavored variety of Kraft cheese is gluten-free, it is best to check the label carefully or contact customer service for more information.
5. Stick to the Basics
If you are new to a gluten-free diet, sticking to the basics regarding Kraft cheese products may be helpful. Plain varieties of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, are less likely to contain gluten than flavored varieties.
Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
- Spread the cashews evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cashews to cool completely before adding them to a food processor or blender. Blend the cashews until they are finely ground.
- Add the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt to the food processor or blender with the cashews and pulse until everything is well combined.
- Store your vegan Parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Video
Notes
- You can adjust the seasonings in this recipe to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, for example, you can add more garlic powder.
- If you don’t have raw cashews, you can use almonds or walnuts instead.
- This recipe makes about 1 cup of vegan Parmesan cheese, but you can easily double or triple the recipe if you need more.
- Make sure your cashews are completely cool before blending them, otherwise, they can turn into a paste instead of a fine powder.
- You can also add a pinch of turmeric for color if desired.
Conclusion
Kraft Parmesan Cheese is gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Kraft uses microbial enzymes during the cheese-making process, eliminating the need for wheat-based enzymes that could contain gluten. You can enjoy this cheese’s delicious flavor and nutritional benefits without discomfort or harm by choosing Kraft Parmesan Cheese.
It is essential to always check the label of any food product before consuming it, especially if you have gluten sensitivities. With Kraft Parmesan Cheese, you can confidently add this versatile ingredient to your favorite dishes and enjoy its savory flavor without worrying about gluten.
