Ricotta Cheese

[Wandering Hermit]

I ran a search on ricotta on this board and I see mixed opinions. And it all comes down to that wonderful ingredient, vinegar.

I really want to make lasagna. I bought gluten-free noodles for it. I have seen "gluten-free" recipes for lasagna that simply say "ricotta cheese" with no mention if it is safe or not. But when I was in the store, looking at the label, and I saw vinegar, (just "vinegar") - I set it down and moved on. I'm paranoid.

So, does anyone want to gives me some advice? I emailed the local company that makes this cheese and asked them abou the vinegar but have not heard back yet.

Thanks!

[kabowman]

Per popular opinion, all vinegars are fine for celiac disease - you should only be really concerned if you have problems with yeast.

[KaitiUSA]

No all vinegars are NOT gluten free but alot are.

What brand was the ricotta cheese?

[Wandering Hermit]

No all vinegars are NOT gluten free but alot are.

What brand was the ricotta cheese?

Crystal Farms, I think it is a local Minnesota dairy?

My store has Sargento too.

[KaitiUSA]

Is there gluten in Sargento cheeses?We are pleased to tell you that most Sargento natural cheeses should be acceptable to a gluten-free diet. However, there are a few exceptions.

There is wheat gluten in Sargento Blue Cheese. Sargento Imitation Mozzarella Shredded Cheese contains a modified food starch that may contain gluten. Those on a gluten-free diet should also not eat the following Sargento Snacks: Cheese Dips!, Cheese Dip & Sticks, Cheese Dip & Pretzels, Cheese Dip & Crackers, Strawberry Dip & Cookie Sticks, Chocolate Dip & Cookie Sticks or S’mores.

You will notice that we use microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate or potato starch as anti-caking agents on our shredded cheeses. When added to shredded cheese, they prevent the shreds from sticking together.

Microcrystalline cellulose is a white, odorless, tasteless, totally natural powder made from cellulose, a naturally occurring component of most plants. Calcium carbonate and potato starch are also natural ingredients. None of these anti-caking agents is derived from wheat, rye, oats or barley; therefore, they are acceptable to a gluten-free diet.

The source of vinegar in Sargento Ricotta Cheese can vary; however, it is triple distilled, and, to the best of our knowledge, no gluten is present.

This is from their site. Since it is distilled it would not matter the origin of what it is made of...the distillation process would eliminate the problem.

[Wandering Hermit]

Thanks Kaiti!

I will try the Sargento this weekend.

[Wandering Hermit]

Crystal Farms is safe! Here is the reply:

We want to thank you very much for taking the time to contact the Crystal Farms Consumer Service Center. We are genuinely concerned about the quality and value of our products and appreciate having the opportunity to hear your viewpoints.

The vinegar used in our Ricotta cheese is distilled corn vinegar.

[lovegrov]

Even if you remain paranoid about distilled vinegar, very little is actually made from wheat. That's why you do as you did, check with the company.

richard