In this guide on “Cream cheese gluten-free” I will be answering the question, “Is cream cheese gluten-free?”
So, I will strongly suggest that you read through to find out more about whether cream cheese is gluten-free or not.
Cream cheese is a well-rounded kitchen staple. It is both a condiment and an ingredient.
It is excellent in tasty recipes and sweet bakes. And I will also be talking about the popular brand of Philadelphia cream cheese to see if it is actually gluten-free.
In addition, I will look into other related topics related to cream cheese gluten-free. So, let’s dive in.
What Is Cream Cheese?
There are several brands of cream cheese in the United States, both regular and dairy-free.
As previously stated, Philadelphia cream cheese is one of the most popular brands, although several others exist.
The history of cream cheese is quite fun. Cream cheese was first produced by accident, which is the same case with most of the truly great inventions.
A cheesemaker was trying to make the European cheese Neufchâtel.
They added a little bit too much cream by accident and created what we now refer to as cream cheese.
It was certainly a tasty mistake that really paid off. The spreadable, tender cheese is made with milk and cream.
You will find that the cheese spread has a mild taste, a fine tang, and a smooth texture.
You can use cream cheese in several recipes, from delicious dishes to sweet ones.
Brands like Philadelphia have started to make flavored cream cheese as cream cheese continues to gain popularity.
And another way to use cream cheese is in cream cheese frosting.
Is Cream Cheese Gluten-Free?
The FDA is very strict about what can and can’t be regarded as cream cheese, and the ingredients are normally cream, cultures, milk, and a few other ingredients to make it more solid.
Even though almost every brand is gluten-free. Some of them are not permitted to use the term “gluten-free” on their labels due to possible cross-contamination.
So, it is very essential that you check a company’s website, contact its customer service team, or just go for clearly labeled gluten-free products, particularly if you suffer from celiac disease.
Cheese with Gluten
Normally, plain, full-fat cheeses with no flavorings or extra ingredients are gluten-free.
Note that processed cheese and cheeses labeled as low-fat, low-salt, or fat-free might have gluten.
Cheese might also contain gluten if it contains any type of additive, like wheat starch or modified food starch.
The ingredients in different brands of queso, ricotta cheese, American cheese, and cottage cheese differ.
Some of these are gluten-containing, and others are gluten-free.
Double-check the type of vinegar used if vinegar is listed as an ingredient, given the fact that malt vinegar is gluten-containing.
Normally, full-fat cream cheese is gluten-free, inasmuch as it is not packaged with pretzels, cheese straws, crackers, or other wheat products.
Also, make sure you double-check the ingredient list on cream cheese that is labeled fat-free or low-fat.
It is best that you look at the labels of any processed cheese as well as cheese products. Some contain gluten, and others don’t.
Double-Check The Ingredient Label On:
- Cottage cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Spray can cheese
- Cheese sauce
- Cheese spreads
- Processed American cheese
- Queso cheese
- Breaded mozzarella sticks
- String cheese
- Dairy-free cheese
- Blue cheese with mold cultures grown from malt, rye, or wheat
- Cheesecake, cheese Danish, and other baked or freezer-type baked goods containing cheese
- Powdered cheese
You can actually find out about gluten by reading the label on cheese and cheese products.
However, even so, it is quite essential that you know what terms you are looking for.
Most times, gluten is added as a thickener or stabilizer to cheese products in order to extend the shelf life or keep the ingredients from separating.
Ingredients That Might Represent A Hidden Source Of Gluten On A Label Include:
- Artificial color
- Artificial flavor
- Natural color
- Natural flavor
- Wheat, such as hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Malts, such as malt vinegar or malt extract
- Powdered cellulose
- Food starch or modified food starch
- Maltodextrin
- Vegetable gum
- Thickeners
- Spice mix
- Fillers
- Emulsifiers
Does Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Taste Different?
Gluten-free cream cheese does not taste any different due to the fact that it is already naturally gluten-free.
As a matter of fact, it is very likely that you’ve eaten gluten-free cream cheese most of your life, and all of them make an amazing blackberry cream cheese pie.
When Is Cream Cheese Not Gluten-Free?
All that being said, if you are strictly on a gluten-free diet, there are still times that need to be considered.
Cream cheese, whether in brick form or in a tub, should not be shared with foods that contain gluten.
Cream cheese is no longer safe for consumption for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease if it comes into contact with foods that contain gluten.
This is possible if you spread cream cheese on a bagel and then dip the knife back into the cream cheese, which then introduces the crumbs.
This can also happen if you dip crackers or pretzels directly into the cream cheese at home or at a party.
In general, spreads are shared across several items in restaurants, so the cream cheese there might very well have crumbs as well.
What You Should Do
- Make sure you ask for cream cheese in a new container at restaurants and cafes.
- Ensure that you keep your own container of cream cheese labeled “gluten-free” and use it only for foods that are gluten-free.
- Also, ask for your help first at parties, and do not go back for seconds.
Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Brands
You actually don’t need to buy only Philadelphia cream cheese, given the fact that most cream cheese brands are gluten-free.
Some brands state allergens or have a gluten-free label, but a lot do not, given the fact that it is not a food that commonly contains gluten.
It is important that you check the ingredient list, as the ingredients might change over time.
Below is a list of gluten-free cream cheese brands that you might enjoy, including vegan cream cheese.
- Kite Hill Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
- Tofutti Vegan Cream Cheese
- Prairie Farms Original Cream Cheese
- Great Value Cream Cheese
- Daiya Foods Plant-Based Cream Cheese
- Crystal Farms Original Cream Cheese
- Organic Valley Cream Cheese
- Happy Farms Original Cream Cheese
- Lucerne Cream Cheese
Final Thoughts on Cream Cheese Gluten Free
For people who do not eat gluten, Philadelphia cream cheese and several other types of cream cheese are gluten-free and safe for consumption.
However, keep in mind to always check the labels and ingredient lists, particularly for flavored cream cheese products.
It will be quite helpful to purchase cheese and cheese products that are labeled as being made in gluten-free factories.
Now, this is the wrap-up of this guide on “Cream cheese gluten-free” and it is quite clear that cream cheese is naturally gluten-free.
