Cheese

[ham&ex]

I have been looking for a ricotta cheese that does not contain gluten, but I know they are made with vinegar so I contacted Sargento. They were very helpful and to the point.

They wrote:

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you for your question. We're pleased to tell you that most

Sargento natural cheeses should be acceptable to a gluten-free diet.

There are, however, 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: Cheeze and Sticks, Cheeze and Pretzels,

Cheeze and Crackers, Strawberry and Sprinkles, Chocolatey Chip, 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.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have questions about how

our

products may affect your medical condition, we suggest you discuss this

information with your physician.

* * * * * * * * * *

I know distilled is supposed to be okay, but I just can't bring myself to trust it, so I'm going to do things like my great grandma and make my own ricotta. You know, as much as she wouldn't have understood gluten intolerance, she would have liked that it has forced me to do things in the old way.

[Jennjjh]

The information from Sargento was very helpful,thanks so much for sharing it!

I am in search of a gluten-free Blue Cheese. I have heard that one exists, but have just started my research.

As far as the vinegar goes... always follow your "gut" as to what feels safe to you, but I have used several distilled vinegars that "sound safe" to me and so far (3.5 years) have never had a problem. At the same time, you are willing to make FRESH ricotta - Your Great Grandma would be so proud! Enjoy.

[Lisa]

  On 3/5/2010 at 6:53 AM, Jennjjh said:

The information from Sargento was very helpful,thanks so much for sharing it!

I am in search of a gluten-free Blue Cheese. I have heard that one exists, but have just started my research.

As far as the vinegar goes... always follow your "gut" as to what feels safe to you, but I have used several distilled vinegars that "sound safe" to me and so far (3.5 years) have never had a problem. At the same time, you are willing to make FRESH ricotta - Your Great Grandma would be so proud! Enjoy.

Open Original Shared Link

There are several threads regarding blue cheese here. Most blues should not be a gluten issues. If it had a natural starter, the gluten remaining would be so minimal, it should not be an issue for those with Celiac. Most blues are started with synthetic starter and not a gluten issue.

Read the label and choose for your self.

Tripled distilled vinegar, is safe for most Celiacs.

[Lisa]

  On 3/13/2004 at 6:28 AM, ham&ex said:

Mozzarella Shredded Cheese contains a modified food starch that may

contain gluten.

This response from Sargento is misleading. I may fly to the moon someday, too. If the MFS contained wheat, it by law, must be listed as "Modified Food Starch - Wheat". If it is just listed as above, in the US it's derived from corn.

This is Sargento's response on their FAQ - updated 1-2010

. 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. Those on a gluten-free diet should also not eat the following Sargento Snacks: Cheese Dips! Cheddar Dip & Buttery Pretzels, Cheese Dips! Cheddar Dip & Zesty Ranch Bagel Chips, Cheese Dip & Sticks, Cheese Dip & Cheddar Sticks, Cheese Dip & Pretzels, Cheese Dip & Crackers, 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.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have questions about how our products may affect your medical condition, we suggest you discuss this information with your physician.

***notice there is no mention of Modified Food Starch being an issue