Shredded cheese is an everyday staple in many kitchens. It’s commonly used as a topping for pizza, a filling in tacos and burritos, or a dip to serve with chips—but it’s also useful for baking and cooking.
Shredded cheese can be stirred into pasta sauce, sprinkled on top of baked potatoes, or added to bread and casseroles, making it a handy kitchen companion. So is kraft shredded cheese gluten-free?
The short answer to this question is “yes.” Kraft shredded cheese does not contain gluten. Even though the label lists cheese wax and cellulose as additives, Kraft shredded cheese is not made with gluten-containing ingredients.
The company that manufactures this product follows the Food and Drug Administration’s 20 parts per million (ppm) rule. It doesn’t contain the protein that causes most people to react to gluten at this level or above.
So, for those of you who have celiac disease—and who among us hasn’t wondered what a piece of cheese might taste like after a day at work?—you can enjoy slices of this sandwich-maker. If you choose, please follow your doctor’s instructions about how much you should eat.
No gluten-containing ingredients exist in any of the many varieties of Kraft Shredded cheese.
All ingredients used in Kraft Shredded cheese are gluten-free, and Kraft has confirmed that the shredding process does not introduce any wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. According to the US Food and Drug Administration’s definition, all varieties of Kraft Shredded cheese are considered gluten-free.
Starting in August 2014, products labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Most people with celiac disease can tolerate less than ten ppm without experiencing symptoms. So if you have celiac disease or a similar intolerance to gluten found in grains like wheat and barley, you can rest assured that most Kraft Shredded cheese varieties are safe to consume!
What is more, Kraft’s 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese is gluten-free in both the green and gold canisters.
Because Kraft Shredded 3 Cheese Blend is made from natural cheese, it is gluten-free. The cheese blend contains 2% or less cellulose powder to prevent caking and salt. Cellulose powder keeps the shredded cheese from clumping together in the package.
Suppose you want to make a Mexican or another southwestern dish like enchiladas or quesadillas. In that case, the shredded three-cheese blend makes an excellent topping with its combination of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add this shredded cheese blend to your pasta dishes for more flavor.
Kraft shredded cheese is not a natural cheese. It’s a processed cheese blend of milk, whey, protein concentrate, and other additives like enzymes and anti-caking agents to improve its texture and shelf-life.
The only ingredient in Kraft shredded mozzarella that contains wheat, or gluten is the modified food starch on the nutrition label—but as we saw above, it comes from corn, not wheat!
So, whether you prefer your shredded cheese as a melted topping on nachos or as an ingredient to stir into pasta sauce, all Kraft shredded cheese is fine in gluten-free cooking and baking.
If you’re trying to avoid gluten, Kraft shredded cheese is a great product to turn to. All varieties, including Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, are gluten-free in green and gold canisters. Shredded Mexican Style Four Cheese Mix is also gluten-free.]
How to Identify Gluten-Free Kraft Shredded Cheese
Kraft Shredded Cheese is a popular ingredient in many households, but how can you identify which ones are gluten-free?
1. Look for a gluten-free label or certification
One of the easiest ways to identify gluten-free Kraft Shredded Cheese is to look for a gluten-free label or certification on the packaging. Some Kraft Shredded Cheese products may have a “gluten-free” label on the front of the package, while others may have a gluten-free certification from a third-party organization.
Look for labels or certifications from organizations such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the Celiac Support Association (CSA).
2. Check the ingredient list
If a Kraft Shredded Cheese product doesn’t have a gluten-free label or certification, the next step is to check the ingredient list. Look for gluten ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, or malt.
Remember that some ingredients, such as modified food starch or natural flavors, may or may not contain gluten, depending on their source. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to confirm whether an ingredient is gluten-free.
3. Look for allergen information
In addition to checking the ingredient list, it’s a good idea to look for any allergen information on the packaging. Kraft is required to list any major food allergens on its products, including wheat.
The product is not gluten-free if you see “contains wheat” or a similar statement on the package. However, if you don’t see any allergen information or the product specifically states that it’s gluten-free, it’s likely safe to consume.
4. Avoid cross-contamination
Even if a Kraft Shredded Cheese product is gluten-free, there is always a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing products during manufacturing or packaging. To reduce this risk, look for products made in a dedicated gluten-free facility or labeled as “made in a facility that also processes wheat.”
Additionally, you can minimize cross-contamination by storing gluten-free products away from other foods, using separate utensils and cooking surfaces, and avoiding bulk bins or self-serve areas.
5. Do your research
Finally, it’s important to do your research and stay informed about the gluten-free status of Kraft Shredded Cheese products. While Kraft has a good track record of providing gluten-free options, ingredients and manufacturing processes can change over time.
Check for updates from the manufacturer or third-party organizations, and don’t be afraid to contact Kraft directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Can I trust Kraft’s gluten-free labeling, or should I still check the ingredients list?
Kraft is a well-respected and trusted brand that takes gluten-free labeling seriously. They have strict protocols to ensure that their gluten-free products are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to consume.
While Kraft’s gluten-free labeling is trustworthy, checking the ingredients list when purchasing processed food is still a good idea. This is because ingredients can change, and a once gluten-free product may no longer be. Additionally, there may be ingredients you’re sensitive to that are unrelated to gluten.
When checking the ingredients list, look for any ingredients that contain gluten or may have been processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing products. These may include wheat, barley, rye, malt, and oats (unless labeled gluten-free).
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
- 2 slices of cheese (cheddar or American)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet or a griddle over medium heat.
- Take two slices of bread and place a slice of cheese on one of them. Top the cheese with the other slice of bread to make a sandwich.
- Melt a tablespoon of butter in the preheated skillet or griddle.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Once the sandwich is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use a good quality cheese. Cheddar and American cheese are the most popular choices, but you can experiment with other varieties as well.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent the sandwich from sticking.
- Butter the bread instead of the skillet or griddle. This will ensure that the bread gets evenly toasted and the cheese melts properly.
- Cook the sandwich over medium heat. Cooking over high heat will burn the bread and leave the cheese unmelted.
- Don’t flip the sandwich too often. Flipping it once is enough to get a crispy golden brown crust on both sides.
Conclusion
Kraft Shredded Cheese is indeed gluten-free. However, verifying that a specific product is gluten-free is important by checking for a gluten-free label or certification, reviewing the ingredient list and allergen information, and minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. By taking these steps, you can ensure you’re consuming a safe and delicious product that meets your dietary needs.
Remember to stay informed about any updates or changes in the gluten-free status of Kraft Shredded Cheese products, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the manufacturer or third-party organizations if you have any questions or concerns
