What Grated Parmesan Cheese is Gluten-Free? A Guide to Safe Brands

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

For the millions managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating store aisles for simple ingredients can be a challenge. Finding out what grated parmesan cheese is gluten-free requires careful label reading, as additives and processing can introduce hidden gluten.

Quick Summary

Pure parmesan cheese is naturally gluten-free, but processed and pre-grated versions can contain gluten from anti-caking agents or cross-contamination. Consumers should check product labels for certified gluten-free seals or ingredients like starches, or opt for grating a block of cheese themselves for safety.

Key Points

Naturally Gluten-Free: Pure, traditional parmesan cheese made from milk, salt, and rennet is inherently gluten-free.
Hidden Gluten Risks: Pre-grated parmesan can contain gluten through anti-caking agents like wheat starch or due to cross-contamination in manufacturing.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list and look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal to confirm a product's safety.
Grate Your Own Cheese: The safest method is to buy a solid block of parmesan and grate it yourself, avoiding all risk of additives or contamination.
Reputable Brands Exist: Several brands, including Andrew & Everett, BelGioioso, and Mama Francesca, offer grated parmesan labeled gluten-free.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: For severe sensitivities, be mindful of 'may contain' warnings on packaging regarding shared processing facilities.

The Difference Between Pure and Processed Parmesan

Traditional parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is naturally gluten-free as it's made from just cow's milk, salt, and rennet. However, pre-grated parmesan may contain anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. While many of these are gluten-free starches, some brands might use wheat starch, which contains gluten. The risk of cross-contamination during processing in facilities that handle gluten-containing products is also a concern for those with celiac disease.

How to Identify Gluten-Free Grated Parmesan

To ensure grated parmesan is gluten-free, always read the product label carefully. Look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" label, which guarantees the product meets strict gluten standards. Review the ingredients list for simple ingredients like cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and enzymes. Be cautious of ingredients like wheat starch or modified food starch. While powdered cellulose is often gluten-free, some might be derived from wheat. Also, check for warnings about processing in facilities that handle wheat, which could indicate a cross-contamination risk.

The Safest Solution: Grate Your Own Parmesan

Grating a block of high-quality parmesan at home is the most reliable way to avoid gluten. A block of Parmigiano Reggiano is naturally gluten-free and offers a richer flavor than many pre-grated options. This method ensures no hidden additives or cross-contamination.

Grated vs. Block Parmesan: A Comparison


Feature	Pre-Grated Parmesan	Block Parmesan
Gluten-Free Safety	Requires careful label checking for additives and cross-contamination warnings.	Naturally gluten-free with no additives; safest option.
Convenience	Highly convenient and ready to use.	Requires manual grating, which takes a few extra minutes.
Flavor & Texture	Flavor can be milder, and texture is drier due to anti-caking agents.	Richer, more complex flavor and superior texture; melts better.
Cost	Often less expensive upfront, but less concentrated flavor may mean you use more.	Higher initial cost, but a little goes a long way and the cheese lasts longer.
Shelf Life	Shorter shelf life once opened, prone to drying out.	Excellent shelf life when stored properly; can be frozen.

Notable Brands of Grated Parmesan for a Gluten-Free Diet

Several brands offer grated parmesan suitable for a gluten-free diet, either through certification or by not including gluten-containing ingredients. Always check the label before purchasing as ingredients can change.

Andrew & Everett: Their Hormone Free Grated Parmesan is labeled gluten-free.
BelGioioso: This Wisconsin-based company offers a gluten-free parmesan style cheese.
Mama Francesca: Provides multiple gluten-free parmesan cheeses, with their Premium Parmesan Cheese specifically labeled gluten-free.
Milano's: Their Grated Imported Parmesan Cheese is labeled gluten-free.
Kraft: While not always labeled gluten-free, Kraft's grated parmesan typically doesn't list gluten ingredients, though label verification is recommended for those with high sensitivity.

Conclusion: Your Best Strategy for Gluten-Free Parmesan

To confidently enjoy grated parmesan on a gluten-free diet, understand the difference between pure and processed cheese and always read labels diligently. Buying a block of quality parmesan and grating it yourself is the safest option to avoid hidden gluten and cross-contamination. If you prefer convenience, several reputable brands offer labeled gluten-free choices, but always confirm with the product label. Careful checking ensures both the safety of your meal and adherence to your diet.

For more information on living with celiac disease and a guide to safe foods, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all shredded or grated cheese is gluten-free. While natural cheese is gluten-free, processed shredded cheeses can contain anti-caking agents like starches or powdered cellulose, some of which may be derived from gluten-containing grains.

The most reliable way is to buy a solid block of high-quality parmesan cheese, like Parmigiano Reggiano, and grate it yourself. This eliminates the risk of hidden additives or cross-contamination from processing.

Look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label from a trusted organization. If that isn't present, check the ingredients list for a short list (milk, salt, enzymes) and avoid any mention of starches (unless confirmed gluten-free) or 'contains wheat' warnings.

Yes, cross-contamination is a significant issue for individuals with celiac disease. If a product is manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat, there is a risk, even if the ingredients themselves are gluten-free. Certified gluten-free products are tested to minimize this risk.

Powdered cellulose is a common anti-caking agent, and it is often derived from wood pulp or other plant sources and is gluten-free. However, for strict gluten-free diets, it's safest to look for products without it or those that are specifically certified gluten-free, just in case of any wheat-derived cellulose.

Yes, some brands like Andrew & Everett, BelGioioso, and Mama Francesca offer grated parmesan that is specifically labeled gluten-free. It is always wise to double-check the label on the package you purchase, as formulations can change.

Genuine Parmigiano Reggiano, which is made using traditional methods in Italy, is naturally gluten-free and considered safe. The danger lies with non-genuine 'parmesan' cheese and grated versions that may contain additives.