Stop cell from animating - ios

Question

In my tableView I'm using custom cells with two custom labels. Eventually the text of these labels will change but at the same time, layoutIfNeeded() is called to animate some other things. This is causing the text in the labels to animate as well which I'm trying to prevent.
The code I'm using to change the text:
func tapped(recognizer: UIGestureRecognizer) {
let path = NSIndexPath(forRow: myData.count - 1, inSection: 0)
let cell = tableView.cellForRowAtIndexPath(path) as! CustomCell
cell.infoLabel.text = "Changing text here"
UIView.animateWithDuration(0.5) { self.anotherView.layoutIfNeeded() }
}
To prevent the labels from animating I have tried adding this in CustomLabel and CustomCell, as well as in willDisplayCell:
override func layoutSubviews() {
UIView.performWithoutAnimation { super.layoutSubviews() }
}
Or using another way of preventing it to animate in CustomLabel and CustomCell:
override func layoutSubviews() {
CATransaction.begin()
CATransaction.setDisableActions(true)
super.layoutSubviews()
CATransaction.commit()
}
I've also tried a property observer setting the text and removing all animations at the same time:
var text: String {
didSet {
infoLabel.text = text
infoLabel.layer.removeAllAnimations()
}
}
Nothing seems to work unless I use:
CATransaction.begin()
CATransaction.setDisableActions(true)
cell.infoLabel.text = "Changing text here"
CATransaction.commit()
But then I'd have to use it everywhere I'm changing the text. Is there a place I've overlooked to do this more elegantly?