Patrick Oconnell
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem that affects around 65% of the world's population. People with this condition can experience uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms, including bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain. While it is not necessary for those affected to avoid all dairy products, many choose to do so to prevent these unwanted side effects. However, this can result in a lower intake of essential nutrients like calcium, protein, phosphorus, and potassium. The good news is that some dairy products, including certain cheeses, contain low levels of lactose and can be enjoyed without discomfort. But does this include all cheddar cheese brands?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are all cheddar cheese brands low lactose? | No, but most cheddar cheese brands are low lactose. |
| Types of cheese with low lactose | Hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack. Aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmesan, and Swiss. |
| Types of cheese with high lactose | Soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, ricotta, burrata, brie, and Camembert. |
| Lactose intolerance | A digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, making it difficult to digest lactose, the main sugar found in milk. |
| How is cheese made low lactose? | During the cheesemaking process, most of the lactose is removed with the whey. The remaining lactose breaks down over time as the cheese ages. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is low-lactose due to its aging process
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem, affecting around 65% of the world's population. It is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, the main sugar found in milk. For those who are lactose intolerant, consuming high levels of lactose can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain.
Cheddar is a hard cheese that is naturally low in lactose. In fact, aged cheddars, such as those produced by Cabot, have 0 grams of lactose per serving and are considered virtually lactose-free. This is due to the aging process, during which the small amount of lactose present in the curds breaks down over time. The longer a cheese is aged, the less lactose it will contain, and cheeses aged for 8 months or longer are likely to be safe options for those with lactose intolerance.
The cheesemaking process also plays a role in the amount of lactose in the final product. For example, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert, which are high in lactose, go through a different process than hard cheeses like cheddar. In the production of hard cheeses, the whey, which contains most of the lactose, is removed before the curds are packed into forms for pressing. In contrast, soft cheeses are formed before the whey is removed, allowing it to slowly drip out, resulting in a higher lactose content.
In addition to cheddar, other hard cheeses that are low in lactose include Colby, Swiss, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack. These cheeses are also aged and have a low lactose content due to the breakdown of lactose over time. Moderate portions of these cheeses are generally well-tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
It is important to note that the lactose content can vary between different brands of cheese, and individuals with lactose intolerance may need to experiment to find the options that work best for them. Additionally, while low-lactose cheeses may be tolerated in moderate amounts, larger portions or combining multiple low-lactose foods may exceed the tolerance threshold.
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Lactose-intolerant people can still eat cheddar
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, the main sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain. However, this does not mean that all dairy products are off the table for those with lactose intolerance.
Cheddar cheese, for example, is a hard cheese that is naturally low in lactose due to the way it is made. During the cheesemaking process, the curds (which become the cheese) are separated from the whey, which is where most of the lactose is found. Cheddar is also an aged cheese, which means that it has been given time for any remaining lactose to break down over time. As a result, aged cheddars can contain 0 grams of lactose per serving and are considered to be virtually lactose-free.
It is important to note that the lactose content can vary between different brands of cheddar cheese, so it may be necessary to experiment with different options to find the one that works best for your individual tolerance level. Additionally, while moderate portions of cheddar are generally well-tolerated by people with lactose intolerance, it is always recommended to consume any dairy products in moderation and to be mindful of portion sizes.
For those with a severe lactose intolerance, there are also non-dairy alternatives to cheddar cheese that can be enjoyed without discomfort. These include plant-based vegan options as well as dairy-based options like Havarti, which has a low to non-detectable level of lactose, and Limburger, a soft cheese with a moderate amount of lactose.
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Other low-lactose cheeses
While there is no perfect cheese for lactose intolerance, there are several types of low-lactose cheeses that can be enjoyed in moderation. These include:
- Muenster is a semi-soft cheese with a mild and slightly nutty flavour. It typically has a 0-1.1% lactose range.
- Havarti has a low to non-detectable level of lactose, with a range of 0.1-2% lactose. It is similar in flavour to jack cheese and can be used in sandwiches, omelettes, or melted on other dishes.
