Is Great Value Mozzarella Cheese Gluten-Free? What the Label Says

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Walmart's website, many Great Value mozzarella cheese products are explicitly labeled as "gluten-free". However, navigating the world of processed foods can be tricky for those avoiding gluten, especially when dealing with additives in shredded varieties.

Quick Summary

Great Value's mozzarella cheese is available in block, shredded, and sliced forms, with many stating they are gluten-free directly on the packaging. Shoppers should always read the ingredient list carefully, as additives like anti-caking agents in shredded varieties can sometimes be a source of confusion, though they are typically gluten-free. The best practice is to check the most current product label to ensure suitability for a gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Check the Label: Many Great Value mozzarella products, including block and shredded versions, are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.
Understand Shredded Cheese Additives: Shredded Great Value mozzarella contains anti-caking agents like potato starch, which are naturally gluten-free, to prevent clumping.
Know the Risks: While block mozzarella has fewer ingredients and less risk, always be mindful of cross-contamination possibilities in manufacturing for processed products.
Trust the FDA: Due to FDA regulations, if a product contains wheat, it must be clearly listed in the allergen statement.
Consider Alternatives: For maximum certainty, buy a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself to avoid all additives.
Make Label-Reading a Habit: Product ingredients can change over time, so consistently checking the most current packaging is vital for safety.

Great Value Mozzarella: Labeling and Product Variations

When asking "Is Great Value mozzarella cheese gluten-free?", the most important step is to examine the specific product's packaging. The Great Value brand offers mozzarella in several formats, and while many are labeled gluten-free, the ingredients for shredded and block cheese differ slightly. Whole and part-skim mozzarella blocks, for instance, typically contain only simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients like pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes.

The Difference: Shredded vs. Block Cheese

Shredded cheese, including Great Value's, contains an additional ingredient: an anti-caking blend. This is used to prevent the shreds from clumping together. In Great Value's shredded mozzarella, this blend often includes potato starch, tapioca starch, and natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor). These ingredients are all naturally gluten-free. For those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities, this is an important distinction. The good news is that reputable manufacturers, including Walmart, typically ensure these additives are gluten-free.

List of naturally gluten-free cheese ingredients to look for:

Pasteurized Milk
Cheese Culture
Salt
Enzymes
Potato Starch (in shredded cheese)
Tapioca Starch (in shredded cheese)
Natamycin (in shredded cheese)

Understanding Certifications and Cross-Contamination

While many Great Value products display a "Gluten-Free" claim on the packaging, most do not carry a third-party certification symbol. For many people with mild gluten sensitivity, this may be sufficient. However, individuals with celiac disease or severe allergies may want to take extra precautions. Natural cheese is inherently gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur in manufacturing facilities. In general, the risk of gluten contamination in large-scale dairy processing plants is considered low, especially for products with a specific "gluten-free" claim. For maximum safety, contacting the manufacturer or choosing a certified product is always the most cautious approach.

Comparison: Great Value Mozzarella vs. Other Common Cheeses


Feature	Great Value Mozzarella (Shredded)	Great Value Mozzarella (Block)	Typical Cottage Cheese	Typical Blue Cheese
Naturally Gluten-Free?	Yes, but check label for additives.	Yes, in its purest form.	Usually, but check label for starches.	Can be, but check source of mold culture.
Additives?	Yes, typically anti-caking agents like potato/tapioca starch.	No, typically just milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes.	Some brands use starches or flavorings.	Mold culture sometimes grown on wheat/rye bread.
Labeling	Explicitly labeled "gluten-free" on many products.	Explicitly labeled "gluten-free" on many products.	Varies by brand. Read carefully.	Read label carefully; potential bread mold source.
Recommendation for Celiacs	Generally safe, but verify label and ingredients.	Very safe; minimal ingredients and processing.	Needs careful label checking due to starches.	Cautious approach; inquire about mold culture source.

How to Verify Gluten-Free Status

For those needing to be absolutely certain, here's a step-by-step process:

Read the Packaging: The most direct answer will be the presence of a "gluten-free" statement on the front or back of the package.
Inspect the Ingredient List: Look for red flags. Wheat is a major allergen in the US and must be declared. Check for any starches or stabilizers, but remember that additives like potato or tapioca starch are gluten-free.
Check the Allergen Statement: The "Contains" statement must legally declare wheat if it is present.
Consider Third-Party Apps: Use apps like Spokin or Fig to scan barcodes and get more information on specific products.
Contact the Manufacturer: For the highest level of certainty, contact Walmart or the producing facility directly to ask about shared equipment and cross-contamination protocols.

Conclusion

So, is Great Value mozzarella cheese gluten-free? For the vast majority of products and consumers, yes. Most Great Value block and shredded mozzarella products are labeled gluten-free, and their ingredients lists support this claim. The potential for gluten lies primarily in additives found in shredded cheeses, though these are typically harmless potato or tapioca starches. The safest approach for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease is to always verify the label, especially for processed or shredded cheese products, rather than making assumptions. By following these simple steps, you can confidently enjoy Great Value mozzarella as part of a safe, gluten-free diet.

Beyond Celiac provides an extensive list of cheeses that are typically gluten-free, confirming that mozzarella is generally safe.

Gluten-Free Alternatives and Other Considerations

If you prefer to avoid all additives and potential cross-contamination risks, buying a block of Great Value mozzarella and shredding it yourself is a simple solution. This minimizes ingredients to the basic components of cheese. For those exploring other options, many natural, block-form cheeses, including cheddar and parmesan, are also naturally gluten-free and can be used in similar dishes. When shopping, remember that product formulas can change, so making label-reading a consistent habit is a best practice for managing a gluten-free lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many Great Value shredded mozzarella products are explicitly labeled as gluten-free on the packaging. The anti-caking agents used, such as potato and tapioca starch, are not derived from gluten-containing grains.

No, Great Value's block mozzarella cheese is naturally gluten-free. It is made with simple, dairy-based ingredients that do not contain gluten.

While Great Value labels many cheeses as gluten-free, implying precautions are taken, the potential for cross-contamination always exists in a facility handling other products. Consumers with severe sensitivities should verify directly with the manufacturer or choose certified products.

For those with high sensitivity, buying a block of cheese is often considered safer because it contains fewer ingredients and avoids the anti-caking agents found in shredded products.

Great Value uses an anti-caking blend that typically includes naturally gluten-free ingredients like potato starch, tapioca starch, and natamycin to prevent the shredded cheese from clumping.

For absolute certainty, you should always check the most current product label for a 'gluten-free' claim, carefully read the ingredient list, and consider contacting Walmart directly to inquire about their manufacturing practices and cross-contamination risks.

You should check the label of any flavored or highly processed cheese products, as the risk of gluten additives increases with added ingredients. Always stick to the products explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' for safety.