Andy Montoya
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue, affecting around 65% of the world's population. It occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. While many people with lactose intolerance avoid all dairy, this is not always necessary. Some dairy products, including certain types of cheese, contain low levels of lactose and can be enjoyed without causing uncomfortable symptoms. The amount of lactose in cheese varies depending on the type and aging process, with aged, hard cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan, and Cheddar having lower lactose content than softer, creamier varieties. So, does cooking cheese affect its lactose content? And which cheeses are suitable for those with lactose intolerance?
Does cooked cheese contain lactose?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose content in cooked cheese | Trace amounts of lactose remain in cooked cheese |
| Lactose content in natural cheese | Natural cheeses contain minimal amounts of lactose |
| Aged cheese | The longer a cheese is aged, the more lactose is removed |
| Hard cheese | Hard cheeses contain less than 1 gram of lactose per 1.5-ounce serving |
| Soft cheese | Soft, fresh, and processed cheeses contain more lactose than hard cheeses |
| Low-lactose cheese options | Cottage cheese, feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk, parmesan, Swiss, cheddar, limburger |
| High-lactose cheese options | Cream cheese, ricotta, burrata, mozzarella, cream cheese |
| Lactose intolerance | Affects 65% of the global population; not an allergy |
| Lactose content in other dairy products | Butter, cream, lactose-free milk, Greek and Icelandic yogurt contain less than 1 gram of lactose per serving |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddars are lower in lactose
- Soft, fresh, and processed cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata contain more lactose
- Lactose is removed from milk during the cheesemaking process
- Aged cheeses are very low in lactose because they have been aged the longest
- Lactose-intolerant people can eat cheese, but they should choose carefully
Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddars are lower in lactose
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem, affecting around 65% of the global population. It occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in dairy. Fortunately, not all dairy products contain high levels of lactose, and some can be enjoyed in moderation by those who are lactose intolerant.
Cheese, for example, contains minimal amounts of lactose. During the cheese-making process, most of the lactose is removed when the curds are separated from the whey, which contains the majority of the lactose. The longer a cheese is aged, the more lactose is removed, as the bacteria in the cheese break down the lactose, converting it into lactic acid. Therefore, aged, hard cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddars are lower in lactose. Parmigiano Reggiano, for instance, has virtually no lactose.
Other hard cheeses that are low in lactose include Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts, and lactose-free milk. These products can be safely consumed by those with lactose intolerance, without experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with drinking milk or eating ice cream.
While softer, creamier cheeses tend to have higher levels of lactose, there are some exceptions. Limburger, a soft, washed-rind cheese, has only a moderate amount of lactose, about 2%. Feta cheese, made from goat or sheep's milk, is practically lactose-free, containing only between 0.5% and 1.5% lactose.
For those who are lactose intolerant, it is important to choose dairy products carefully and listen to your body. Start with small servings and gradually increase the amount until you reach your limit. Combining dairy with other lactose-free foods may also help reduce symptoms.
Pregnant and Craving Feta: Is It Safe If Cooked?
You may want to see also
Soft, fresh, and processed cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata contain more lactose
Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in dairy products, and it is the lactose that upsets the digestive system of those who are intolerant. However, not all dairy products contain the same amount of lactose, and some can be enjoyed by those who are lactose intolerant.
Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddars are lower in lactose. This is because, during the cheese-making process, most of the lactose is removed when the curds are separated from the whey (which contains most of the lactose). As the cheese ages, it leaks out even more whey, and the lactose in the cheese is converted to lactic acid.
Soft, fresh, and processed cheeses, on the other hand, tend to be made with less ageing and have more whey, resulting in higher lactose content. While they still have far less lactose than milk, yogurt, and ice cream, they can be problematic for those with lactose intolerance.
For those who are lactose intolerant, it is important to note that not all hope is lost when it comes to enjoying cheese. While softer cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata should be avoided, there are still many options to choose from. Feta cheese, for example, is practically lactose-free and a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. Limburger, a soft, washed-rind cheese with a strong smell and flavor, is another good choice, containing only about 2% lactose.
The Perfect Halloumi: A Simple Guide to Cooking Halloumi Cheese
You may want to see also
Lactose is removed from milk during the cheesemaking process
Lactose is a milk sugar that is present in milk from cows, sheep, goats, and buffalo. It is composed of two sugars: glucose and galactose. Lactose is broken down in the body by an enzyme called lactase, which is produced by the small intestine.
During the cheesemaking process, most of the lactose in milk is removed along with the water and whey. The first step of the process involves acidifying the milk, which converts most of the lactose into lactic acid. When rennet is added, the soured milk starts to curdle and separate from its liquid part, which contains most of the remaining lactose. This liquid, known as whey, is then drained off, leaving behind the curds, which contain very little lactose.
