Blue cheese is a controversial topic in the gluten-free diet. It can be made from either cow, sheep or goat milk, explains the Canadian Celiac Association. Penicillium roqueforti fungus spores are added during processing, forming a blue-green mold ribbon within the cheese. Blue cheese is aged over a period of time to develop a rich, tart flavor. There are dozens of varieties of blue cheese that are regional to certain parts of the world. Depending on how the cheese is made, it may or may not be gluten-free.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition in which your body cannot digest gluten. This autoimmune disorder causes your immune system to overreact when you eat foods containing a protein called gluten. As a side effect, your immune system creates a toxic reaction that causes permanent damage to your small intestine, reports the Celiac Disease Foundation. When this occurs, your body doesn't properly break down foods and absorb nutrients. There is no cure for celiac, but following a gluten-free diet prevents outbreaks from happening. Gluten is found in grains such as semolina, wheat, faro, spelt, rye, barley and others. Some varieties of blue cheese are processed with grains that make them unfavorable for a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-Free Blue Cheese
Mold formed within blue cheese was originally started by aging and fermenting the cheese on top of bread. Although many varieties continue to be manufactured with a gluten-based source, there is not necessarily gluten in the cheese. According to the Canadian Celiac Association, three varieties of blue cheese in particular are celiac-friendly, including St. Benoit, Roquefort and Alexis de Portneuf types of blue cheese. These cheeses are started with gluten-containing mediums such as malt, rye and wheat-based dextrose. However, during processing, separation and purification techniques cause them to have no detectable amounts of gluten in the finished product.
Special Considerations
Always read labels carefully to verify that the blue cheese you purchase is gluten-free. Food manufacturers are required to put allergen information on the label. When dining out, order salads or other entrees without blue cheese as a precaution. Some restaurants may be able to tell you if the type of blue cheese they serve is gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Blue cheese can be a delicious addition to your gluten-free diet. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on your salad at lunch, or melt a small wedge on your grilled sirloin at dinner for added flavor. Additionally, you can enjoy a wedge of blue cheese with gluten-free crackers as a snack.
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