Is Walmart Great Value Cheese Gluten-Free? A Guide for a Safe Nutrition Diet

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, Walmart introduced a certified gluten-free line of Great Value products in 2014, but not all products under the brand automatically qualify as gluten-free. When shopping for cheese, particularly for those on a strict nutrition diet, you must always double-check the packaging to ensure is Walmart Great Value cheese gluten-free.

Quick Summary

This article explains which Great Value cheese products are typically gluten-free, why label reading is crucial, and the risk factors to consider, such as anti-caking agents and potential cross-contamination. It also details Walmart's certification process and helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Key Points

Not all Great Value cheeses are gluten-free: The gluten-free status depends entirely on the specific product; never assume it's safe without checking the label.
Certified labels are the most reliable: Look for a certified gluten-free logo or an explicit 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging for maximum confidence.
Shredded cheese is a risk factor: Shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents; check that these are gluten-free (e.g., potato starch).
Avoid unlabeled processed and flavored cheeses: Processed cheese singles, spreads, and flavored products without a gluten-free label carry a higher risk of containing hidden gluten.
Unprocessed block cheese is safest: When in doubt, opt for plain, block cheese and shred it yourself to avoid additives and cross-contamination.
Always read the ingredient list: Check for any mention of wheat, barley, rye, or unclear ingredients like 'modified food starch'.

Understanding Gluten and Cheese

Gluten is a protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye. In its pure, unprocessed form, cheese is a dairy product made from milk, enzymes, and salt, and is therefore inherently gluten-free. However, modern food manufacturing practices can introduce gluten into products that are otherwise naturally free of it. This is why cheese, particularly shredded, processed, or flavored varieties, requires careful scrutiny by individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Importance of Reading Labels

Never assume that any packaged product, including cheese, is gluten-free without verification. While plain, hard cheeses like blocks of cheddar or parmesan are typically safe, processed cheeses, cheese spreads, and shredded cheese can pose a risk. Gluten can be present in several forms:

Anti-caking agents: Shredded cheeses, including many Great Value varieties, often contain ingredients like potato starch or powdered cellulose to prevent clumping. While potato starch is gluten-free, it is essential to ensure a wheat-based starch was not used. Fortunately, many Great Value shredded cheeses explicitly state they are gluten-free and list potato starch as the anti-caking agent.
Flavorings and additives: Cheese spreads, flavored cheeses, or cheese dips may contain stabilizers, flavor enhancers, or fillers derived from gluten-containing grains.
Cross-contamination: Even if a product has no gluten-containing ingredients, it could be processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing items, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

Is Walmart Great Value cheese gluten-free? Breaking Down the Brand

Walmart's Great Value brand is extensive, and its gluten-free status depends entirely on the specific product. Fortunately, Walmart has made a concerted effort to label its gluten-free products clearly. Many Great Value cheeses are explicitly labeled as "gluten-free" on the packaging.

Great Value Cheese Products That are Often Labeled Gluten-Free

Shredded Cheeses: Many shredded cheddar and mozzarella varieties from Great Value list potato starch and powdered cellulose as anti-caking agents and are labeled gluten-free.
String Cheese: Great Value string cheese products are often marketed as and claimed to be gluten-free.
Grated Parmesan: Great Value's grated parmesan in a shaker bottle is listed as gluten-free.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese spreads from Great Value are frequently confirmed as gluten-free.
Sharp Cheddar Snack Cheese: Snack-sized portions of Great Value sharp cheddar are available and labeled gluten-free.

Products to Approach with Caution

Cheese Spreads: Always read the label on any processed cheese spread or dip. Modified food starch or other additives could introduce gluten.
Flavored Cheeses: Products that include extra flavorings, like beer-flavored cheese, can contain ingredients derived from gluten-grains.
Products with 'Natural Flavors': If a product is not explicitly labeled gluten-free, the term "natural flavors" could potentially be derived from a gluten source. However, if a product has the official gluten-free label, any such ingredients would have been vetted.

