Does Kraft Cheese Contain Gluten? What You Need to Know

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming gluten. For those with celiac or a gluten sensitivity, understanding if a product like Kraft cheese contains gluten is crucial for safety and health.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the gluten status of Kraft cheese products, explaining Kraft Heinz's labeling policy, potential risks like cross-contamination, and how to identify gluten-free options. It provides essential information for navigating Kraft's cheese selections safely.

Key Points

Label Transparency: Kraft Heinz explicitly labels ingredients containing major allergens like wheat, making it reliable for label reading.
Core Products are Safe: Many core Kraft products like American cheese slices, most shredded cheeses, and grated Parmesan do not contain gluten ingredients.
Be Mindful of Processed Items: Processed and shredded cheeses, while typically gluten-free, may use different anti-caking agents or flavorings, so always check the ingredient list.
Mac & Cheese is Different: The classic Kraft Macaroni and Cheese dinner contains wheat; look for their specific 'Gluten Free' version made with alternative pasta.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Individuals with high sensitivity to gluten should be aware of potential cross-contamination in shared facilities, though Kraft works to minimize this.

Is Kraft Cheese Gluten-Free?

While many natural cheeses are inherently gluten-free, the gluten status of Kraft's cheese products varies depending on the specific item and processing involved. The good news is that many of Kraft's core cheese products, such as their popular American cheese slices and shredded cheeses, are considered gluten-free. This is because Kraft has a transparent labeling policy, clearly listing any gluten-containing ingredients like wheat or modified food starch (wheat) on the packaging.

Kraft's Labeling and Ingredient Policies

Kraft Heinz, the parent company of Kraft cheese, adheres to strict labeling standards to ensure consumers can make informed choices. Their policy is to clearly disclose all gluten-containing ingredients. For example, if a modified food starch contains wheat, the allergen will be listed clearly in parentheses, such as 'modified food starch (wheat)'. Many of their products are also explicitly labeled as 'gluten-free'. This labeling provides a reliable way for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to check a product's safety. However, it's always recommended to read the most current ingredient list on the packaging, as formulations can occasionally change.

Breaking Down Specific Kraft Cheese Products

For many consumers, the question boils down to their favorite Kraft products. Here’s a detailed look at some common varieties:

Kraft Singles: These iconic processed cheese slices are generally considered gluten-free, with ingredients focused on milk and whey.
Kraft Shredded Cheese: Many varieties of shredded cheese use potato starch or cellulose powder as an anti-caking agent, not wheat flour. It is safe to assume these are gluten-free, but checking the ingredient list is still the best practice.
Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese: According to Kraft's official statement and third-party testing, their grated Parmesan cheese contains no gluten ingredients and is considered gluten-free.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese: The classic Kraft Macaroni and Cheese dinner is not gluten-free as it contains wheat pasta. However, Kraft does offer a specifically formulated 'Gluten Free Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner' that uses corn and brown rice pasta.
Velveeta: Most Velveeta products are also generally gluten-free, though reading the label for specific varieties is advised.

The Importance of Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Even if a Kraft cheese product's ingredients are gluten-free, there remains a potential risk of cross-contamination, especially for those with celiac disease. This can occur when products are manufactured in a shared facility with items that contain gluten. Kraft takes measures to prevent this, but the risk, however small, is not zero for all products. For products certified gluten-free, the risk is negligible as they meet the FDA's standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten. When dining out or cooking at home, consider how the cheese is being handled to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing foods.

Alternatives to Kraft for Severe Sensitivities

For those with severe celiac disease or a high sensitivity, choosing products with third-party gluten-free certification offers the highest level of assurance. Some alternative brands known for their gluten-free products include Sargento, Tillamook, and Cabot. In addition, grating your own cheese from a block is a surefire way to avoid any potential gluten-containing additives used in pre-shredded products.

Summary of Kraft Cheese Gluten Status


Kraft Cheese Product	Gluten Status	Important Notes
Kraft Singles	Gluten-Free	Dairy-based; no gluten ingredients. Check label for variations.
Kraft Shredded Cheeses	Generally Gluten-Free	Uses anti-caking agents like cellulose powder or potato starch. Check specific flavor labels.
Kraft Grated Parmesan	Gluten-Free	Officially stated as gluten-free by Kraft.
Kraft Mac & Cheese (Original)	Contains Gluten	Made with traditional wheat pasta.
Kraft Gluten Free Mac & Cheese	Gluten-Free	Uses corn and brown rice pasta. Specifically labeled.
Velveeta	Generally Gluten-Free	Processed cheese product. Check label for specific products and flavors.

Conclusion

For most individuals with gluten sensitivities, many of Kraft's cheese products are a safe option, including their popular slices, shredded varieties, and grated Parmesan. However, it is always crucial to read the ingredient list on the packaging to confirm. Individuals with severe celiac disease should be mindful of potential cross-contamination risks and may prefer products with official gluten-free certification or grate their own cheese. While the classic boxed macaroni and cheese contains gluten, Kraft offers a dedicated gluten-free version, ensuring cheese lovers can enjoy their products safely. When in doubt, the most reliable source of information is always the product label itself. For more information on celiac disease and a gluten-free diet, the Celiac Disease Foundation is an excellent resource [https://celiac.org/].

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Kraft American Singles are considered gluten-free. Their primary ingredients are dairy-based, and Kraft's labeling policy dictates that any potential gluten source would be clearly stated.

No, Kraft shredded cheeses typically use anti-caking agents like cellulose powder or potato starch, not wheat flour. It is always best to check the specific product label to be certain.

No, the classic Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is not gluten-free as it is made with wheat pasta. Kraft does, however, produce a dedicated gluten-free version using corn and rice pasta.

Kraft Heinz has a transparent labeling policy, and if a product contains a gluten-based ingredient, it will be clearly listed on the package. They also label many products as explicitly 'gluten-free'.

While Kraft implements measures to minimize cross-contamination, those with severe celiac disease may want to contact the company directly for specific product information. Products labeled 'gluten-free' meet the FDA's strict standards.

Yes, Kraft grated Parmesan cheese is considered safe for a gluten-free diet, as it does not contain any gluten ingredients.

For those with a high gluten sensitivity, always check the most recent product labels. You may also consider buying block cheese and grating it yourself to control all ingredients and avoid potential cross-contact.