Which brand of ricotta cheese is gluten-free? A Guide to Safe Selection

Did you know that while plain ricotta cheese is naturally gluten-free, some brands may contain hidden gluten due to additives or cross-contamination? For those following a strict nutrition diet, knowing which brand of ricotta cheese is gluten-free is essential for safely enjoying dishes like lasagna and stuffed shells.

Quick Summary

Most plain ricotta cheese is naturally gluten-free, but risks from cross-contamination during manufacturing or added ingredients exist. Several brands, including Organic Valley, BelGioioso, and Galbani, are labeled gluten-free. For a strict diet, always read labels and check for certification to ensure safety.

Key Points

• Check for Certification: The most reliable method for a gluten-free ricotta is to find a product with a third-party gluten-free certification logo.

• Consider Ingredient Origin: Naturally, ricotta is gluten-free as it's made from milk and whey, but additives can pose a risk, so always read the full ingredient list.

• Opt for Plain Ricotta: Flavored or seasoned ricotta varieties are more likely to contain hidden gluten ingredients, making plain ricotta the safest choice.

• Trust Specific Brands: Brands like Organic Valley and BelGioioso are known to be reliably gluten-free, often with specific certifications or company-wide policies.

• Avoid Deli-Counter Cheese: For those with celiac disease, purchasing pre-packaged, sealed ricotta is safer than deli-sliced cheese due to cross-contamination risks.

• Always Read the Label: Even with generally safe brands, product formulations can change. Checking the label every time is the best practice for a strict gluten-free diet.

The Foundation of Ricotta: Is It Naturally Gluten-Free?

At its core, traditional ricotta cheese is naturally gluten-free. It is made from the whey leftover from the production of other cheeses, which is then heated and mixed with an acidic agent like vinegar or lemon juice. The simple, natural ingredients—milk, whey, and an acid—do not contain gluten proteins from wheat, barley, or rye. This makes unadulterated ricotta a safe option for those on a gluten-free diet. However, the dairy aisle can be tricky. Some products, especially those that are flavored, contain added stabilizers, or are produced in shared facilities, can pose a risk for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Therefore, relying on natural ingredients is not enough; one must also consider manufacturing practices and read labels carefully.

Leading Brands of Gluten-Free Ricotta

For those needing to be extra cautious, several brands provide clear labeling or have confirmed their gluten-free status. These options minimize the guesswork and provide confidence in your food choices.

• Organic Valley: The Organic Valley Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese is explicitly labeled as gluten-free on its packaging and website. The company uses milk from pasture-raised dairy farms and is transparent about its ingredients and processing.
• BelGioioso: All BelGioioso cheeses are naturally gluten-free. The company states that gluten from grains like wheat, rye, and barley is not used as an ingredient in their natural cheeses. Their Ricotta con Latte® is made with minimal ingredients and is a safe choice.
• Galbani: The Galbani Deli Style Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese is explicitly labeled as gluten-free on Instacart and other product descriptions. For any Galbani product, it is recommended to check the specific package for a gluten-free claim, as is good practice with all brands.
• Polly-O: While older information may not explicitly state certification, product information available through apps like Spoonful and Fig indicates that Polly-O ricotta is likely gluten-free based on its ingredients. A Canadian subsidiary, Saputo, which makes many cheeses including Polly-O, states that their cheeses do not have intentionally added gluten and are below 20ppm cross-contamination. Always check the latest package for confirmation.
• Trader Joe's: The Trader Joe's Traditional Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese is generally made with gluten-free ingredients. However, it's crucial to be aware of flavored varieties, as a Reddit discussion mentions the lemon ricotta as not being gluten-free. For plain varieties, a label check is sufficient.
• 365 by Whole Foods Market: Product information on food apps like Fig and Spoonful indicates that 365 brand ricotta is likely gluten-free. An old Celiac.com forum post also supports this, but current labels should always be verified, especially given the potential for cross-contact in stores.

Potential Risks and How to Verify

Even with brands that are generally safe, understanding potential risks is vital for managing a strict gluten-free diet.

Cross-Contamination Gluten-free products can become contaminated during processing if they are manufactured on the same equipment as gluten-containing products. Look for a certified gluten-free symbol on the packaging, which indicates that the product has undergone third-party testing to meet strict standards for gluten content (typically less than 20 parts per million). If no certification is present, you may need to research the manufacturer's practices or contact them directly.

Added Ingredients Be especially wary of flavored or specialty ricotta products. Added stabilizers, flavors, or other ingredients might contain hidden gluten. Always read the full ingredient list to ensure there are no wheat-based ingredients or vague terms that could hide gluten, such as "modified food starch" (unless specified as being from corn or another non-gluten source).

