Is Three Cheese Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for in a product like Three Cheese is the base. The foundation here is Tomato Puree (water and tomato paste), which is naturally free of gluten. This is thickened and flavored by the cheese blend rather than any flour-based thickeners, which is a common gluten trap in other sauces.

The cheese blend itself—Asiago, Parmesan, & Romano—is the star. These are cultured milk products, salt, and enzymes. While cheese is naturally gluten-free, the 'enzymes' are worth noting; in this case, they are microbial enzymes, not animal rennet that might be processed with gluten-containing grains, so they are safe. The acidity comes from Lemon Juice Concentrate, a safe, natural preservative.

Finally, the fats and flavorings—Olive Oil, Sugar, Salt, and Spices—are all standard, gluten-free ingredients. There are no modified food starches (which can be wheat-derived) or hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (often sourced from wheat) listed here.

Nutritional Value

When analyzing the nutritional profile of Three Cheese, the primary considerations are calorie density and sodium content. The inclusion of Olive Oil and full-fat cheeses contributes to the fat content, which provides richness but also increases the calorie count per serving. This makes it a calorie-dense flavor enhancer rather than a low-calorie vegetable base.

The Sugar listed is likely added to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes and lemon juice. While the amount is likely minimal, those on strict low-sugar or diabetic diets should always verify the specific label for gram counts. The Salt and Spices drive the sodium up, which is typical for preserved sauces. It fits within a standard diet as a condiment, but portion control is key for those watching their blood pressure or sodium intake.