Does Kraft blue cheese have gluten?

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to food safety guidance, most blue cheese varieties are naturally gluten-free, with potential issues usually being trace amounts or cross-contamination. This provides context for those asking, "Does Kraft blue cheese have gluten?" The good news is that Kraft is known for being transparent with its allergen labeling, and its blue cheese products typically do not contain gluten ingredients.

Quick Summary

Most Kraft blue cheese products, such as the dressings and crumbles, are made without gluten-containing ingredients. The manufacturer has a clear labeling policy and these products are considered safe for most individuals on a gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease, assuming no cross-contact during preparation. Ingredient lists should always be checked for specific products.

Key Points

Clear Labeling: Kraft clearly lists any gluten-containing ingredients, making its labels a reliable source of information for consumers.
Ingredient-Based Gluten-Free Status: Most Kraft blue cheese products, including dressings and crumbles, do not list gluten-containing ingredients in their formulation.
Trace Amounts are Not a Concern: While traditional blue cheese mold cultivation could involve bread, the final gluten concentration is typically below the 20 ppm legal limit, making it safe for most individuals.
Cross-Contamination is a Minor Risk: For highly sensitive individuals, cross-contamination is a theoretical concern in shared facilities, but Kraft's practices are generally considered safe.
Always Check the Label: For any processed food, including Kraft blue cheese products, checking the ingredient list for wheat, barley, or rye is the best practice.

The Gluten-Free Status of Kraft Blue Cheese Products

Many consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity are careful about the products they buy, and blue cheese is a common point of concern due to traditional production methods. However, in the case of manufactured products like those from Kraft, the risk is significantly lower due to stringent labeling practices. Kraft clearly discloses all gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye on its labels.

Kraft Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

Based on ingredient lists for Kraft Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing, no gluten-containing ingredients are listed. The primary components include soybean oil, water, vinegar, blue cheese, and various spices and preservatives. The blue cheese itself is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. Some ingredients, like modified food starch, are listed, but in Kraft's case, if it were derived from a gluten source like wheat, it would be clearly noted. Therefore, this dressing is considered safe for a gluten-free diet.

Kraft Blue Cheese Crumbles

Kraft Natural Cheese offers blue cheese crumbles that are also formulated without gluten. The ingredient list for their crumbles typically includes blue cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes, Penicillium Roquefortii) and powdered cellulose to prevent caking. Powdered cellulose is derived from wood pulp and is naturally gluten-free. As with other Kraft products, no wheat or other gluten-containing grains are present in the list, making it a safe choice for most with gluten sensitivities.

Kraft Roka Blue Cheese Spread

The ingredient list for Kraft Roka Blue Cheese Spread includes cream cheese, water, blue cheese, whey protein, and other non-gluten thickeners and flavors. Again, without any wheat, barley, or rye explicitly listed, this product is considered gluten-free. For all Kraft products, if you have severe allergies, it is best practice to double-check the current packaging, as formulations can occasionally change.

Understanding the General Blue Cheese Gluten Concern

The hesitation surrounding blue cheese stems from traditional production methods. The blue-green veins in blue cheese are a type of mold, Penicillium, which historically was cultivated on grains like rye bread before being introduced to the cheese. This practice raised concerns about potential gluten contamination. However, modern production has largely evolved, with many cheesemakers, including some used by Kraft, growing the mold on gluten-free media or in controlled environments.

Furthermore, even in cases where mold cultures were grown on bread, the amount of gluten that would transfer to the final product is minimal. Testing has shown that most blue cheeses, even traditionally made ones, contain well below the 20 parts per million (ppm) threshold set by the FDA for a product to be labeled gluten-free. This consensus from health organizations like the National Celiac Association gives confidence that blue cheese is generally safe.

