Are Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts gluten-free? A Detailed Look for Safe Snacking

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, and many more are gluten sensitive, making label-reading crucial. For those with dietary restrictions, a common question arises: Are Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts gluten-free? The short answer is yes, the pre-packaged cheese is free of gluten ingredients.

Quick Summary

Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts are naturally gluten-free cheese products. However, due to cross-contamination concerns, those with celiac disease must read all product labels and be aware of other branded offerings.

Key Points

Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts are Gluten-Free: The pre-packaged cheese products do not contain gluten ingredients.
Distinguish Between Products and Restaurant: The packaged cheese is safe, but the Cracker Barrel restaurant is not considered safe for those with celiac disease due to cross-contamination risks.
Read All Labels: Always check ingredient lists, even on flavored cheese varieties, to ensure they are free of gluten-containing additives.
Pair with Safe Crackers: Many excellent gluten-free cracker options exist to pair with the cheese for a completely safe snack.
Celiac Disease Requires Caution: Individuals with celiac disease should be especially vigilant about avoiding the restaurant and checking labels on all branded items, including boxed mixes.
Know the Ingredients: The ingredients for pure Cracker Barrel cheese are naturally gluten-free milk, culture, salt, and enzymes.

Understanding What Makes Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts Gluten-Free

For many on a gluten-free diet, cheese is a staple food. Pure, natural cheese, like the kind found in Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts, is inherently gluten-free. The basic ingredients for these cheese products are milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and sometimes annatto for color. These are all naturally gluten-free ingredients. Reputable sources, including the ingredient lists on the official Cracker Barrel Cheese website and dietary profile apps, confirm that these specific cheese products do not contain any gluten.

The Critical Distinction: Packaged Cheese vs. The Restaurant

This is perhaps the most important point for anyone with a serious gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. The company that produces the pre-packaged Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts (Kraft Heinz) is separate from the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant chain. While the packaged cheese is a safe choice, the restaurant is a very different story.

The Cracker Barrel restaurant chain has explicitly stated that they cannot guarantee that any of their menu items are completely free of allergens due to shared preparation and cooking areas. Their menu contains many items with gluten, including their famous biscuits and macaroni and cheese. For highly sensitive individuals, this risk of cross-contact makes dining at the restaurant unsafe. Therefore, when considering a product with the 'Cracker Barrel' name, it is crucial to distinguish between the grocery store item and the restaurant menu offering.

Why Processed Cheese Requires Caution

While most natural cheeses are gluten-free, not all dairy products are created equal. Some processed cheeses and cheese products may include additives or thickeners that contain gluten. For example, the Cracker Barrel brand's boxed macaroni and cheese product contains enriched macaroni, which is made from wheat flour and is not gluten-free. This highlights the importance of always checking the ingredient label, even if a brand is generally associated with safe products.

Safely Enjoying Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts on a Gluten-Free Diet

For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, enjoying Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts safely requires minimal effort. Here’s a simple guide:

Read the Label: Always double-check the ingredient list on the specific product you are purchasing. The list for the pure cheese cracker cuts is short and safe.
Beware of Flavored Varieties: Be wary of varieties that are flavored or have added ingredients, as these can sometimes contain hidden sources of gluten.
Pair with Gluten-Free Crackers: To ensure a completely gluten-free snack, pair the cheese with certified gluten-free crackers. Many excellent options are available, such as rice-based crackers, seed crackers, or almond flour crackers.
Store Separately: In a household with mixed diets, it's wise to store gluten-free products separately to prevent cross-contact in the pantry or refrigerator.
Avoid the Restaurant: For sensitive individuals, avoid consuming any food from the Cracker Barrel restaurant to prevent accidental exposure to gluten.

Comparison: Cracker Barrel Cheese vs. Restaurant


Aspect	Packaged Cracker Cuts (Grocery Store)	Cracker Barrel Restaurant
Gluten Status	Ingredients are naturally gluten-free.	Many menu items contain gluten, high risk of cross-contamination.
Safety for Celiacs	Safe, assuming no cross-contamination occurred post-purchase.	Not safe due to shared kitchen space and common fryer oil.
Verification	Verified by checking the ingredient list on the packaging.	Company explicitly states they cannot guarantee allergen-free items.
Product Scope	Specific cheese products like blocks, slices, and cracker cuts.	A wide menu of comfort food, including biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and fried items.

Great Gluten-Free Cracker Pairings for Your Cracker Cuts

Nut Thins: Made with almond flour, these are sturdy and have a mild flavor that pairs well with most cheeses.
Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers: A certified gluten-free brand offering a satisfying crunch from whole grains and seeds.
Mary's Gone Crackers: Known for their wholesome, seeded varieties that offer an earthy flavor and hearty texture.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers: These crackers come in various flavors and are made with a simple list of ingredients.
Schar Gluten-Free Table Crackers: A flaky, saltine-like option that is perfect for a classic cheese and cracker experience.

Conclusion

For those on a gluten-free diet, the Cracker Barrel brand can be confusing due to its two distinct entities: the packaged cheese products sold in grocery stores and the restaurant chain. While the Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts and other pure cheese products are naturally gluten-free and safe for consumption, the restaurant poses a significant risk of cross-contamination and is not recommended for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. By understanding this key distinction and always reading labels, you can confidently enjoy Cracker Barrel cheese as part of a safe, gluten-free diet. The availability of numerous excellent gluten-free cracker options means you don’t have to miss out on the classic cheese and cracker snack.

For more information on living a gluten-free lifestyle, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all products carrying the Cracker Barrel brand are gluten-free. For example, their macaroni and cheese dinner contains enriched macaroni made from wheat flour and is not gluten-free.

No, the Cracker Barrel restaurant is not considered safe for individuals with celiac disease. The company issues a disclaimer about shared kitchen spaces and high cross-contamination risk.

The ingredients typically include pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, and occasionally annatto (for color), none of which contain gluten.

Yes, some processed cheeses and cheese products, particularly flavored varieties or those with additives, can contain gluten. It is always important to read the label carefully.

To avoid cross-contamination, use certified gluten-free crackers and ensure they are not prepared in the same area or with the same utensils used for any gluten-containing items.

Yes, just like the Cracker Cuts, other pure cheese products from the Cracker Barrel brand, such as the blocks and shredded cheese, are also made from naturally gluten-free ingredients.

While the cheese products may not be officially certified 'gluten-free,' you should look for specific gluten-free certified labels on any crackers or other accompaniments you choose.

The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list for any gluten-containing items like wheat, barley, or rye. For packaged goods, look for a 'gluten-free' certification seal. For complex products or restaurant food, confirm with the manufacturer or staff.