Frederic Melton
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition that affects around 65% of the world's population. People with lactose intolerance often avoid dairy products to steer clear of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and indigestion. However, not all dairy foods are high in lactose, and some can be enjoyed in moderation. For instance, aged, hard cheeses like cheddar are considered virtually lactose-free, with some varieties containing 0g of lactose per serving. So, is all cheddar cheese lactose-free? And if so, what other lactose-friendly cheeses are there to indulge in?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose content | 0-2.1% lactose |
| Safe for lactose-intolerant individuals | Yes, in moderate portions |
| Type of cheese | Hard, aged cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is a low-lactose cheese
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 digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Fortunately, for those who are lactose intolerant, not all dairy foods are high in lactose. In fact, many cheeses are low in lactose and can be enjoyed in moderation.
Cheddar cheese, in particular, has been found to contain only trace amounts of lactose. Some brands, such as Cabot Creamery, even advertise their cheddar as being lactose-free, with 0g of lactose per serving. This means that moderate portions of cheddar are usually well-tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
In addition to cheddar, other low-lactose cheeses include Swiss, Parmesan, pecorino, provolone, Gouda, and Blue cheese. These cheeses typically contain less than 3% lactose, making them suitable for people who are lactose intolerant when eaten in moderation.
While low-lactose cheeses can be enjoyed by most people with lactose intolerance, it's important to remember that the severity of lactose intolerance can vary. Depending on their sensitivity, some individuals may still experience symptoms when consuming low-lactose dairy products. However, by gradually introducing small amounts of lactose into the diet, some people may be able to improve their condition over time.
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Lactose-intolerant people can eat some cheeses
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition that affects around 65% of the world's population. It occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Fortunately for those who are lactose intolerant, not all dairy products contain high levels of lactose, and some can be comfortably enjoyed without the uncomfortable symptoms associated with drinking milk or eating ice cream.
Cheese, for example, is made by adding bacteria or acid to milk and then separating the cheese curds from the whey. Because most of the lactose in milk is found in the whey, a lot of it is removed during the cheesemaking process. The longer a cheese is aged, the more time the bacteria have to break down the remaining lactose, so aged, hard cheeses tend to be very low in lactose. Cheddar, for instance, contains only trace amounts of lactose, and other hard cheeses like Swiss and Parmesan are also low in lactose. These cheeses can often be comfortably eaten by people with lactose intolerance, as can Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts, lactose-free milk, and butter.
According to the Italian Ministry of Health, Parmigiano Reggiano contains less than 1 mg of lactose per 100 grams, and some brands of cheddar, such as Cabot, also advertise their cheeses as being lactose-free. Other hard cheeses that are low in lactose include mozzarella, Colby, Monterey Jack, and Muenster. Soft, fresh, and processed cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata contain significantly more lactose than hard cheeses, but they still have far less lactose than milk.
While the severity of lactose intolerance varies from person to person, most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose without experiencing symptoms. For this reason, even some higher-lactose cheeses like provolone, Gouda, and blue cheese can be eaten in moderation by people with lactose intolerance.
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Hard cheeses are usually low-lactose
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, the main sugar found in milk. People with lactose intolerance often avoid eating dairy products to steer clear of uncomfortable, unwanted, or embarrassing side effects. However, not all dairy foods are high in lactose, and some can be consumed in moderation.
Aged, hard cheeses have less sugar and lactose, making them easier to digest. In addition to hard cheeses, there are several other types of low-lactose cheeses. Muenster, for example, has a 0-1.1% lactose range, while Havarti has a low to non-detectable level of lactose, with a range of around 0.1% to 2%. Limburger is another good choice for the lactose intolerant, although its strong smell and flavor may not be for everyone.
While softer, creamier cheeses tend to contain more lactose, some of these cheeses still have relatively low levels of lactose. For example, Swiss cheese has a 0-3.4% lactose range, while Blue cheese has a 0-2.5% lactose range. Provolone, often sold smoked, has a 0-2.2% lactose range.
It is important to note that the tolerance for lactose may vary among individuals with lactose intolerance. While some may be able to consume small amounts of lactose without issue, others may need to avoid it entirely. Additionally, portion sizes matter, and consuming multiple low-lactose foods together may exceed the amount of lactose an individual's system can tolerate.
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Aged cheeses are often low-lactose
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, making it difficult to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Fortunately, for those who are lactose intolerant, not all cheeses are off the table. In fact, aged cheeses are often low in lactose and can be enjoyed in moderation.
Aged, hard cheeses have less sugar and lactose, making them easier to digest. This is because the lactose in cheese gradually converts to lactic acid during the aging process. The longer the aging process, the less lactose a cheese will have. In general, hard cheeses tend to be lower in lactose than soft, creamy cheeses.
There are several aged cheeses that are particularly low in lactose. Parmigiano Reggiano, for example, is a hard, aged cheese that has virtually no lactose. Cheddar cheese, which has a 0-2.1% lactose range, is also suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. Other low-lactose options include Gouda, blue cheese, and provolone.
For those with lactose intolerance, choosing cheeses with 0 to a little over 3% lactose can be well-tolerated when consumed in moderation. It's important to note that sensitivity to lactose can vary greatly among individuals, so it's always a good idea to start with a small amount of cheese to test your tolerance.
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Lactose is a sugar found in dairy
Lactose is sometimes referred to as "milk sugar" because it is only found naturally in the milk of mammals, including cows, goats, sheep, and humans. The lactose in milk is considered a natural sugar, while the lactose added to packaged foods and beverages during manufacturing is considered an added sugar. The sugar we consume is often described as either natural or added sugar, and lactose can be considered both, depending on its source. For example, hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss contain very little to no lactose, whereas milk, ice cream, and yoghurt contain higher amounts.
The human body produces an enzyme called lactase to digest lactose. This enzyme breaks down lactose into its simpler forms of sugar, glucose and galactose. Lactase is produced by the small intestine and is secreted to aid in the digestion of lactose. However, not everyone produces enough lactase, which can lead to lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body does not produce enough lactase, resulting in physical symptoms like abdominal bloating, cramps, diarrhoea, and gas. It is important to distinguish between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy, as the latter is an immune response to milk proteins.
The good news is that lactose intolerance does not mean a complete avoidance of dairy. Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are considered virtually lactose-free. Additionally, lactose-free and lactose-reduced dairy products are available at most grocery stores, providing alternatives for those with lactose intolerance. These products are nutritionally similar to regular dairy and can be consumed without the uncomfortable symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all cheddar cheese is lactose-free. However, cheddar is considered a low-lactose cheese, with a 0-2.1% lactose range. Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses are often very low in lactose due to the bacteria in the cheese breaking down the lactose as it ages.
Soft, creamy cheeses such as cottage cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese are high in lactose. Brie, Camembert, and mozzarella also contain higher levels of lactose.
Hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack are low in lactose. Other low-lactose cheeses include Gouda, blue cheese, and provolone.