Checking Kraft Labels and Beyond

For those on a gluten-free diet, proper label-reading is the most important defense against accidental gluten exposure. With Kraft products, the process is straightforward due to their clear labeling policy. You should always look for the following:

Explicit Gluten Ingredients: Scan the ingredient list for common gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye, malt, or brewer's yeast.
"Modified Food Starch": While Kraft specifies the source if it's wheat (e.g., "modified food starch (wheat)"), in other brands, this additive could be a hidden source of gluten. Check for manufacturer clarification.
Gluten-Free Claims: While a "gluten-free" claim is not always present, its presence provides extra assurance. The absence of this claim does not automatically mean a product contains gluten, especially with a transparent manufacturer like Kraft.

Comparison of Kraft Blue Cheese Products


Product	Key Ingredients	Gluten Status	Potential Concern	Notes
Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing	Soybean Oil, Blue Cheese, Vinegar, Spices	Gluten-Free (by ingredients)	No explicit gluten ingredients.	Look for "modified cornstarch" or similar, which is gluten-free.
Blue Cheese Crumbles	Blue Cheese, Powdered Cellulose	Gluten-Free (by ingredients)	Caking agent is gluten-free cellulose.	The blue cheese culture used is also presumed gluten-free.
Roka Blue Cheese Spread	Cream Cheese, Blue Cheese, Whey Protein	Gluten-Free (by ingredients)	No explicit gluten ingredients.	Ideal for crackers (ensure they are GF).
Natural Blue Cheese Wedge/Block	Blue Cheese, Salt, Enzymes	Likely Gluten-Free	Traditional mold cultivation is possible.	Check the specific label for the product you buy, but generally safe.

A Note on Cross-Contamination and Shared Facilities

For individuals with a severe sensitivity or celiac disease, the risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment is a consideration. While Kraft maintains quality control, and testing often finds less than 20 ppm gluten in products like its blue cheese dressing, some highly sensitive individuals may wish to seek out products with explicit "Certified Gluten-Free" labels. It's always a personal choice based on risk tolerance. For the majority of gluten-free consumers, Kraft's clear labeling and standard practices provide a high level of safety.

Conclusion

In summary, based on ingredient analysis and company labeling policies, Kraft blue cheese products are considered safe for a gluten-free diet. The manufacturer is transparent with its labeling, and the general concern about blue cheese mold cultivated on gluten-containing media has been largely mitigated by modern production and low final gluten levels. Always make it a habit to check the ingredients list on the specific product you purchase. You can confidently enjoy Kraft blue cheese crumbles, dressings, and spreads as part of your gluten-free meal planning.

Gluten-Free Cheeses List

Cheddar
Swiss
Mozzarella
Feta
Goat Cheese
Cream Cheese
Brie

Potential Gluten Sources to Watch For

Shredded cheeses with added starches (check labels)
Beer cheese spreads
Flavored cheeses with mixed-in sauces or crackers
Processed cheese spreads from brands with unclear labeling

External Resource

For additional information on gluten-free foods and reading labels, consult the National Celiac Association: https://nationalceliac.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most blue cheese is considered gluten-free, containing less than the legal threshold of 20 parts per million of gluten, even if the mold was traditionally cultured on a gluten-containing grain. However, it's always best to check the specific product label or contact the manufacturer to be certain.

The concern arises because the mold (Penicillium) used to create the blue veins in the cheese was sometimes historically grown on a starter medium of wheat or rye bread. Modern production methods have largely moved away from this practice or ensure the final product is safe.

Kraft is known for clearly labeling gluten-containing ingredients. Look at the ingredient list on the package for explicit mentions of wheat, barley, rye, or oats. If these are not listed, the product is generally considered safe from gluten.

Based on the ingredient list, Kraft Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing is considered gluten-free and suitable for people with celiac disease. Always verify the current label, as formulations can be subject to change over time.

No, powdered cellulose is a common anti-caking agent derived from wood pulp, not grains, and is naturally gluten-free. It is a safe ingredient for those following a gluten-free diet.

While trace amounts of gluten could potentially be present due to shared manufacturing facilities, Kraft adheres to strict cleaning practices. The risk is considered very low for most consumers, but highly sensitive individuals should exercise personal discretion and always check product information.

In the United States, a product can be labeled "gluten-free" if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a standard established by the FDA.