Made from pasteurized milk and a variety of spices, Boursin cheese is the perfect addition to any charcuterie board. The best part? It’s easily digestible for the gluten-intolerant (but perhaps not for the dairy-intolerant, unless you snag their dairy-free option). If you’re looking for a gluten-free cheese to add to your list of spreadable options, dips, and salad toppers, look no further. Boursin cheese is a phenomenal choice and they have a mouthwatering selection of flavors, but is Boursin cheese gluten-free?
Boursin cheese is considered gluten-free. The main ingredients in Boursin cheese are cultured milk, cream, salt, garlic, and seasonings. None of these ingredients contain gluten. However, the makers of Boursin state that due to potential cross-contamination, Boursin isn’t certified gluten-free. The best gluten-free alternatives include Alouette Garlic Herb Spread Cheese and Miyoko’s Creamery Garlic Herb Cashew Milk Cheese.
In this article, we’ll deep dive into the history of Boursin cheese, how Boursin cheese is gluten-free, the nutrition facts for varying flavors of their cheese products, some alternative brands, recipes and more!
Contents
What is the story behind Boursin cheese?
Normandy cheesemaker François Boursin is to thank for the inception of the Boursin cheese empire back in 1957. After a rumor spread in the newspaper that Boursin was whipping up a delectable garlic & herb recipe, there was pressure to fulfill the demand of his fellow cheese-lovers. Thus, he worked for years to discover his signature cheese, and it became a major crowd pleaser.
Boursin crafted his recipe in northern France after opening a cheese factory there. He drew inspiration for fromage frais, a common party dish that consisted of simple ingredients and soft cheese. In 1963, Francois introduced his perfected Gourmay cheese to the world. Straightforward ingredients with bold flavors, packaged up in a delicate foil.
Being that it is the most popular, we suggest you try The Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese first. It’s richness and creamy texture with notes of garlic make it the ideal candidate for spreading on crackers.
What made Boursin a big deal?
After news spread across France that Boursin cheese was a must have at parties, Francois decided to take it one step further. Boursin soon became the very first cheese to be featured in a national TV ad campaign. Francois leveraged a well-known French comedian, Jacques Duby, to help gain attraction for the cheese. The ad campaign featured Duby tossing and turning in his bed, unable to sleep due to his Boursin cheese cravings. It was a hit.
Another large campaign came out in 1972, giving the cheese more attention in the public eye. From this campaign, the slogan “Bread, wine, Boursin” transpired. This slogan has been used over several generations and still remains popular for the brand.
Who is Boursin manufactured by?
Boursin cheese is manufactured by Bel Brands USA Inc., a subsidiary of Fromageries Bel. Like Boursin, Fromageries Bel is headquartered in France. It is a family-owned cheese making business that has sold to over 130 countries.
If you’re big on cheese, you’ve likely heard of The Laughing Cow or Mini Babybel. These two brands, along with Boursin cheese, are among the most popular of 30 brands under Fromageries Bel. They have over 400 million consumers globally. Cheese lovers unite!
Now that you know the backstory, let’s take a look at the ingredients to determine whether this brand is a good choice for you.
Is Boursin cheese healthy?
Luckily for the gluten-intolerant, there aren’t any gluten derivatives or wheat-based ingredients in any of Boursin’s current cheese products. That being said, Boursin cheese does contain preservatives in certain flavors, such as caramelized onion and herb and fig and balsamic cheeses.
Your best option is to stick with the classic garlic & herb as it does not contain preservatives like the other options do. Certain flavors contain an additional list of ingredients, so be vigilant and do your research before making a purchase. Check the back of a cheese’s package for a specific ingredient breakdown. You can learn a lot from taking a few moments to see what’s listed on the labels.
What does Boursin cheese taste like?
