Andy Montoya
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. While dairy products are a good source of nutrients, those who are lactose intolerant often avoid them to prevent uncomfortable side effects. However, not all dairy foods are high in lactose, and some cheeses are naturally low in lactose, including Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss. These aged cheeses have low levels of lactose due to the way they are made, and can often be tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
Is Cheddar Cheese High in Lactose?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose content | Cheddar cheese has low levels of lactose. |
| Lactose intolerance | Cheddar cheese is suitable for people with lactose intolerance. |
| Hard cheese | Cheddar is a hard cheese, which naturally contains low levels of lactose. |
| Aging | Cheddar is an aged cheese, which results in little to no lactose. |
| Yogurt | Yogurt contains helpful bacteria that break down lactose. |
| Milk | Milk contains high levels of lactose. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is a hard cheese, which is low in lactose
The amount of lactose in a cheese can depend on how it is made. Cheddar, for example, is a hard cheese with a low lactose content. Other hard cheeses, such as colby, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack, are also low in lactose. These hard cheeses are considered to be "virtually lactose-free".
On the other hand, soft, fresh and processed cheeses, such as cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata, contain significantly more lactose than hard cheeses. However, they still contain far less lactose than milk, yogurt and ice cream. In general, the longer a cheese is aged, the lower its lactose content. This is why cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss cheese, which are aged for longer, tend to have low levels of lactose.
Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose. Lactose intolerance affects around 65% of the world's population, with the highest rates found in Asia and South America. However, lactose intolerant people do not have to avoid all dairy products. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, are low in lactose and can often be tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
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Lactose is the natural sugar found in dairy
While soft, fresh, and processed cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata contain more lactose than hard cheeses, they still have far less than milk, yoghurt, and ice cream. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), most people with lactose intolerance can handle at least one serving of these low-lactose foods per day. Yoghurt is another dairy product that is well-tolerated by those with lactose intolerance, as it contains helpful bacteria that break down lactose. The lactose content in yoghurt decreases each day, even in the fridge, as the natural bacteria use lactose for energy.
Dairy foods are part of the recommended food groups and provide important nutrients and health benefits, including calcium, protein, phosphorus, and potassium. For this reason, it is not necessary for those with lactose intolerance to cut out all dairy. Instead, they can adjust their lactose intake based on their individual tolerance levels. For example, the Australian Dietary Guidelines suggest that those with lactose intolerance may be able to handle 250ml of milk per day if it is spread out in small amounts throughout the day and consumed with other foods. They can also try gradually increasing their milk intake to build up their tolerance.
It is worth noting that the intensity of lactose intolerance varies from person to person, and some people with lactose intolerance may be able to consume more lactose than others. Additionally, lactose intolerance is more prevalent in some parts of the world than others, affecting around 65% of the global population, with higher rates in Asia and South America, and lower rates in North America, Europe, and Australia.
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Lactose intolerance affects over 65% of the global population
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue affecting over 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. Those who are lactose intolerant often experience uncomfortable and embarrassing side effects when consuming dairy products, leading many to avoid them altogether.
However, it's important to note that not all dairy foods are high in lactose. Lactose-intolerant individuals can still enjoy some dairy products, including certain cheeses, without experiencing adverse effects. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, are generally well-tolerated by people with lactose intolerance. This is because the longer aging process of these cheeses results in lower levels of lactose.
Additionally, yogurts, especially those with live bacteria, can be easier to digest for lactose-intolerant individuals. The live bacteria in yogurt help break down lactose, reducing the amount that needs to be processed by the body. Other low-lactose dairy options include whey protein powders, with whey isolate containing the lowest levels of lactose.
The severity of lactose intolerance can vary among individuals, and some may be able to tolerate small portions of higher-lactose cheeses without experiencing symptoms. It is recommended that those with lactose intolerance experiment with different dairy products and portion sizes to find the right balance for their needs. While lactose intolerance is a common condition, it does not mean a complete elimination of dairy from one's diet.
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Lactose intolerant people can usually eat moderate amounts of cheddar
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. While it is a condition that often leads to people avoiding dairy altogether, this is not necessary. Lactose-intolerant people can usually eat moderate amounts of cheddar cheese, as well as other hard cheeses, without experiencing any unpleasant symptoms.
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses are generally low in lactose. This is because, during the production process, the curds (which become the cheese) are separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose. As the cheese ages, the small amount of lactose in the curds breaks down over time. Cheddar cheese is aged for a long time, so by the time it is ready to eat, it contains very little or no lactose at all.
The amount of lactose can vary between different types of cheese, and some cheeses that are usually high in lactose may be tolerated in small portions. However, cheeses that are aged longer, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss, tend to have lower levels of lactose. Soft, fresh, and processed cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata contain significantly more lactose than hard cheeses, but they still have far less than milk, yoghurt, and ice cream.
Lactose-intolerant people can usually consume moderate amounts of cheddar cheese without experiencing any unpleasant symptoms. However, the severity of lactose intolerance varies from person to person, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for tailored guidance. They may advise gradually increasing your intake of dairy to build up a tolerance and find the right balance for your body.
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Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert are higher in lactose
Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. When cheese is made, the curd, which eventually becomes cheese, is separated from the whey. Whey is where most of the lactose is, and is removed. Curd can contain a small amount of lactose, but it breaks down over time as the cheese ages. This means that cheeses like cheddar, which are aged longer, have little to no lactose. Other cheeses that are aged longer and have low levels of lactose include Parmesan and Swiss cheese.
However, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert are higher in lactose. This is because they are not aged for as long as harder cheeses, and therefore the lactose does not have as much time to break down. Brie and Camembert are also considered matured cheeses, which tend to have higher lactose content. In addition to Brie and Camembert, other soft cheeses that tend to be higher in lactose include cottage cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, and burrata.
For those who are lactose intolerant, it is important to know that not all dairy foods are high in lactose. In fact, many hard cheeses, such as cheddar, are virtually lactose-free. This is because the aging process breaks down the lactose in cheese, and harder cheeses are typically aged for longer than softer cheeses. In addition to cheddar, other hard cheeses that are low in lactose include Swiss, Parmesan, colby, and Monterey Jack.
While soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert may be higher in lactose, it is important to note that even some higher-lactose cheeses might not cause symptoms in small portions. The amount of lactose that can be tolerated varies from person to person, and some people with lactose intolerance may be able to consume up to 12 grams of lactose daily without experiencing symptoms. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine what is safe and tolerable for your individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is not high in lactose. In fact, it is considered a low-lactose cheese, with some sources claiming it has zero grams of lactose per serving.
Cheddar is a hard cheese that is aged for a long time, which results in little to no lactose.
Yes, lactose-intolerant people can generally consume moderate portions of low-lactose cheeses like cheddar without experiencing symptoms. However, the severity of lactose intolerance varies from person to person, so it's best to consult a dietitian or health professional for tailored advice.
Other low-lactose foods include Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts, lactose-free milk, and other hard cheeses such as Parmesan, Swiss, and Colby.
