Is Feta Cheese Gluten Free?

Yes. Feta cheese is naturally gluten-free as it’s made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, and contains no wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Is Feta Cheese Gluten Free?

Health Benefits

  • Rich in calcium, supporting bone health and preventing osteoporosis
  • Contains probiotics that promote gut health
  • Good source of protein for muscle maintenance and repair
  • Provides phosphorus which works with calcium for bone strength
  • Contains vitamin B12, important for nerve function and red blood cell formation
  • Offers riboflavin (vitamin B2) for energy production and cellular function
  • Lower lactose content than many cheeses, making it more digestible for some
  • Contains selenium, an antioxidant that supports immune function
  • Provides vitamin A for vision, immune system, and skin health
  • Contains beneficial fatty acids like CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)
  • Lower calorie content than many other cheeses

Who Should Avoid

  • Individuals with dairy allergies
  • Those with lactose intolerance
  • People with high blood pressure (due to high sodium content)
  • Individuals on low-sodium diets
  • Those with milk protein intolerance
  • People with cardiovascular disease concerns
  • Individuals with kidney disease
  • Those following a vegan lifestyle
  • People with certain autoimmune conditions triggered by dairy
  • Individuals with calcium oxalate kidney stones
  • Those with histamine intolerance
  • People with IBS who react to fermented foods

Gluten Free Alternatives

  • Nutritional Yeast - Deactivated yeast with a cheesy, nutty flavor. Rich in B-vitamins and protein, often used as a cheese substitute in vegan and gluten-free diets.
  • Cashew Cheese - Blended cashews with nutritional yeast and seasonings. Creamy texture, high in healthy fats, and can be made with various flavor profiles.
  • Almond Cheese - Made from ground almonds, probiotics, and seasonings. Provides protein, healthy fats, and a tangy cheese-like flavor.
  • Tofu Feta - Crumbled firm tofu marinated in herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice. High in protein, low in fat, and mimics traditional feta texture.
  • Coconut Cheese - Crafted from coconut meat and probiotics. Offers a creamy texture, contains medium-chain triglycerides, and can be flavored to resemble different cheese varieties.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is feta cheese gluten-free?

Yes, feta cheese is naturally gluten-free. All pure cheeses are gluten-free as they are made from milk, salt, and enzymes.

Can feta cheese be cross-contaminated with gluten during production?

Feta cheese can potentially be cross-contaminated with gluten if it’s produced in facilities that also process gluten-containing products. Pure feta cheese is naturally gluten-free.

Are there any additives in feta cheese that might contain hidden gluten?

Traditional feta cheese is naturally gluten-free and contains only milk, salt, and cultures. Some commercially processed feta may contain additives or anti-caking agents that could contain gluten, so it’s important to check labels or choose certified gluten-free brands.

Is there a difference between imported and domestic feta cheese regarding gluten content?

Neither imported nor domestic feta cheese contains gluten as cheese is naturally gluten-free. The only exception would be if gluten-containing ingredients were added during processing, which is extremely rare for feta cheese.

Do any feta cheese brands specifically label their products as certified gluten-free?

Yes, brands like Athenos and President label certain feta cheese products as certified gluten-free. Most natural feta cheese is inherently gluten-free but cross-contamination risks lead some manufacturers to obtain certification.
Picture of Dr. Anne Verstegen

Dr. Anne Verstegen

Dr. Anne Verstegen specializes in orthomolecular therapy and nutritional coaching. With a background in public health research and management, she focuses on addressing health concerns through dietary approaches, gut health optimization, and stress reduction strategies. As Glutenfreeda's professional editor, she reviews all content to ensure accuracy, safety, and alignment with current nutritional science.

We Try Our Best

We understand how important it is to have trustworthy information when managing a gluten-free lifestyle, which is why we carefully source all our content from respected health and nutrition experts. You can find these trusted references listed below: 

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  2. Coeliac UK

  3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

  4. Mayo Clinic

  5. World Health Organization (WHO)

  6. Celiac Disease Foundation

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The information on this site is for educational purposes only and doesn’t replace professional medical advice. If you suspect gluten sensitivity, consult with a healthcare provider before changing your diet.