- Limburger is a soft, washed-rind cheese with a strong smell and flavour. It has a smooth, creamy texture and contains about 2% lactose.
- Feta is practically lactose-free, with only 0.5-1.5% lactose, and it is also lower in fat than many other cheeses.
- Provolone has a 0-2.1% lactose range and is often sold smoked, with a 0-2.2% lactose range.
- Gouda is a slightly sweet cheese that can be used in grilled cheese, on a cheese platter, or in a cheese puff.
- Blue cheese has a 0-2.5% lactose range. It can be crumbled into a salad or grain bowl or used to make a dipping sauce.
- Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano is a popular cheese that adds tanginess to dishes like spaghetti, pizza, scrambled eggs, or breaded chicken. It has a 0-3.2% lactose range.
- Swiss cheese is another option that is low in lactose.
- Pecorino is a type of cheese made from sheep's milk, which has lower concentrations of lactose than cow's milk.
- Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese with very little to no lactose per serving.
- Colby is another hard cheese that is "virtually lactose-free".
In general, aged, hard cheeses are lower in lactose than soft, creamy cheeses. This is because the curds in cheese contain a small amount of lactose, which breaks down over time as the cheese ages. Therefore, cheeses that have been aged longer, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss, tend to have lower levels of lactose.
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Non-dairy alternatives
While some people with lactose intolerance can consume dairy products with low levels of lactose, others may need to avoid dairy altogether. Fortunately, there are several non-dairy alternatives to cheddar cheese that can be used as substitutes.
Vegan Cheese
Vegan cheeses are typically made with plant-based ingredients and are a popular alternative to dairy cheese. They come in various forms, such as shredded, sliced, or liquid, and can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, on cheeseburgers, or cold in salads. Some popular brands of vegan cheddar cheese include Violife, which melts well, and Parmela Creamery Shreds, made from cashew milk and available at Whole Foods and Wegmans.
Other Dairy-Free Alternatives
For those who are not fans of vegan cheese, there are other options to consider. Avocados or guacamole can add a similar creamy texture to salads, and fried eggs can provide a runny yolk that can act as a substitute for melted cheese. Additionally, goat or sheep cheese is naturally lower in lactose than cow's cheese, so these can be good alternatives for those who can tolerate some lactose.
It is important to note that while non-dairy alternatives can provide a similar taste and texture to cheddar cheese, they may not offer the same nutritional benefits, such as calcium, protein, and phosphorus. Therefore, it may be necessary to supplement these nutrients through other dietary sources or with supplements.
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Lactose-free brands
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem, affecting around 65% of the world's population. It occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, the main sugar found in milk. While it is not an allergy, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain.
Fortunately, for those who are lactose intolerant, not all cheeses are off the table. In fact, many hard cheeses, such as cheddar, are naturally low in lactose. This is because the cheesemaking process involves separating the curd from the whey, which is where most of the lactose is found. The small amount of lactose that remains in the curd breaks down over time as the cheese ages, resulting in low-lactose or lactose-free cheese.
Some brands that offer lactose-free cheddar cheese include:
- Cabot Creamery: Cabot's cheddar cheese contains less than 0.1 grams of lactose per 1-ounce serving, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance.
- Green Valley: Green Valley offers a mild cheddar cheese that is lactose-free and made with cultured milk, salt, annatto color, a vegetarian enzyme, and potato starch. It is available nationwide in natural and specialty food stores.
- Lactaid: While I couldn't find specific information on their cheddar cheese, Lactaid is mentioned as a brand that offers an entire line of lactose-free products.
In addition to these brands, some other types of cheese that are naturally low in lactose include Swiss, Parmesan, Colby, Monterey Jack, and Muenster.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all cheddar cheese brands are low lactose. However, some brands, such as Cabot, offer aged cheddar cheeses that are considered to be nearly lactose-free, with 0 grams of lactose per serving. Lactaid and Green Valley Creamery are examples of brands that offer entire lines of lactose-free products.
Hard and mature cheeses tend to be lower in lactose. Examples of low-lactose cheeses include Swiss, Parmesan, colby, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata, tend to be higher in lactose. Other examples include Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella.
