Kamil Perry
Halloumi is a semi-soft, brined cheese with a chewy texture and salty flavour. It is made from a combination of sheep's, goat's, and sometimes cow's milk. While halloumi has a lower lactose content compared to some other dairy products, it is not entirely lactose-free. Lactose-free halloumi is available, with the same unique, springy texture and tangy, salty flavour as regular halloumi. People with lactose intolerance may still experience discomfort after consuming halloumi and are advised to consume it in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is halloumi cheese lactose-free? | No, but it has lower lactose content compared to some other dairy products. |
| Lactose-free halloumi | Has the same unique, springy texture and well-known flavour as regular halloumi. |
| Is made with the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. | |
| Is made from a combination of sheep's, goat's, and sometimes cow's milk. | |
| Is gluten-free. | |
| Is generally considered vegetarian-friendly. | |
| Is available from Arla and Waitrose. | |
| Lactose intolerance | Is a digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase. |
| Is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune response to milk proteins. | |
| Can be managed by consuming lactose in moderation and monitoring your body's reaction. | |
| Can be managed by consuming low-lactose foods, such as lactose-free milk, hard cheeses, and some soft cheeses. | |
| Can be managed by consuming lactase enzymes, although there is limited research on their effectiveness. |
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What You'll Learn
Halloumi is not entirely lactose-free
Halloumi is a semi-soft, brined cheese with a chewy texture and salty and savoury flavour. It is made from a combination of sheep's, goat's, and sometimes cow's milk. While halloumi has a lower lactose content compared to some other dairy products, it is not entirely lactose-free.
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. The amount of lactose in some foods can vary, and it is important to check labels when purchasing cheese to ensure it is lactose-free if one is lactose intolerant.
Halloumi typically contains around 1.5g of lactose per 100g of cheese, which is lower than other cheeses such as cottage cheese, ricotta, and mascarpone. However, this amount of lactose may still cause discomfort for people with lactose intolerance. It is recommended that those with lactose intolerance consume halloumi in moderation and monitor their body's reaction.
Fortunately, there are lactose-free alternatives to halloumi cheese made with pasteurised cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk. These cheeses have the same well-known flavour and texture as regular halloumi but without the lactose. They can be grilled or fried, giving them a golden-brown exterior with a soft and gooey centre, or enjoyed raw, where they take on a saltier and tangier flavour.
While most cheese is low in lactose, it is important to note that not all cheeses are suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Aged, hard cheeses tend to have lower levels of lactose, while softer, creamier cheeses often have higher levels. Lactose-intolerant individuals should opt for cheeses with less than 3% lactose and monitor their body's reaction when introducing new foods.
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Lactose-free halloumi tastes the same
Halloumi is a semi-soft, brined cheese with a chewy texture. It is made from a combination of sheep's, goat's, and sometimes cow's milk. It is gluten-free and generally considered vegetarian-friendly. Halloumi has a lower lactose content compared to some other dairy products, but it is not entirely lactose-free.
Lactose-free halloumi is now available from some retailers, and it tastes the same as regular halloumi. It has the same unique, springy texture and tangy, salty flavour with nutty notes. Lactose-free halloumi also has a high melting point, so it can be fried or grilled without melting, giving it a golden-brown exterior with a soft and gooey centre. It can be served warm or raw, where it has a saltier and tangier taste.
Lactose-free halloumi is made with pasteurised cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk and dried mint. It is a lactose-free hard cheese. Halloumi undergoes an initial fermentation stage before brining, during which beneficial bacteria convert some of the lactose into lactic acid. The enzyme lactase can also be added to the cheese concentrate to break down lactose during the maturation period.
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, making it difficult to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. While most cheese is low in lactose, people with lactose intolerance may experience discomfort after consuming regular halloumi. They may be able to consume lactose-free halloumi without any issues.
