Cream cheese is a delicious, creamy, and soft white cheese that’s spreadable and can be used on bagels, in various foods, and works well in dips. But is cream cheese gluten free?
That’s an important question for those requiring a gluten free diet. We’ll answer that question in detail along with other related frequently asked questions.
What is Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is traditionally a mild, soft cheese that’s freshly made from milk and cream. Cream cheese is nearly white in color and its flavor is somewhat sweet and a slight tang.
Cream cheese has a variety of uses and can be served on warm bagels and breads as a spread. It can also be used to make dips and works well in a variety of dishes and sauces such as Alfredo sauce.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a structural protein found in wheat and other grains such as barley, rye, and triticale. It helps foods to maintain their shape.
People with Celiac Disease have an immune reaction when eating gluten containing foods that can be potentially fatal.
What Are Gluten PPM Levels?
Gluten PPM stands for parts per million. It is a calculation based on how much gluten is present in foods.
The FDA says any item labeled gluten free has to contain fewer than 20 parts per million of gluten. That’s 0.0002%.
Is Cheese Gluten-Free?
Cheese that is plain, full fat cheese is typically gluten free. Cheese that’s not gluten free usually contains add-ins, has been processed, or contains artificial flavors or ingredients.
Is Mozzarella Cheese Gluten Free?
Traditionally, plain, full fat Mozzarella cheese is gluten free.
Cheese with Gluten
Plain full fat cheese, with no added ingredients is usually gluten free. However, processed cheese can contain gluten.
We recommend carefully reading the ingredient label before consuming any cheese to be sure that it meets your dietary restrictions.
Check for ingredients such as vinegar because malt vinegar contains gluten. But full fat that’s packaged by itself is usually gluten free.
Be careful of cream cheese that’s packaged with items such as crackers, breads, pretzels and other gluten containing ingredients.
Double-Check the Ingredient Label on:
There are some cheese and dairy related products that we recommend you double check the ingredient label. It’s not safe to assume that these products will always be gluten free.
powdered cheese
ricotta cheese
cottage cheese
string cheese
breaded cheese sticks
cheese sauce
diary free cheese
spray can cheese
processed cheese
cheese spreads
blue cheese
cheesecake and other baked goods
Ingredients Which Might Represent a Hidden Source of Gluten on a Label Include:
When is it not gluten free? Following are things to look out for in cream cheese on a gluten-free diet. You’ll likely want to avoid these ingredients.
wheat
wheat protein
malt
food starch
artificial color
artificial flavor
natural color
natural flavor
cellulose
maltodextrin
vegetable gum
fillers
thickeners
emulsifiers
Is Philadelphia Cream Cheese Gluten-Free?
Some flavors of Philadelphia brand are gluten free. We always recommend reading the ingredient labels thoroughly, looking for gluten containing ingredients.
Flavor Variations
Following is a list of current flavor variations manufactured by Philadelphia brand cream cheese.
Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Filling
Philadelphia Whipped Original Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese
Philadelphia 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Chive and Onion Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Whipped Chive Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Whipped Mixed Berry Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Crumbles Cheesecake Cream Cheese Philadelphia Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Philadelphia Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Philadelphia Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Blueberry Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Jalapeno Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Honey Pecan Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Jalapeno Pretzel Chips & Cream Cheese Dip
Philadelphia Strawberry Bagel Chips & Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Cherry Cheesecake Cups
Philadelphia Chive & Onion Bagel Chips & Cream Cheese Dip
Philadelphia Pineapple Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Honey Butter Cream Cheese
Philadelphia Crumbles Hazelnut
Philadelphia Whipped Buffalo Cream Cheese
Gluten Free Cream Cheese Brands
Prairie Farms Original Cream Cheese
Great Value Cream Cheese
Crystal Farms Original Cream Cheese
Daiya Foods Plant-based Cream Cheese
Lucerne Cream Cheese
Organic Valley Cream Cheese
Happy Farms Original Cream Cheese
Kite Hill Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Tofutti Vegan Cream Cheese
Is Cream Cheese Gluten-Free and Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
Cream cheese that’s gluten free is safe for people with Celiac disease. To determine whether it’s gluten free, you’ll want to begin by studying the packaging label.
Ask yourself is the product certified gluten free? If so, then you automatically know it’s safe to eat. If it’s not, you’ll want to continue reading the list of ingredients and watch for gluten containing ingredients such as the ones listed above.
Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity
Those who have Celiac Disease or know someone with it realize just how serious it can be.
If a person with this disease eats even a crumb of gluten containing food, it could make them seriously ill or cost them their life. Gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease is not something to be taken lightly.
Kraft-Heinz Gluten Labeling Information
According to their website, Kraft-Heinz indicates that they clearly label for all sources of gluten on their product packaging so that there is no question left in the mind of consumers.
What is Cream Cheese Made Of?
The ingredients used to make cream cheese can vary according to brand and flavors.
However, the basic ingredients used to make cream cheese are: milk, cream, salt, cheese whey, and stabilizers.
Is Cream Cheese Dairy Free?
No, cream cheese is not dairy free. It’s made from milk and cream which are both dairy products. If you require a dairy free diet, you’ll want to find an adequate dairy free substitute for cream cheese.
Recipes Using Cream Cheese
Following are some of our top recipes that use cream cheese.
Ultimate Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Paula Deen Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Smoked Cream Cheese Dip
Easy Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish
More Gluten Free Resources
Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Gluten Free
Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
Gluten Free Rice Krispies
Is Pudding Gluten Free?
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are frequently asked questions that relate to is cream cheese gluten free. If you have a question that’s not answered here, feel free to drop it to us in the comments box below and we’ll be happy to answer it.
Is Happy Farms cream cheese gluten-free?
Is Aldi cream cheese gluten free? Yes, the Aldi brand of Happy Farms is naturally gluten free.
Is Lucerne cream cheese gluten free?
Yes, using Lucerne brand gives you a gluten free option for cream cheese.
Is Crystal Farms cream cheese gluten free?
Yes, Crystal Farms brand uses gluten free ingredients.
Is Organic Valley cream cheese gluten free?
Yes, Organic Valley cream cheese is made with non-gluten containing ingredients.
Is Great Value cream cheese gluten free?
Most flavors of Walmart’s Great Value brand are gluten free. Be sure to check the packaging for individual flavors to be sure that your specific flavor is gluten friendly.
Is Good & Gather cream cheese gluten free?
Yes, Good & Gather brand is gluten free, but we always recommend you check the ingredient list to be sure that it meets your specific dietary restrictions.
Is Kroger cream cheese gluten free?
Yes, plain Kroger brand is gluten free.
Is spreadable cream cheese gluten free?
Many flavors of spreadable varieties are gluten free. Check the ingredient label for your specific brand and flavor and watch for gluten containing ingredients.
Is sour cream gluten free?
Yes, sour cream, whether full fat or low fat, is gluten free.
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