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

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, making ingredient scrutiny a daily reality. For those with gluten sensitivity, clarifying the safety of pantry staples is crucial, especially for a popular food like Parmesan cheese. The question, 'Which Parmesan cheese is gluten-free?' is a common concern that can be answered by understanding how the product is made and processed.

Quick Summary

Authentic Parmesan, made from milk, salt, and rennet, is naturally gluten-free. However, pre-shredded or grated versions often contain additives like anti-caking agents that may contain gluten. The safest options are block cheese or brands with certified gluten-free labels to avoid potential cross-contamination.

Key Points

Block Parmesan is Safest: Traditional, whole block Parmesan cheese, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, is naturally gluten-free and the most reliable option for avoiding gluten.
Processed Cheese Risks: Pre-shredded or grated Parmesan can contain gluten-based anti-caking agents or be exposed to cross-contamination from shared processing equipment.
Check for Certification: The most reliable way to ensure a product is gluten-free is to look for a third-party certification label, which guarantees strict testing standards.
Read All Labels: For any packaged cheese, always scrutinize the ingredient list for potential sources of gluten or warnings about cross-contamination.
Reputable Gluten-Free Brands: Brands like BelGioioso, Andrew & Everett, and Mama Francesca offer specific Parmesan products that are labeled or certified as gluten-free.
Vegan Alternatives are an Option: Plant-based 'Parmesan' alternatives, often made from nuts and nutritional yeast, are another naturally gluten-free option.

Is Parmesan Cheese Naturally Gluten-Free?

At its core, traditional Parmesan cheese, known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is naturally gluten-free. The authentic recipe uses only three ingredients: unpasteurized cow's milk, salt, and rennet. None of these ingredients contain gluten. The extensive aging process further ensures the cheese remains free from gluten-containing grains. This applies to hard, block cheeses in general, including Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano, which are all typically safe.

The Problem with Additives in Processed Parmesan

The primary risk for gluten exposure in Parmesan cheese comes from processing and packaging. Pre-grated or shredded Parmesan is where you'll find potential gluten contaminants. Many manufacturers add anti-caking agents to prevent the cheese from clumping together. While many companies use safe alternatives like rice flour, some may use wheat-based starches. Additionally, cross-contamination is a significant concern for those with celiac disease. Products processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing foods, even if the additives are technically gluten-free, can become contaminated.

How to Find a Safe, Gluten-Free Parmesan

Navigating the grocery store for a safe Parmesan requires a little know-how. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for and what to avoid.

Buy block cheese: The safest option is to buy a solid block of high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan and grate it yourself. This ensures you control the ingredients and avoid any cross-contamination from processing.
Look for certification: Products with a certified gluten-free label have been independently tested and verified to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, the standard for a safe product. This is the most reliable way to guarantee a product is safe.
Read the ingredients: Always check the ingredient list, especially on pre-packaged shredded cheese. Look for any mention of wheat, modified food starch, or other potential gluten sources. Many brands will explicitly state if their product is gluten-free on the packaging.

Comparison of Parmesan Cheese Types


Feature	Block Parmesan (Self-Grated)	Pre-Grated/Shredded Parmesan	Vegan Parmesan Alternative
Gluten Risk	Minimal to none, as it's a single ingredient product.	Moderate to high, depending on additives and processing.	Minimal to none, if a reputable brand.
Cross-Contamination	Not a concern if using clean equipment at home.	Significant risk if processed on shared equipment.	Varies by manufacturer; check for "gluten-free" label.
Ingredient Control	Complete control over ingredients.	Less control; relies on manufacturer's practices.	Complete control with DIY recipes; relies on brand for pre-made.
Flavor/Texture	Superior, rich, complex flavor. Freshest texture.	Flavor can be milder due to additives and age.	Varies widely by brand and ingredients used (nuts, nutritional yeast).
Convenience	Low. Requires time and effort to grate.	High. Ready to use.	High for pre-made options. Low for DIY.

Popular Brands and Their Gluten-Free Status

Many reputable brands offer gluten-free Parmesan, but it's important to differentiate between products naturally free of gluten and those with a formal certification.

BelGioioso: This brand offers Parmesan varieties labeled as gluten-free. They take pride in their aging process and ingredient transparency. Their grated parmesan specifies that it contains cellulose and natamycin, but is labeled gluten-free.
Kraft: Kraft grated Parmesan has no gluten-containing ingredients listed and no wheat allergy warnings. However, it is not officially labeled as certified gluten-free, so caution may be warranted for those with severe sensitivities due to potential cross-contamination.
Andrew & Everett: Known for its hormone-free products, this brand's grated Parmesan is marketed as gluten-free and contains no preservatives, binders, or fillers.
Mama Francesca: Several Mama Francesca Parmesan cheeses, including their classic grated version, are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.
4C: This brand's premium grated cheese is made solely from grated Parmesan and is considered safe, though not officially certified.
Milano's: Milano's imported grated Parmesan is labeled as gluten-free.

The Role of Cheese Labeling and Certifications

For those with celiac disease, understanding food labels is a critical part of everyday life. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates that manufacturers clearly label products containing wheat. While Parmesan cheese naturally doesn't contain wheat, this law helps identify potential additives. The most reliable assurance is the "Certified Gluten-Free" symbol, which indicates adherence to stringent standards set by a third-party organization, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). When no official label is present, reading the ingredient list is the next best step, with a focus on potential anti-caking agents or starches. If any doubt remains, particularly for shredded or grated options, contacting the manufacturer directly is recommended.

Conclusion

In summary, while traditional block Parmesan cheese made with milk, salt, and rennet is inherently gluten-free, the story changes with pre-grated or shredded varieties. The potential for gluten-containing anti-caking agents or cross-contamination from shared equipment makes it essential for those with gluten sensitivities to exercise caution. The safest route is to purchase a block of cheese and grate it fresh at home or to opt for products that are explicitly labeled as certified gluten-free. Brands like BelGioioso, Andrew & Everett, and Mama Francesca offer certified safe options, while other popular choices like Kraft may be free of gluten-containing ingredients but lack formal certification. Always prioritize label verification to ensure your Parmesan cheese is a safe addition to your meals.

Sources

: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/brands-of-gluten-free-parmesan-cheese-r5922/ : https://www.tiktok.com/@stopitaliansounding/video/7155605354704031022 : https://casadesante.com/blogs/gut-health/is-parmesan-cheese-gluten-free

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while traditional block Parmesan is naturally gluten-free, some pre-shredded or grated varieties may contain wheat-based additives or be subject to cross-contamination, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

You should check for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label. If that is absent, read the ingredient list carefully for anti-caking agents like wheat starch or modified food starch, and look for any warnings about shared equipment.

Cross-contamination is a concern for pre-packaged cheese because it may be processed on the same equipment as products containing gluten. This can transfer trace amounts of gluten into the cheese, which is a risk for individuals with celiac disease.

Brands that state they have no gluten ingredients are likely safe for many, but those with severe celiac disease may want a higher level of assurance. A 'Certified Gluten-Free' label provides verification from a third party that the product has been tested to meet strict standards for gluten content.

Yes, authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is made with only cow's milk, salt, and rennet and is naturally gluten-free. It does not contain any gluten-based additives.

Yes, many vegan Parmesan-style products are available and are naturally gluten-free. These are often made from ingredients like cashews, almonds, or nutritional yeast.

Kraft grated Parmesan lists no gluten-containing ingredients and no wheat allergy warnings. While many individuals with gluten sensitivities find it safe, it is not officially labeled as 'Certified Gluten-Free', so those with severe celiac disease should proceed with caution regarding cross-contamination risk.