The amount of lactose in cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the length of time it has been aged. Hard, aged cheeses tend to have lower levels of lactose, as they have been aged for longer and have had more time for the lactose to be converted into lactic acid. Soft, creamy cheeses, such as ricotta or cottage cheese, tend to have higher levels of lactose, as they are generally matured for less time and have less whey or lactose removed from them.
For those who are lactose intolerant, consuming foods with high levels of lactose can cause uncomfortable digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain. However, not all cheeses are forbidden on a low-lactose diet. Hard cheeses, such as extra mature Gruyère, Comté, Beaufort, Parmigiano Reggiano (aged two years or more), and Vintage Gouda, are generally safe for people with lactose intolerance to consume. Soft cheeses with low levels of lactose, such as feta (which contains only 0.5% to 1.5% lactose), can also be enjoyed in moderation.
Cheesy Potatoes: A Quick, Easy, and Delicious Recipe
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Aged cheeses are very low in lactose because they have been aged the longest
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem, affecting around 65% of the global population. It is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, the main sugar found in milk. However, contrary to popular belief, people with lactose intolerance can still consume some dairy products, including certain types of cheese.
Cheese contains very low amounts of lactose because most of it is removed during the cheese-making process when the curds are separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose. As cheese ages, it loses even more whey, which is why aged cheeses tend to have lower levels of lactose. The bacteria in the cheese also break down some of the remaining lactose, further lowering its content over time.
Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan, and Cheddar are good options for people with lactose intolerance, as they contain very low levels of lactose. For example, 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of Cheddar cheese only has trace amounts of lactose. Other low-lactose cheese options include Limburger, Feta, and cottage cheese made from goat or sheep's milk.
While softer, creamier cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese tend to have higher levels of lactose, they still contain far less than milk, yogurt, and ice cream. These cheeses typically have between 1% and 6% lactose per serving, compared to 6% to 14% lactose per serving in milk, yogurt, and ice cream. So, even people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of these cheeses without experiencing any symptoms.
Cooking Natural Cheese in a Crockpot: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Lactose-intolerant people can eat cheese, but they should choose carefully
Lactose-intolerant people can eat cheese, but they should be careful about the type of cheese they choose. While most natural cheeses contain minimal amounts of lactose, some varieties contain more lactose than others.
Cheese is made by adding bacteria or acid to milk and then separating the cheese curds that form from the whey. Since the lactose in milk is found in the whey, a lot of it is removed during the cheese-making process. However, the amount of lactose in the final product can vary depending on the type of cheese and the length of time it has been aged.
Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan, and Cheddar are lower in lactose because they have been aged longer. The longer a cheese is aged, the more time the bacteria have to break down the lactose, resulting in lower lactose content. These cheeses typically contain less than 1 gram of lactose per 1.5-ounce serving, making them a good option for lactose-intolerant individuals.
On the other hand, softer, creamier cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, burrata, and cream cheese contain more lactose. These cheeses are usually softer and fresher, with less time for the bacteria to break down the lactose. While they still contain far less lactose than milk or yogurt, they may be less tolerable for those with severe lactose intolerance.
Some specific types of cheese that are recommended for lactose-intolerant individuals include:
- Feta cheese: Feta made from goat or sheep's milk is practically lactose-free, containing only 0.5% to 1.5% lactose, and it's also lower in fat.
- Limburger: This soft, washed-rind cheese has a strong smell and flavor, but it contains only about 2% lactose and has a smooth, creamy texture.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: This hard, aged cheese has virtually no lactose and is also made with raw milk, which may improve digestion.
In general, lactose-intolerant individuals should aim for cheeses with 0 to slightly over 3% lactose, which can usually be well-tolerated in moderation. It's also important to listen to your body and be aware of your own symptoms and tolerance levels. Some people may find that combining dairy with other lactose-free foods can help reduce symptoms. Additionally, probiotics and lactase enzyme supplements can help ease symptoms of lactose intolerance and allow for a wider variety of cheese options.
Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms: The Ultimate Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cooked cheese does contain lactose, but the amount varies depending on the type of cheese. Natural cheeses contain minimal amounts of lactose due to the cheese-making process, which involves removing curds from whey, which contains most of the lactose. Aged, hard cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan, and Cheddar are lower in lactose, while softer, creamier cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese contain more lactose.
Yes, if you are lactose intolerant, you can still eat cooked cheese, but you may need to choose specific types of cheese and consume them in moderation. Aged, hard cheeses are generally better tolerated by those with lactose intolerance as they have lower levels of lactose. Look for cheeses with 0 to a little over 3% lactose. Some examples of low-lactose cheeses include feta, goat or sheep's milk cheese, and Limburger.
To reduce the lactose content in cooked dishes containing cheese, you can combine lactose-containing ingredients with other foods that do not contain lactose. For example, instead of just drinking a glass of milk, pour it over cereal or have toast on the side. You can also try using lactose-free or low-lactose cheese alternatives in your cooking. Additionally, consider using lactose-free milk or non-dairy milk alternatives like soy milk.
