Is Shredded Cheese Gluten-Free?

Celiac.com 11/04/2022 - We get more than a few question about cheese. Specifically, is shredded cheese gluten-free, and safe for people with celiac disease? 

Well, first and foremost, most cheeses are usually gluten-free. We did an article on this a while back in response to numerous questions from readers. With few exceptions, cheeses are made with milk, cultures, and often some kind of rennet to make them form into solid cheese.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
Most cheeses are gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease, and they appear on Celiac.com's list of safe foods and ingredients. Unless wheat or gluten ingredients are added during or after processing, then cheese is gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. That includes moldy cheeses like Blue, Gorganzola and Roquefort.

Since shredded cheese is usually just cheese that has been shredded and bagged, and most shredded cheeses will also be naturally gluten-free, although they may not list this on their packaging. Some shredded cheeses use anti-caking agents like corn or potato starch to keep the cheese dry and prevent it from clumping and sticking together, so it is always important to carefully read all ingredients.

Examples of Common Shredded Cheese Anti-Caking Agents:

• Anti-Caking Blend (Potato Starch, Tapioca Starch)
• Potato Starch (to Prevent Caking)
• Powdered Cellulose (to Prevent Caking)

As always, check the label, to make sure no wheat or gluten ingredients have been added to the cheese. Otherwise, all cheeses, including shredded cheeses, should be gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease.