Galbani cheese is an Italian cheese brand that was founded in 1882 by Egidio Galbani. Today, his cheese has spread worldwide and is becoming a staple in many refrigerators across the United States.
Galbani cheese is gluten-free because none of its ingredients contain wheat, rye, or barley. However, it is important to note that Galbani cheese products do not carry a gluten-free label. If you are looking for a certified gluten-free cheese, the best alternatives to Galbani cheese are Augason Farms Freeze Dried Shredded Colby Cheese or Litehouse Crumbled Feta.
It can be devastating if you have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease or have developed a gluten sensitivity. One of the first things you may do is go through your pantry and refrigerator to see what you can eat. If you’re like most of us and love Galbani cheese, consider yourself in luck! Even though they do not carry a GF label, Galbani frequently advertises their gluten-free recipes on social media, containing their cheeses. In this article, we will discuss whether Galbani cheese is healthy, its ingredients, and discuss certified gluten-free alternatives to Galbani cheese.
Contents
Is Galbani Cheese Healthy?
Yes. Galbani cheese is a whole food and is considered to be healthy as long as it’s consumed in moderation.
All Galbani cheeses are naturally made, free of preservatives, additives, hormones, and trans fats. Most Galbani cheeses have around 3.5 grams of saturated fat, so you want to be sure to limit your daily consumption.
According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, you should limit your saturated fat intake to less than 10% of your daily calories. If someone consumes 1800 calories per day, they should eat no more than 180 calories or roughly 25 grams of saturated fat per day.
The American Heart Association has also correlated a high saturated fat diet to elevated blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
Is Galbani Cheese Real Cheese?
Galbani cheese is authentic cheese! In fact, it is the top-selling cheese brand in Italy. Galbani is known globally for producing distinct, natural Italian cheeses for the entire family.
If you’re looking for real cheese, it doesn’t get more authentic than Galbani cheese.
Let’s look at the ingredients and Nutrition Facts labels in some of the most popular Galbani cheese products.
Nutritional Facts for Galbani Cheese by Product
Most of the micro and macronutrients in Galbani cheese are similar. By the different types of cheese, the composition slightly differs.
As always, best to get into the habit of looking at each individual food label. Some products on the market can undoubtedly fool you if you aren’t checking their labels!
Galbani Cheddar Stick Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Cheese Cultures
- Salt
- Enzymes Colored With Annatto
Nutrition Facts per 1 oz. serving:
- Calories- 100 kcal
- Total Fat- 8 g
- Saturated Fat- 4.5 g
- Trans Fat-0 g
- Cholesterol- 25 mg
- Sodium- 160 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0 g
- Protein- 6 g
Colby Jack Stick Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Cheese Culture
- Salt
- Enzymes
- Annatto
Nutrition Facts per 1 oz. serving:
- Calories- 80kcal
- Total Fat- 7 g
- Saturated Fat- 4.5g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol- 20 mg
- Sodium- 150 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0 g
- Protein- 5 g
Galbani Pepper Jack Stick Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Sweet Red Peppers
- Cheese cultures
- Salt
- Enzymes
Nutrition Facts per 1 oz. serving:
- Calories- 90 kcal
- Total Fat- 7 g
- Saturated Fat- 5 g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol- 25 mg
- Sodium- 160 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0 g
- Protein- 5 g
Galbani Whole Milk Mozzarella String Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized milk
- Cheese cultures
- Salt
- Enzymes
Nutrition Facts per 1 oz. serving:
- Calories- 90 kcal
- Total Fat- 7 g
- Saturated Fat- 4.5 g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol – 25 mg
- Sodium- 170 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0 g
- Protein- 7 g
Galbani Cheese Sliced Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Enzymes
Nutrition Facts per 1 oz. serving:
- Calories- 80 kcal
- Total Fat- 5 g
- Saturated Fat- 3.5 g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol- 20 mg
- Sodium- 100 mg
- Total Carbohydrates- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0 g
- Protein- 5 g
Galbani Grated Parmesan Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Cheese Cultures
- Salt
- Enzymes
Nutrition Facts per 1 Tbsp. serving:
- Calories- 20 kcal
- Total Fat- 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat- 1 g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol- 5 mg
- Sodium- 70 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0 g
- Protein- 2 g
Galbani Thick Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Milk
- Cheese Cultures
- Salt
- Enzymes
Nutrition Facts per 1 oz. slice:
- Calories 80 kcal
- Total Fat-5 g
- Saturated Fat- 3 g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol- 15 mg
- Sodium- 170 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0.5 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0.5 g
- Protein- 8 g
If you notice, these products do not contain ingredients with gluten. However, none of them are certified gluten-free. This is likely because the manufacturer cannot guarantee cross-contamination will not occur.
