Andy Montoya
Lactose-intolerant cheese lovers, rejoice! Cabot produces many cheeses that contain zero grams of lactose, including its award-winning Cabot Cheddars, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Muenster. Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk, and during the cheese-making process, the curds (which eventually become cheese) are separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose and is removed. The small amount of lactose that remains in the curds breaks down over time as the cheese ages, resulting in low-lactose or lactose-free cheese. So, Cabot's naturally aged cheddars, which are aged longer, contain 0g of lactose per serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose content | 0 grams of lactose per serving |
| Sugar content | 0 grams of sugar |
| Types of cheese | Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Muenster, Pepper Jack, Vermont Sharp, Habanero, Legacy, Parmesan |
| Gluten-free | Yes, except boxed macaroni and cheese, spreadable cheddars, and deli cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Cabot's lactose-free cheese options
Cabot produces many cheeses that contain zero grams of lactose, making them suitable for those with lactose intolerance. This is because, during the cheese-making process, the curds (which eventually become cheese) are separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose. The small amount of lactose that remains in the curds breaks down over time as the cheese ages.
- Cheddar—Cabot's naturally-aged cheddars, such as Vermont Sharp and Legacy, contain 0g of lactose per serving. Other flavored options like Habanero also fall into this category.
- Monterey Jack—This variety of cheese also contains very little to no lactose per serving (less than 0.1 grams per 1oz serving).
- Colby Jack—Similar to Monterey Jack, Colby Jack contains minimal lactose, making it a good option for those avoiding lactose.
- Muenster—Muenster cheese is another variety that contains negligible amounts of lactose, falling under the 0.1 grams per 1oz serving threshold.
- Pepper Jack—Cabot's Pepper Jack cheese is also listed as containing zero grams of lactose.
- Other Aged Cheeses—In addition to cheddar, other styles of aged cheese, such as Parmesan, are also considered lactose-free due to the aging process.
It's important to note that not all Cabot cheeses are guaranteed to be lactose-free, and individual sensitivities may vary. However, Cabot's lactose-free options provide a range of choices for those with lactose intolerance to enjoy cheese without worry.
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How cheese becomes lactose-free
Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. When cheese is made, the curds (solids) are separated from the whey (liquid). Most of the lactose is found in the whey, which is removed, while the curds eventually become cheese. The small amount of lactose remaining in the curds breaks down as the cheese ages, resulting in low-lactose or lactose-free cheese. Therefore, the longer a cheese has been aged, the less lactose it will contain.
Some examples of cheeses that are aged for long periods and are considered lactose-free include:
- Parmesan
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Classic Gouda
- Cabot's Naturally Aged Cheddar
- Muenster
- Limburger
- Feta
Yogurt cheese is another option for those looking for a lactose-free cheese. Cultured Way, a manufacturer of yogurt cheese, claims that their product is made using "active yogurt cultures, acidophilus, and bifidus, which remove the milk sugars during the cheesemaking and aging process."
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Lactose-free Cabot cheese recipes
Cabot Creamery offers a range of lactose-free cheese options, including their award-winning cheddars, which contain very little to no lactose per serving (less than 0.1 grams per 1-ounce serving). Their naturally-aged cheddars have 0 grams of lactose per serving, making them a great option for those with lactose intolerance.
Lactose-Free Mac & Cheese
This lactose-free macaroni and cheese is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in about 10 minutes. It features Cabot's Seriously Sharp Cheddar, which adds a bold flavor to the dish. The recipe also includes lactose-free milk, cornstarch, and pasta of your choice. The sauce is made by whisking together milk and cornstarch, then adding shredded cheese and stirring until melted. The cooked pasta is then mixed with the sauce and baked with a panko crumb topping.
Cheesy Skillet Chicken
A busy weeknight dinner option, this recipe combines chicken with Cabot's lactose-free cheese for a tasty and convenient meal.
Savory Cheesy Waffles (Chaffles)
These savory waffles are a high-protein breakfast or snack option and can be customized with various ingredients.
Habanero Black Bean Dip
A warm and creamy dip made with pureed roasted carrots, spices, and Cabot's lactose-free cheese. It's a great alternative to traditional dips made with sour cream or yogurt for those with lactose intolerance.