The Role of Gluten-Free Certification

For those with celiac disease, certified gluten-free products offer the highest level of assurance. Walmart has collaborated with certification programs like the Beyond Celiac Gluten-Free Certification Program (formerly GFCP) for many of its Great Value-branded items. This certification means the products have been independently tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the FDA standard for gluten-free products.

When evaluating a Great Value cheese, look for either the certified gluten-free logo or the explicit "gluten-free" claim printed on the package. The presence of these markers is the most reliable indicator of a product's safety for a gluten-free diet.

Comparison Table: Great Value Cheese Products


Product Type	Likely Gluten-Free?	Why?	Best Practice	Status
Block Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella)	Yes	Minimally processed, few ingredients.	Check for labels, but low risk.	Generally safe
Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella)	Yes	Label often confirms gluten-free status with safe anti-caking agents (potato starch).	Read ingredient list for starch type and look for gluten-free claim.	Generally safe, but verify
Cream Cheese Spreads	Yes	Often explicitly labeled gluten-free.	Check for official gluten-free label.	Generally safe
Cheese Product Singles (American)	Maybe	Highly processed, can contain modified food starch and other additives.	Read ingredient list carefully and look for gluten-free claim.	Risky, verify each time
Flavored Cheeses	No	Additives for flavor could contain gluten derivatives.	Always avoid unless specifically labeled gluten-free.	Very high risk
Grated Parmesan (Bottle)	Yes	Often labeled gluten-free, ingredients are typically simple.	Confirm "gluten-free" label on the bottle.	Generally safe
String Cheese	Yes	Manufacturer often claims it to be gluten-free.	Look for the gluten-free label.	Generally safe

How to Shop for Great Value Cheese on a Gluten-Free Diet

Prioritize Certified Products: Always choose products with a clear, recognized gluten-free label. This takes the guesswork out of ingredient lists.
Read the Ingredient List: For products not explicitly labeled, carefully examine the ingredient list. Avoid any cheese containing wheat, barley, or rye, or non-specific ingredients like "modified food starch" if it's not clarified as wheat-free.
Opt for Unprocessed: When in doubt, stick to unprocessed blocks of cheese. These are the safest and most reliable choices. You can shred them yourself at home.
Stay Updated: Product formulations can change. A cheese that was gluten-free last year may have a different formula today. A quick scan of the label before each purchase is a wise habit. The Celiac.com forums noted changes to Great Value products over time, making constant vigilance necessary.

Conclusion

While Walmart's Great Value brand offers many budget-friendly gluten-free options, including many varieties of cheese, it's not a blanket guarantee. The definitive answer to is Walmart Great Value cheese gluten-free depends on the specific product. By understanding the risks associated with additives in processed and shredded cheeses and learning to rely on clear labeling and certification, consumers can confidently incorporate many Great Value cheese products into their gluten-free nutrition diet. Always read the label to ensure a safe and healthy shopping experience. If the label is unclear or a certification is not present, it is best to opt for a plain block of cheese or a different, certified brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while pure, natural cheese made only from milk, enzymes, and salt is inherently gluten-free, processed or flavored cheese products may contain gluten from added ingredients or due to cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Shredded cheese may contain gluten if a wheat-based starch is used as an anti-caking agent to prevent the shreds from sticking together. While many brands, including Great Value, use safe alternatives like potato starch, label verification is crucial.

The most reliable way is to look for the "gluten-free" label or a third-party certification mark on the packaging. For products without this label, read the ingredient list carefully to ensure there are no gluten-containing items.

Yes, cross-contamination is a risk with any product not certified gluten-free, even if the ingredients are safe. For those with celiac disease, a certified product is the best way to avoid potential cross-contact issues during processing.

Some Great Value processed cheese products, like American singles, may be labeled gluten-free, but due to their complex ingredients and manufacturing process, always verify the specific product's label for a gluten-free claim.

No, it is not safe to assume all Great Value dairy products are gluten-free. Some dairy products, especially flavored options or those with add-ins, may contain gluten. Always check each product individually for the gluten-free label.

The safest Great Value cheese is typically an unprocessed block of cheese, such as a block of cheddar or mozzarella, with a simple ingredient list. For shredded or processed cheese, choose a product that explicitly displays a certified gluten-free label.