Is BelGioioso Ricotta Cheese Gluten-Free? Your Guide to Safe Dairy

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the BelGioioso website, all of their cheeses are naturally gluten-free. This means that BelGioioso ricotta cheese is gluten-free and a safe choice for those following a celiac or gluten-sensitive diet. Understanding what makes it safe, and what to watch out for with other brands, is crucial for maintaining a strict gluten-free lifestyle.

Quick Summary

BelGioioso ricotta is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat, rye, or barley. This makes it a safe option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as confirmed by the company's official statements.

Key Points

Naturally Gluten-Free: BelGioioso ricotta cheese is naturally gluten-free because it is made from milk, whey, vinegar, and salt, with no gluten-containing grains.
Company Confirmed: The BelGioioso company officially confirms on its website that all of its cheeses, including ricotta, are gluten-free.
No Additives: BelGioioso ricotta does not contain added gums, fillers, or preservatives, reducing the risk of hidden gluten.
Watch for Cross-Contamination: While the cheese itself is safe, always be mindful of potential cross-contamination with other gluten-containing products in your kitchen.
Widespread Safety: This gluten-free status applies to the entire range of BelGioioso cheeses, not just ricotta.
Read Labels: Always check product labels, especially for processed or flavored cheeses from other brands, as they might contain gluten additives.

Yes, BelGioioso Ricotta is Naturally Gluten-Free

For those on a gluten-free diet, the good news is that BelGioioso ricotta cheese is a safe and delicious option. The company explicitly states on its website that all of its cheeses are naturally gluten-free. This is because the core ingredients used to create this fresh cheese contain no gluten-bearing grains.

Traditional ricotta cheese is made from simple ingredients: whey, milk, vinegar, and salt. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Since none of these grains are part of the recipe, the cheese is inherently gluten-free. BelGioioso prides itself on using natural, high-quality ingredients with no added gums or fillers that might otherwise introduce gluten. This commitment to simple, clean ingredients provides reassurance for consumers who must avoid gluten due to Celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

The Importance of Brand Transparency

When navigating the world of gluten-free eating, especially with processed foods, brand transparency is key. BelGioioso's clear and public communication about the gluten-free status of their products is a significant advantage. This allows consumers to purchase their ricotta and other cheese varieties with confidence, knowing the company has confirmed their products' safety.

Potential Pitfalls in Dairy: Why You Still Need to Check Labels

While BelGioioso ricotta is confirmed to be gluten-free, it is a critical practice for individuals with celiac disease to be vigilant with all food products. Dairy, particularly processed or flavored varieties, can sometimes contain hidden sources of gluten. Here's what to look for:

Additives and Thickeners: Some cheaper or processed ricotta cheeses might include thickeners or stabilizers, which could contain gluten. While BelGioioso avoids these, it's wise to check labels of other brands.
Flavorings: Flavored cheeses or cheese spreads might incorporate gluten-containing ingredients, such as malt extract or certain spice blends.
Cross-Contamination: Even if a product's ingredients are gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment in a manufacturing facility is a major concern. Reputable companies like BelGioioso have protocols to prevent this, but it's not always guaranteed with every brand.

Understanding Cross-Contamination in the Kitchen

To ensure complete safety, preventing cross-contamination in your own kitchen is equally important. This includes separating utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces. A gluten-free friendly kitchen should have protocols in place to avoid transferring gluten from other foods to safe ones.

Best practices for a gluten-free kitchen:

Use separate, clearly marked cutting boards for gluten-free and gluten-containing foods.
Have dedicated utensils, such as toasters, colanders, and wooden spoons, for gluten-free cooking.
Clean all surfaces thoroughly with hot, soapy water before preparing gluten-free meals.
Store gluten-free flour and other ingredients in tightly sealed containers to prevent airborne contamination.

Comparison: BelGioioso vs. Other Ricotta Brands

To highlight why BelGioioso is a trusted choice, here is a comparison of key factors.


Feature	BelGioioso Ricotta	Other Brands (May Vary)
Gluten-Free Status	Explicitly confirmed by company; naturally gluten-free ingredients.	Requires label check; some may use thickeners or additives.
Added Gums/Fillers	No added gums, fillers, or sugars.	Potentially contain gums like guar or xanthan, or other fillers.
Ingredients	Simple, natural: whey, milk, vinegar, salt.	Can include complex additives or preservatives.
Cross-Contamination Control	Reputable brand with clear gluten-free policy.	Policies may vary; some may have shared facilities.

BelGioioso's Broader Gluten-Free Promise

BelGioioso's commitment to providing gluten-free products extends beyond its ricotta cheese. Their website states that all of their cheese varieties are naturally gluten-free. This includes other popular items like fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gorgonzola. This means that individuals with celiac disease can confidently purchase and enjoy a wide range of BelGioioso cheeses without worry.

For additional support and resources regarding celiac disease and gluten-free living, you can visit the official website of Beyond Celiac.

Conclusion: A Safe and Delicious Choice

In summary, BelGioioso ricotta cheese is a reliable and safe choice for those on a gluten-free diet. The company's transparent labeling and commitment to using simple, natural ingredients ensure its ricotta is naturally free of gluten. While you can enjoy BelGioioso's products with confidence, always remember to read labels for other brands and maintain diligent cross-contamination prevention practices in your kitchen. This ensures a healthy and safe eating experience every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

BelGioioso states that all of its cheeses are naturally gluten-free. While they don't explicitly mention third-party certification for ricotta on their website, the company’s clear policy and simple ingredients make it a safe choice for gluten-free diets.

Most plain, natural ricotta cheeses are naturally gluten-free. However, some processed or flavored varieties from other brands may contain additives, starches, or thickeners that could be derived from gluten-containing grains. Always check the ingredient label to be sure.

When checking cheese ingredients, specifically look for wheat, barley, rye, malt, or unspecified "modified food starch." These are common hidden sources of gluten in processed dairy products.

Yes, BelGioioso ricotta is an excellent ingredient for gluten-free recipes. It can be used safely in dishes like lasagna, cheesecakes, and various pasta fillings, as long as the other ingredients in the recipe are also gluten-free.

The primary risk comes from processing. While milk and whey are naturally gluten-free, additives, flavorings, or shared equipment during manufacturing can introduce gluten through cross-contamination.

BelGioioso maintains strict quality standards and explicitly states its products are naturally gluten-free. While not always mentioned publicly, reputable brands implement strong protocols to prevent cross-contamination, which is essential for sensitive consumers.

To prevent cross-contamination, use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces for gluten-free foods. Keep your gluten-free ingredients stored separately and clean preparation areas thoroughly.