Is Finely shredded 4 cheese mexican blend monterey jack Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a processed cheese blend, the primary concern for gluten isn't usually the cheese itself—cheese is naturally gluten-free—but rather the additives used to improve texture and shelf life. In this specific product, the blend consists of four distinct cheeses: Monterey jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso quesadilla. Each of these is made from pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, and enzymes. The only potential flag in the cheese portion is the annatto used in the cheddar for color, but annatto is a vegetable dye and is completely gluten-free.

The real test for gluten sensitivity lies in the anti-caking blend. Manufacturers often use starches to keep shredded cheese from clumping together. In this blend, the company uses potato starch and cornstarch. Both of these are naturally gluten-free grains and are safe for a gluten-free diet. The blend also includes calcium sulfate (a firming agent) and natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor). None of these ingredients contain gluten, nor are they processed with gluten-containing equipment.

Nutritional Value

While this product is safe for a gluten-free diet, it is important to view it through a nutritional lens. As a cheese blend, it is naturally high in fat and sodium, which is standard for dairy products. The starches added (potato and corn) are present in very small amounts, so they do not significantly impact the carbohydrate count or spike blood sugar levels. If you are monitoring your calorie intake for weight loss, portion control is key here, as the calorie density is high. However, it fits well into low-carb and keto diets due to the high fat and protein content relative to the net carbs.