Deli Counter Considerations If you purchase cheese from a deli counter, there is a significant risk of cross-contact. Deli slicers may be used for products containing gluten, such as lunch meats with gluten fillers, and this can transfer to cheese. For those with celiac disease, it's safest to buy pre-packaged, factory-sealed ricotta from the refrigerated section.

Comparison of Popular Ricotta Brands

Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Notes
Organic Valley	Labeled Gluten-Free	Uses milk from pasture-raised dairy; explicitly confirmed on their website.
BelGioioso	Naturally Gluten-Free	All cheeses from this brand are naturally free of gluten; confirmed on their site.
Galbani	Labeled Gluten-Free (for Deli Style)	Labeling confirmed for some products; always check the specific package.
Polly-O	Considered Gluten-Free (based on ingredients)	Made by Saputo, which has strict cross-contamination protocols; check package label for confirmation.
Trader Joe's (Plain)	Gluten-Free (based on ingredients)	Standard plain ricotta is made with gluten-free ingredients; beware of flavored varieties.
365 by Whole Foods Market	Likely Gluten-Free (based on ingredients)	Check latest label for the most accurate info; risk of cross-contact in stores.
Lucerne	Not Certified	Explicitly states facilities are not certified, but gluten is typically labeled. Best for those with less severe sensitivities.

A Simple Guide to Shopping for Gluten-Free Ricotta

When you head to the store, follow these steps to confidently select a safe product:

1. Look for Certification: The most reliable method is to find a product with a third-party gluten-free certification logo. This is the gold standard for avoiding cross-contamination.
2. Read the Ingredient List: Review the list of ingredients to confirm that no gluten-containing items (like wheat flour, malt, or barley) have been added. Also, look for disclaimers about shared equipment.
3. Opt for Plain: Flavored or seasoned ricotta cheeses are more likely to contain hidden gluten. Stick with a plain, traditional variety to be safe.
4. Buy Pre-Packaged: For those with celiac disease, pre-packaged containers are safer than deli-sliced cheese due to the risk of cross-contact at the deli counter.
5. When in Doubt, Contact the Manufacturer: If you have concerns about a specific product, check the manufacturer's website for allergen information or reach out to their customer service team directly.

Conclusion

While the basic ingredients of ricotta are naturally free from gluten, brand choice and diligent label reading are crucial for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Brands like Organic Valley and BelGioioso are reliable options that are clearly labeled and/or confirmed to be gluten-free. For others, a quick check of the packaging for certification and a careful look at the ingredient list will help ensure a safe choice. By following these guidelines, you can continue to enjoy delicious, creamy ricotta cheese without compromising your diet. For more information, check out resources like Beyond Celiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all ricotta cheese gluten-free?

No, not all ricotta cheese is guaranteed to be gluten-free. While the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, some brands may contain additives or be subject to cross-contamination during manufacturing, which can introduce gluten.

What should I look for on the label to ensure ricotta is gluten-free?

Look for a third-party gluten-free certification logo on the package. You should also check the ingredient list for any wheat-based ingredients and any allergen warnings about shared facilities.

Are there specific brands known for being reliably gluten-free?

Yes, brands like Organic Valley and BelGioioso are considered reliable, with explicit statements or certifications confirming their gluten-free status. Galbani's Deli Style is also labeled gluten-free.

Is flavored or sweetened ricotta cheese gluten-free?

Flavored or sweetened ricotta is more likely to contain gluten from additives. For example, a Trader Joe's lemon ricotta was mentioned as containing gluten. Stick to plain varieties to be safe, unless the specific product is clearly labeled gluten-free.

Is there a risk of cross-contamination with ricotta cheese?

Yes, there is a risk of cross-contamination if the cheese is processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing products. For those with severe sensitivities, a certified gluten-free product or contacting the manufacturer is the safest approach.

Can I trust store-brand or generic ricotta cheese?

Store-brand ricottas, such as Whole Foods' 365 brand, can be gluten-free based on ingredients. However, it is especially important to read the label carefully for certifications, ingredients, and allergen warnings, as generic products' formulations may vary or not be as strictly controlled.

How can I avoid cross-contamination when buying ricotta from a deli?

The safest option is to buy pre-packaged, sealed ricotta from the refrigerated section rather than from a deli counter. Deli slicers can transfer gluten from other items, like lunch meats, to cheese.

What are some ingredients in ricotta that might signal gluten?

While uncommon in plain ricotta, watch out for additives and thickeners like 'modified food starch' or 'natural flavors' without clarification. Always check the allergen statement for wheat, barley, or rye derivatives.