Never had Boursin cheese before? Some might liken the flavor and texture to herbed goat cheese or gorgonzola dolce. Think creamy yet crumbly, with a blend of distinctive flavors both savory and sweet. Whether or not you’re creative in the kitchen, you won’t have trouble finding ways to incorporate Boursin in your dishes. It’s an extremely versatile gluten-free cheese that can stand alone, too. The soft triple cream cheese also pairs well with a wide selection of wines.
Appetizer inspiration made with Boursin
If you’re looking for recipes with Boursin, they’ve got a large list of delicious options for you to try creating at home. Whether you plan to use it on your breakfast shakshuka, a summer salad or flatbread, or on deviled eggs, you can’t go wrong. Check out their list of cheese recipes to get some inspiration on how to incorporate more zesty, bold flavors to your dishes.
If you like yuca, this could be an opportunity for you to make cheesy baked yuca fries. Yuca are paleo and perfect as a grain-free, nut-free and gluten-free alternative to crackers.
Ever tried cheese and grits? Pairing Boursin cheese with polenta is another suggestion for you. Great comfort food that will be sure to warm you up on a cold day.
Nutritional Facts for Boursin Cheese
Garlic & Fine Herb
While Boursin cheese has several unique flavors, we will cover the nutritional info for 4 varieties. The cheese with the cleanest and fewest ingredients is the Boursin garlic & fine herbs selection. Garlic & Fine Herbs, Boursin’s classic and original cheese is a brilliant blend of parsley, chives, and a tasteful amount of garlic. This cheese is creamy yet crumbly, and perfect as a dip or to spread on gluten-free crackers.
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized cultured milk and cream
- Salt
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Chives
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp./29g):
- Calories 120
- Fat Calories. 110
- Sugars <1G
- Total Fat: 12g. 18% DV
- Saturated Fat: 8g, 40% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg, 10% DV
- Sodium: 180mg, 8% DV
- Total Carb.: 1g, 0% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A 6%
- Calcium 2%
Shallot & Chive
This French Gourmay cheese merges flavors of savory chives and the sharper flavors of shallots. It is important to note this flavored variety does contain the chemical additive potassium sorbate. Potassium Sorbate halts the growth of yeast, mold, and fungi to help boost the shelf life of a food or drink product. It is commonly used but not necessarily recommended. Some studies indicate that the additive is toxic to DNA and has an adverse effect on one’s immunity system.
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized cultured milk and cream
- Shallots
- Salt
- Chives
- Green onions
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
- Vitamin A: 10%, Calcium 2%
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp./29g):
- Calories 120
- Cal 110
- Sugars <1G
- Total Fat: 12g, 18% DV
- Saturated Fat: 8g, 40% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg, 10% DV
- Sodium: 190mg, 8% DV
- Total Carb.: 1g 0%
- Dietary Fiber: 0g 0%
- Sugars: <1g
- Protein: 2g
Cracked Black Pepper
Boursin Cracked Black Pepper Cheese’s flavor will ignite your guests’ palettes while the creamy, yet crumbly texture balances everything out. Whether you’re serving it on a cheese plate or adding it to your dish, your guests will be left wanting more. Please note that this variety also contains potassium sorbate.
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized cultured milk and cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp./29g):
- Calories 120
- Cal 110
- Sugars <1G
- Total Fat: 12g, DV 18%
- Saturated Fat: 8g, DV 40%
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg, DV 10%
- Sodium: 210mg, DV 9%
- Total Carb.: 1g, DV 0%
- Dietary Fiber: 0g, DV 0%
- Sugars: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A 6%
- Calcium 2%
Caramelized Onion & Herbs
If you’re big on sweet and savory, this one’s for you. The sweetness from the caramelized onions and sugar blended with parsley, chives, and smoke flavor make this combination unstoppable. A huge hit at potlucks. This variety also contains the chemical additive potassium sorbate.