Cheesy Cheddar Fondue
A fun and creative way to enjoy Cabot's lactose-free cheeses, this fondue is perfect for a romantic date night or a small get-together with family and friends.
Grilled Pita Pockets
Gooey and delicious, these grilled pita pockets are filled with Cabot's lactose-free cheese and can be made indoors or outdoors on a grill or panini press.
With these recipes, lactose-intolerant individuals can still enjoy the delicious taste of Cabot's cheese without worrying about their sensitivity to lactose.
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Cabot's gluten-free products
Cabot Creamery offers a range of gluten-free products, including lactose-free cheeses and gluten-free recipes.
Firstly, Cabot's cheeses are naturally lactose-free due to the aging process. During cheese production, the curds, which eventually become cheese, are separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose. The small amount of lactose remaining in the curds breaks down as the cheese ages, resulting in low-lactose or lactose-free cheese. Therefore, Cabot's aged cheddar cheeses, such as Vermont Sharp, Habanero, and Legacy, contain 0 grams of lactose per serving. Other Cabot cheeses with very low lactose levels include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Muenster, and Gouda.
Secondly, Cabot provides various gluten-free recipes on its website, offering creative ways to incorporate their lactose-free cheeses. Some examples include skillet pepper jack chicken with avocado salsa, Greek yogurt mashed potatoes, cabbage sautéed with Alpine cheese, cheesy cheddar fondue, and a baked ricotta dip. Cabot also suggests a chocolate pudding dessert made with Greek yogurt and a homemade fresh ricotta cheese recipe, both of which are gluten-free and versatile for sweet or savoury dishes.
Additionally, Cabot recommends gluten-free side dishes like cauliflower wings, twice-baked sweet potatoes, and a lactose-free potluck side. For a quick breakfast or snack, they suggest cheesy chaffles (savory waffle-like dishes) or a high-protein dip made with pureed roasted carrots, perfect for those with lactose intolerance.
In summary, Cabot Creamery caters to those seeking gluten-free and lactose-free options by providing naturally lactose-free cheeses and an array of gluten-free recipes that showcase their versatile cheese offerings.
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Other lactose-free cheeses
Cabot Creamery's lactose-free cheese options include their naturally-aged cheddars, which have 0g of lactose per serving. Other Cabot cheeses with very little to no lactose per serving (less than 0.1 grams per 1 oz serving) include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Muenster.
When it comes to other lactose-free cheeses, there are several options for those who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to lactose. Here are some suggestions:
- Hard cheeses: Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, and Gouda are all hard cheeses that are considered virtually lactose-free. While mozzarella is not typically considered a hard cheese, some sources include it in this category, noting that it is aged longer and has little to no lactose.
- Baybel Red Wax Cheeses: These cheeses are lactose-free due to manufacturing but still contain all the regular milk enzymes, making them a good option for those who are unsure about their lactose tolerance.
- Goat and Sheep Cheeses: Reading the label to ensure no cow's milk is used, goat, and sheep cheeses can be a good alternative for those with lactose intolerance.
- Limburger: This soft, washed-rind cheese has a strong smell and flavor that isn't for everyone, but it contains only a moderate amount of lactose (about 2%).
- Feta: Feta is practically lactose-free, with only between 0.5% and 1.5% lactose, and it's also lower in fat than many other cheeses.
- Aged cheeses: In general, aged cheeses have lower levels of lactose. Parmigiano Reggiano, for example, is legally lactose-free. Other aged cheeses like Parmesan are also considered lactose-free.
It's important to note that not all lactose-intolerant individuals will have the same tolerance for these cheeses. While some may be able to enjoy a wider range of cheeses, others may need to stick to those with very low or no lactose. Additionally, serving size and moderation are important factors to consider when consuming cheese with lactose.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cabot produces many cheeses that contain zero grams of lactose, including Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster.
During the cheese-making process, the curd, which eventually becomes cheese, is separated from the whey. Whey is where most of the lactose is, and is removed. The small amount of lactose that remains in the curd breaks down over time as the cheese ages, resulting in an aged low-lactose or lactose-free cheese.
A good rule of thumb is to be aware of how long a cheese has been aged - if it’s aged for 8 months or longer, it’s likely lactose-free. You can also check the nutrition label. If there is no sugar (zero grams or "0g"), there is nearly no lactose in that cheese.
