Last Updated on September 3, 2021
Today we’re going to be taking a look at the best gluten-free cheese dip brands that are on offer to those following a gluten-free lifestyle. Where would we be without cheese? Whether we’re using it as a sauce over macaroni cheese, or as a dip for our tortilla chips – life would certainly be duller without it.
Is Cheese Sauce Gluten-Free?
Cheese sauces are not often made with just one style of cheese. A range of cheeses are usually used in cheese sauces. The most popular choices are:
- Cheddar – comes in a range of strengths and is definitely the most popular choice as it melts so well
- Mozzarella – it’s smooth and mild, and also extremely stringy
- American – silky and traditional
- Cream Cheese – salty, rich, and incredibly tasty
- Monterey Jack – it’s tangy, melts easily, and really adds a punch to your cheese sauce
Cheese sauce is often heavily processed. With foods like this, it often means they can contain gluten. Wheat is often a thickener for sauces and dips – which is extremely frustrating, I know. Although the core ingredients will often be gluten-free, the thickeners will not. So it’s always best to check the label before making any purchases.
There may also be additives in shop-bought brands like vinegar and spices. These may contain gluten, so always be careful. However, you can find many gluten-free cheese sauces and dips – we’ll be looking at some of the best!
Gluten-Free Cheese Dip
First, we’ll take a look at the best cheese dips that are suitable when following a gluten-free lifestyle. There are a range of options, so we’re definitely spoilt for choice with cheese dips.
Rico’s
Rico has a clear gluten-free label on it’s packaging, which is always good for peace of mind. It comes in snacks pots, which is great in preventing food waste. They offer a range of flavors such as:
- Hot and Spicy
- Gourmet Nacho
- Cheddar
This brand is often said to taste just like movie theater cheese – could you want for anything more?
El Mexicano
This is one of the safest cheese dips on offer for us, as it’s certified gluten-free. When a product is certified gluten-free, it has to meet a set of guidelines put in place by the FDA; there certainly wouldn’t be any cross-contact issues with this one! Like most cheese dips, it does taste heavily processed – but isn’t that the tastiest kind? Just me?
It only comes in one flavor, but it’s one of the most popular options on the market, and it’s not hard to see why once you’ve had a taste.
Mrs. Renfros
This range has a few flavors and they certainly pack a punch. They are the most expensive of the three but they’re easily accessible in your local grocery store, just like the others in the list above. Their flavors include:
- Nacho Cheese Dip
- Chipotle Nacho Cheese
- Ghost Pepper Nacho Cheese
Rosarita Nacho Cheese
Whilst the product does not list any gluten-containing ingredients, it isn’t certified gluten-free or clearly marked. This doesn’t mean that it won’t be safe, but it’s always best to tread carefully with items like this as you can’t be sure if cross-contact has occurred. If you’re super sensitive, I would probably avoid this one.
However, it’s easily accessible and reasonably inexpensive. It’s very mild but extra creamy. It’s definitely a favorite.
Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce
If you’re making something like macaroni and cheese at home, you may be looking for a cheese sauce. Whilst many are naturally gluten-free, you do need to look out for thickeners in the ingredients! Flour, spices, vinegars, etc. Let’s take a look at some of the best gluten-free cheese sauces!
Velveeta Original Cheese Sauce Pouches
While their products like cheesy bowls and mac and cheese aren’t gluten-free, their cheese sauce pouches are! They aren’t certified gluten-free but there are no gluten-containing ingredients. The gluten-free community have found this brand safe enough to be considered gluten-free. The brand that makes Velveeta, Kraft, have a very strict policy on listing allergens so it’s safe for gluten-free consumption.
It’s easily accessible and just $2.98 for 4 pouches in grocery stores such as Walmart.
Ragu Double Cheddar Sauce
Despite the pasta on the label (which is enough to put any celiac/gluten-intolerant individual off!), this cheddar sauce is actually gluten-free! It’s not certified gluten-free, but it is labelled as such which is often enough to give me peace of mind. It’s made with cheddar, parmesan, and Romano cheese – which is an absolutely delicious trio of cheese.
This brand can be easily found in your local grocery store and is usually around $2.
Gehl’s Mild Cheddar Sauce
This is the number one brand you’ll find in theaters and stadiums! So of course, this is the priciest brand in our list. It’s naturally flavored and clearly marked gluten-free on the box. Adding this to almost anything will make it taste better – potatoes, burritos, vegetables. At around $10 for two cartons, it’s certainly not inexpensive, but for that authentic tasting cheese sauce, sometimes it’s worth it!
Feeling Cheesy
Whether you want to buy gluten-free cheese sauce or dip, there’s a plethora of options on offer for us. Whenever you’re trying a new brand, be sure to always check the label. No matter how “natural” it may state it is, additives can be sneaky! I hope this list of gluten-free cheese dip brands is a help for you.
What’s your go-to brand when buying cheese sauce or dip? I would love to know in the comments below what your favorites are. I’ve got to say, I’m not particularly fussy – if it’s cheesy, I’ll more than likely enjoy it. Anyone else the same?
With so many amazing alternatives available for us, it’s almost not worth the hassle of making your own! That might just be my lazy cook side coming out…
Learn more about: Does Macaroni and Cheese Have Gluten?
Hi, my name’s Zoë. I’m 28 years old and live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.