For the most part, these cheeses can still be safely consumed by those with a gluten allergy.
However, consider opting for a vegan cheese option or a certified GF product if you have severe gluten sensitivity.
Certified Gluten-Free Alternatives to Galbani Cheese
Unfortunately, it was pretty hard to find brands of cheese that carry the certified gluten-free label. Options are few and far between, but here are some of the best alternatives I could dig up!
Litehouse Crumbled Feta Cheese
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized milk
- Salt
- Culture
- Enzymes
- Potato starch
Nutrition Facts per 1 oz.:
- Calories- 80 kcal
- Total Fat-5 g
- Saturated Fat- 2.5 g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol- 0 mg
- Sodium- 230 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0.5 g
- Protein- 4 g
Augason Farms Freeze Dried Shredded Colby Cheese
Ingredients:
- Colby cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, annatto [vegetable color]
- May contain cellulose to prevent caking
- May contain calcium propionate as a preservative)
Nutrition Facts per 1 Tbsp. (dry):
- Calories- 30 kcal
- Total Fat-2.5 g
- Saturated Fat- 1.5 g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol- 10 mg
- Sodium- 50 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0 g
- Protein- 2 g
Additional Product Information:
- Certified gluten-free
- Shelf-life up to 30 years
- 100% real cheese
Daiya Spicy Monterey Jack Shreds
Ingredients:
- Filtered water
- Tapioca flour
- Coconut oil
- Expeller pressed canola/ or safflower oil
- Natural vegan flavors
- Chickpea protein
- Salt
- Tricalcium phosphate
- Lactic acid (vegan)
- Red bell peppers
- Konjac gum
- Xanthan gum
- Green jalapeno peppers
- Nutritional yeast
Nutrition Facts per ¼ cup:
- Calories-80 kcal
- Total Fat-5 g
- Saturated Fat- 2.5 g
- Trans Fat- 0 g
- Cholesterol- 0 mg
- Sodium- 230 mg
- Total Carbohydrate- 0 g
- Dietary Fiber- 0 g
- Sugars- 0.5 g
- Protein- 0 g
Additional Product Information:
- Certified gluten-free
- Non- GMO
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Egg-free
- Peanut free
- No fish
In Conclusion
Galbani cheese is considered to be safe for those with gluten-sensitivities or celiac disease. When consumed in moderation, the cheese is also healthy and free of artificial flavors, GMOs, and hormones.
If you have a severe allergy and are very sensitive to gluten, consider choosing a product labeled gluten-free for peace of mind.
Related Questions
Is Galbani cheese vegetarian?
For most vegetarians, most Gablani Cheeses do not contain animal rennet and are considered vegetarian friendly. If you do not consume dairy products, consider Daiya Vegan Spicy Monterey Jack Shreds.
Is Galbani cheese kosher?
Yes. Most Galbani cheese products have a kosher label. In order to be confident you are getting a kosher product, be sure to select a cheese product with a kosher label.
Where is Galbani cheese made?
Most Galbani cheese products are made at their production facility in Buffalo, NY.
Is Galbani cheese pasteurized?
Fortunately, Galbani products are made with pasteurized milk, making them safe for pregnant women. If you’re uncertain, always be sure to check the label.
What is Galbani Grilling Cheese?
Galbani grilling cheese is a soft, rich melting cheese that you can cook on a stove or grill to create a perfectly crispy outside and a soft, tasty center.