Is Great Value Grated Parmesan and Romano Cheese Gluten-Free?

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Walmart's official product listing, yes, Great Value grated parmesan and Romano cheese is explicitly labeled gluten-free. While plain cheeses are naturally gluten-free, it is crucial to examine the labeling of grated varieties due to potential additives, and this product passes the check.

Quick Summary

This article confirms that Great Value grated parmesan and Romano cheese is labeled gluten-free, based on official product information. It discusses the importance of checking labels, potential cross-contamination concerns in shredded cheese products, and provides guidance for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. A comparison table highlights differences between grated and block cheese.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: Great Value Grated Parmesan and Romano Cheese is labeled gluten-free by Walmart, meeting FDA standards.
Naturally GF Cheese: The base cheeses, Parmesan and Romano, are naturally gluten-free; processing and additives are the main concern for grated varieties.
Check Anti-Caking Agents: The product contains powdered cellulose to prevent caking, which is typically gluten-free but should be noted by highly sensitive individuals.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The risk of cross-contamination is present in any processed food, though the gluten-free label suggests it's within safe limits (under 20 ppm) for most.
Homemade vs. Grated: Grating a block of cheese at home offers the highest level of gluten-free assurance, avoiding any potential additives or shared facility risks.
Labeling Evolves: While historical issues with Great Value labeling existed, current, more rigorous standards support the product's gluten-free claim.

The Short Answer: Yes, But Read the Label

For most consumers following a gluten-free diet, the Great Value Grated Parmesan and Romano cheese is a safe option. The official product page on Walmart's website and on secondary sites like Cooklist explicitly state that the product is gluten-free. This labeling indicates that it meets the FDA's standard of containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, for those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease, understanding the potential nuances of grated cheese products is important.

Understanding Grated Cheese Ingredients

Natural, un-processed cheeses like block Parmesan and Romano are inherently gluten-free, consisting only of milk, enzymes, cultures, and salt. The concern arises with pre-grated cheeses, which often contain anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. Powdered cellulose is a common anti-caking agent used for this purpose. While cellulose is typically derived from wood pulp or other plant sources and is gluten-free, it is a point of concern for some due to potential sourcing variations or processing.

What the Great Value Label Says

The ingredients for Great Value Grated Parmesan and Romano Cheese typically include:

Parmesan Cheese (Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Salt, Cheese Culture, Enzymes)
Romano Cheese made from Cow's Milk (Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Salt, Cheese Culture, Enzymes)
Powdered Cellulose (added to prevent caking)
Salt
Potassium Sorbate (preservative)

The product label explicitly confirms its gluten-free status, which is a strong indicator of its safety for a gluten-free diet. While older reports from 2010 on forums like Celiac.com mention Great Value products with conflicting 'gluten-free' and 'may contain wheat' labels, labeling standards and practices have evolved significantly since then. Current product information overrides these historical concerns, but it does serve as a reminder of the vigilance required for processed goods.

Cross-Contamination and Manufacturing Practices

The risk of cross-contamination in facilities that also process gluten-containing products is a valid concern for individuals with celiac disease. The FDA's 20 ppm standard for 'gluten-free' is designed to be safe for most people with celiac disease, but individual sensitivities vary. For those with extremely high sensitivity, the only way to be 100% certain is to seek out certified products (with a third-party seal) or to buy block cheese and grate it at home. The explicit 'gluten-free' label on the Great Value product, alongside the absence of any 'may contain wheat' warning in recent product details, suggests a low risk for most consumers, particularly since Walmart has a certified gluten-free line of products.

Comparison Table: Grated vs. Block Cheese


Feature	Great Value Grated Parmesan and Romano	Block Parmesan or Romano (Whole Foods 365 or similar)
Gluten-Free Status	Explicitly labeled gluten-free.	Naturally gluten-free if no additives are used.
Ingredients	Includes powdered cellulose and potassium sorbate.	Pure cheese (milk, salt, enzymes). No additives.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Lower due to explicit GF label, but not zero if processed in a shared facility.	Minimal, if handled and grated at home with clean equipment.
Convenience	High. Ready to sprinkle from the container.	Low. Requires a grater and more prep time.
Flavor/Texture	Consistent, but with a different texture and flavor profile due to processing and additives.	Fresher, more pungent flavor, and superior texture.
Cost	Generally more affordable per ounce than quality block cheese.	Higher initial cost, but can offer better value for flavor.

Tips for Buying Gluten-Free Cheese

Read the label: Always double-check the ingredient list and allergen warnings. Products change, and what was safe before might not be today.
Look for certification: If you are highly sensitive, seek out products with a third-party gluten-free certification seal for added assurance.
Be cautious with deli cheese: When buying sliced cheese at the deli counter, always request a clean surface and new gloves to prevent cross-contamination from other deli items.
Consider grating your own: Buying a block of natural cheese and grating it yourself is the safest bet for ensuring no additives or cross-contamination. This is especially true for hard cheeses like Parmesan and Romano.
Stay updated: Follow reliable resources like Celiac.com and Beyond Celiac for the latest information on products and labeling standards.

Conclusion

Yes, Great Value grated parmesan and Romano cheese is gluten-free, according to its official labeling. This makes it a suitable and convenient option for most individuals managing a gluten-free diet. However, those with severe sensitivities should always read the ingredient list to understand the presence of anti-caking agents like powdered cellulose and consider the risk of cross-contamination in processed products. For absolute certainty, grating a block of cheese at home remains the most secure method. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can confidently include this cheese in your gluten-free meal planning.

Beyond Celiac has an excellent guide on which cheeses are safe for a gluten-free diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, powdered cellulose used in grated cheeses is almost always gluten-free. It is typically derived from wood pulp or other plant-based sources and is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent the cheese shreds from sticking together.

No, under FDA regulations, a 'gluten-free' label means the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This is a very low amount considered safe for most people with celiac disease, but it does not guarantee absolute zero gluten.

No. While Great Value offers many explicitly labeled gluten-free items, not all products are safe. You must check the label on each specific product you purchase, as some may contain gluten ingredients or have cross-contamination warnings.

For individuals with severe celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, grating your own block of cheese is the safest option. It eliminates any concerns about anti-caking agents or potential cross-contamination that can occur in processing facilities.

Naturally gluten-free cheese, like a block of Parmesan, contains no gluten ingredients from its basic makeup. A labeled 'gluten-free' cheese, such as a grated product, has undergone processing and testing to ensure its final gluten content is below the FDA's 20 ppm threshold.

Yes, cross-contamination is a risk with any processed food, especially if manufactured in a shared facility. While the 'gluten-free' label indicates compliance with safety standards, strict celiac individuals may still choose to take extra precautions.

Yes, Walmart carries other brands known for their gluten-free cheese products. These include Sargento and BelGioioso, among others, that produce natural, gluten-free cheeses.