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized cultured milk and cream
- Toasted onion powder
- Less than 2% of each:
- Brown sugar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Dried onions
- Sea salt
- Parsley
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
- Dried chives
- Natural flavor
- Smoke flavor
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp./29g):
- Calories 120
- Sugars 2G
- Calcium 2%
- Total Fat: 11g 14%
- Saturated Fat: 7g 35%
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg 12%
- Sodium: 115mg 5%
- Total Carb.: 2g 1%
- Dietary Fiber: 0g 0%
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Added Sugars 0g 0%
- Protein: 2g
- Calcium: 2%
Healthy Gluten-Free Alternatives to Boursin Cheese
Alouette Garlic Herb Spread Cheese
Kosher and gluten-free alternative that is loaded with flavor. The most comparable to Boursin’s classic Garlic and Herb cheese. However, it contains sorbic acid, an additive similar to potassium carbonate, used to maintain freshness.
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Cultured Milk and Cream
- Garlic
- Spices
- Salt
- Guar Gum
- Sorbic Acid (to Maintain Freshness)
- Carob Bean Gum
Nutrition Facts (per 3 tbsp./30g):
- Calories
- Amount per serving
- Total Fat 9g
- Saturated fat 6g
- Trans fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg
- Sodium 180 mg
- Calcium 2%
Miyoko’s Creamery Double Cream Garlic Herb Cashew Milk Cheese
This cheese is cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free. It is also free from lactose, palm oil, and soy. It does contain nuts, and is certified Non-GMO. Miyoko’s is a great option to enhance crackers, potatoes, breakfast dishes, or sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- Organic Cashew Milk (Organic Cashews, Filtered water)
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Organic Parsley
- Sea Salt
- Organic Garlic
- Organic Rice Miso (Organic Rice, Water, Sea Salt, Alcohol, Koji Culture)
- Organic Herbs
- Nutritional Yeast
- Cultures
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp./28g):
- Calories 120
- Sugars 2G
- Total Fat: 11g 14% DV
- Saturated Fat: 5g 25% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg 0% DV
- Sodium: 160mg 7% DV
- Total Carb.: 5g 2% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 1g 4% DV
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Added Sugars 0g 0% DV
- Iron: 1.2mg, 6%
- Potassium: 100mg, 2% DV
- Calcium: 10mg, 0% DV
Alouette Crème de Brie
Ultra-creamy brie spread. Simple ingredients, smooth and spreadable. Another gluten-free cheese alternative to add to your list of cheese spreads.
Ingredients:
- Brie Cheese (Pasteurized Cultured Milk and Cream, Salt, Enzymes)
- Water
- Sodium Phosphates
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Lactic Acid
- Beta Carotene (for color)
- Stabilizers (guar and/or carob bean gums)
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp./30g):
- Calories 90
- Sugars 2G
- Total Fat: 0, 0% DV
- Saturated Fat: 5g 25% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg 8% DV
- Sodium: 250mg 10% DV
- Total Carb.: 1g 0% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 0g 0% DV
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Added Sugars 0g 0% DV
- Iron: 0mg, 0%
- Potassium: 15mg, 0% DV
- Calcium: 109mg, 8% DV
- Protein: 4g
Which ones of these alternatives pass the gluten-free test?
All of them! If Boursin isn’t your thing and you are looking for a gluten-free cheese, any of these options are a great choice!
1). Alouette Garlic Herb Spread Cheese
1). Miyoko’s Creamery Double Cream Garlic Herb Cashew Milk Cheese
2). Alouette Crème de Brie
Related Questions
How long is Boursin Cheese good for?
After opening, Boursin cheese is still good for up to two weeks. You must keep this cheese refrigerated as it is not safe to eat after sitting out for a few hours.
Is Boursin Cheese dairy-free?
Most options you will find contain pasteurized milk or cream, however Boursin does carry a dairy-free option.
Is Boursin Cheese vegan?
No, Boursin cheese contains animal-based products with the exception of their dairy free cheese.
Is Boursin cheese nut-free?
Yes, Boursin contains no nuts.
Is Boursin Cheese kosher?
Yes, technically Boursin cheese is kosher.