Finding the Best Gluten-Free Cheese: A Comprehensive Guide

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, requiring them to completely eliminate gluten from their diet. For those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, navigating the world of dairy requires careful label reading to find the best gluten-free cheese options and avoid hidden risks.

Quick Summary

Choose safe gluten-free cheese by understanding which natural varieties are typically safe and which processed types to avoid. This guide explains how to read labels for additives, recognize cross-contamination risks, and identifies certified brands.

Key Points

Check for Labels: Always look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, especially on processed items, for guaranteed safety.
Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese: Anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can contain gluten; choose block cheese and shred it yourself to be safe.
Mind Deli Counter Contamination: Ask deli staff to use a clean slicer and fresh gloves to prevent gluten transfer from other items.
Read Ingredient Lists Closely: Watch for hidden gluten sources like modified food starch or added flavorings in processed cheese spreads and dips.
Blue Cheese is Generally Safe: Most modern blue cheese has minimal gluten risk, but sensitive individuals should confirm with the brand or check for certification.
Opt for Natural, Unprocessed Blocks: Whole blocks of natural cheese like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone are the safest choice for a gluten-free diet.

Is Cheese Inherently Gluten-Free?

Natural, unadulterated cheese is inherently gluten-free. The primary ingredients—milk, salt, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria—do not contain gluten. However, the dairy aisle can be deceptive for those on a strict gluten-free diet, as gluten can be introduced during processing, through additives, or due to cross-contamination.

The Hidden Risks in Processed Cheeses

Gluten is often present in processed and flavored cheese products, where it serves as a stabilizer, thickener, or anti-caking agent. These products pose the highest risk of gluten exposure. Examples include:

Pre-shredded cheese: Often contains anti-caking agents like powdered cellulose or starches, which may be wheat-derived.
Cheese spreads and dips: Thickening agents used to create a smooth texture can contain gluten.
Flavored cheese: Added seasonings or other mix-ins, such as crackers, may contain gluten.
Beer cheese: As many beers contain gluten, any cheese made with beer is a potential hazard.

Cross-Contamination at the Deli Counter

Even if a block of cheese is naturally gluten-free, it can be contaminated by shared equipment at a deli. If the same slicer is used for cheese and gluten-containing deli meats or sandwiches, traces of gluten can transfer. For safety, it is recommended to buy pre-packaged, labeled cheese or request that the deli use a thoroughly cleaned slicer and fresh gloves.

Top Gluten-Free Cheese Options for Every Need

Fortunately, a wide variety of natural cheeses are safe for those avoiding gluten. The best choice depends on your culinary purpose.

Best for Melting and Cooking

Cheddar: A versatile and classic melting cheese, widely available in block form. Look for natural block cheddar from reputable brands.
Mozzarella: Perfect for pizzas, lasagna, and other Italian dishes. Fresh mozzarella is almost always gluten-free.
Provolone: Offers a mild, smoky flavor and melts beautifully in sandwiches and baked dishes.
Swiss: Known for its distinctive flavor and excellent melting properties.

Best for Cheese Boards and Entertaining

Brie: This soft, creamy cheese is typically gluten-free and pairs well with fruits and nuts.
Gouda: A versatile cheese that ranges from creamy and mild to hard and sharp.
Goat Cheese (Chevre): Tangy and fresh, goat cheese is a safe and delicious option.
Parmesan: This hard, salty cheese is an excellent choice for grating over pasta or as part of a cheese board.

Best for Salads and Crumbles

Feta: A brined curd cheese with a tangy, salty flavor that crumbles perfectly over salads.
Goat Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy texture and sharp taste to fresh greens.

Understanding Blue Cheese

Blue cheese, with its characteristic mold, has historically caused concern because the mold spores were sometimes grown on gluten-containing bread. However, modern practices have largely mitigated this risk, and most blue cheeses contain less than the 20 parts per million of gluten considered safe for celiacs. Nevertheless, the most sensitive individuals should opt for a brand that explicitly verifies its gluten-free status.

Comparison of Cheese Types


Type of Cheese	Gluten Risk	Primary Concern	How to Stay Safe
Natural Block Cheese	Low	Cross-contamination at deli	Buy pre-packaged or ask for a clean slicer
Pre-shredded Cheese	High	Anti-caking agents	Grate block cheese yourself
Processed Slices/Spreads	High	Additives, thickeners	Read labels carefully, check for certification
Flavored Cheeses	High	Gluten in flavorings/mix-ins	Only choose if certified gluten-free
Blue Cheese	Low to Moderate	Mold culture source	Confirm with brand or choose certified GF

How to Ensure Your Cheese is Safely Gluten-Free

Look for 'Certified Gluten-Free': This is the surest way to ensure a product is safe, as it means it meets strict standards for gluten content.
Read the Ingredients List: Scan the label for any wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives. Be on the lookout for hidden sources like modified food starch (unless specified as corn or potato) or hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Choose Reputable Brands: Opt for brands known for their gluten-free products, such as BelGioioso, Cabot Creamery, and Boar's Head, many of which confirm their products' status on their websites.
Ask Questions at the Deli: If purchasing from a deli counter, politely ask the staff to change their gloves and use a clean slicer to prevent cross-contamination from other products.
Opt for Whole, Unprocessed Cheese: The less processed the cheese, the lower the risk of hidden gluten. Solid blocks of natural cheese are generally the safest bet.

Conclusion: Enjoying a Safe, Cheesy Diet

While many people mistakenly assume all cheese is safe for a gluten-free diet, being a discerning consumer is essential. The best gluten-free cheese is almost always a minimally processed, natural block of cheese like cheddar, parmesan, or fresh mozzarella. By carefully reading labels, being mindful of cross-contamination risks, and choosing reputable brands, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious, safe cheeses without worry. For more information on celiac disease and a gluten-free lifestyle, consider resources like the National Celiac Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most natural, unflavored cheese is inherently gluten-free. It's the processing, additives, or flavorings in some varieties that can introduce gluten, so you must always check the label.

Yes, many pre-shredded cheeses use starches as anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. These starches can sometimes contain gluten, so it is safest to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself.

Generally, yes. While the mold was once grown on gluten-containing bread, modern testing has shown most varieties contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. However, sensitive individuals should still check labels or opt for certified brands.

To prevent cross-contamination from shared slicers or utensils, ask the deli staff to clean the slicer and change their gloves before handling your cheese. This is a simple but critical step for safety.

Many cheese spreads and dips are not gluten-free, as they often contain additives and thickeners that may be wheat-derived. It is crucial to carefully read the ingredient list before consumption.

The safest option is typically a solid block of natural, unprocessed cheese. This minimizes the risk of hidden gluten from additives or anti-caking agents found in shredded or flavored varieties.

Several brands, including BelGioioso, Cabot Creamery, and Boar's Head, offer many or all products as certified gluten-free. It is always wise to confirm on the brand's website for specific product lines.

They are distinct conditions. However, untreated celiac disease can cause temporary lactose intolerance because of damage to the small intestine. Once a gluten-free diet is followed and the gut heals, the ability to digest lactose often returns.