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Lactose-free halloumi has a high melting point
Halloumi is a semi-soft, brined cheese with a unique texture that is often described as squeaky. It is traditionally made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, with some types containing cow's milk as well. Halloumi has a high melting point, which means it can be grilled or fried without melting, making it ideal for cooking. This unique characteristic is due to its high pH (low acid) level, as well as the process of heating the whey to extract whey proteins before the cheese is boiled in clarified hot whey.
Lactose-free halloumi is a processed version of this cheese that has been specifically created to remove all lactose. It has the same high melting point as regular halloumi, allowing it to be cooked in the same way. The lactose in lactose-free halloumi is removed through a combination of the brining process, which extracts whey and reduces lactose content, and the addition of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.
The high melting point of lactose-free halloumi is advantageous for those who want to enjoy the taste and texture of grilled or fried cheese without the presence of lactose. When cooked, lactose-free halloumi develops a golden-brown exterior with a soft and gooey centre, creating a delicious textural contrast. It can be grilled on a barbecue or fried in a pan, resulting in a crispy outside and a warm, softened inside.
While lactose-free halloumi is a great option for those avoiding lactose, it is important to note that most cheese is naturally low in lactose due to the cheesemaking process. The fermentation stage of cheesemaking involves beneficial bacteria converting lactose into lactic acid, reducing its presence in the finished product. Additionally, the brining process in halloumi production further reduces lactose content by extracting whey.
Lactose-free halloumi offers those with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions the opportunity to enjoy the distinctive taste and texture of halloumi without the presence of lactose. Its high melting point allows for versatile cooking methods, making it a convenient and tasty option for those seeking lactose-free alternatives.
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People with lactose intolerance can still eat some cheese
Lactose-free cheeses are made by adding the lactase enzyme to the cheese concentrate to degrade the milk sugar into glucose and galactose. Lactose-free cow's milk and soya milk contain the most protein, while oat and nut milks contain the least. Lactose-free milk contains the same amount of calcium as cow's milk. If you use a milk alternative, make sure it has added calcium.
Aged, hard cheeses have less sugar and lactose, making them easier to digest. Common softer, creamy cheeses also contain low levels of lactose. Aim for cheeses with 0 to a little over 3% lactose that can be well-tolerated when eaten in moderation. For example, Limburger is a soft, washed-rind cheese with a strong smell and flavour that contains only a moderate amount of lactose, about 2%. Feta is practically lactose-free (with only between 0.5% and 1.5% lactose) and is also lower in fat than many cheeses. Muenster has a 0-1.1% lactose range and is typically made with cow's milk. Camembert is known for its soft, creamy texture and has a 0-1.8% lactose range.
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Lactose-free milk contains the same calcium as cow's milk
Halloumi cheese is not naturally lactose-free, as lactose is required for the fermentation process in cheesemaking. However, some manufacturers produce lactose-free halloumi by adding the lactase enzyme to the cheese concentrate, which breaks down the lactose into glucose and galactose. Lactose-free halloumi has the same flavour, texture, and melting point as regular halloumi.
Lactose-free milk is produced by adding the lactase enzyme to regular cow's milk, breaking down the lactose into simpler sugars that are easier to digest. Lactose-free milk is a good alternative for people with lactose intolerance, as it has almost the same taste, texture, and nutrients as regular milk. It is a good source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and vitamin D.
Lactose-free milk contains the same amount of calcium as cow's milk. For example, Lactaid Calcium-Enriched Milk provides 500 mg of calcium per serving, while regular fat-free milk provides 300 mg. This means that lactose-free milk can be a good source of calcium for those who are lactose intolerant or following a cow's milk-free diet.
Cow's milk and dairy products are the biggest sources of calcium in UK diets. However, there are alternative sources of calcium for those who are allergic or intolerant to milk. These include calcium-fortified dairy-free plant drinks, such as soya milk, rice milk, oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk, as well as fortified dairy-free plant-based products. Other non-dairy sources of calcium include dried fruit, eggs, and hard tap water.
It is important to ensure adequate calcium intake, especially during childhood and the teenage years, to promote bone health and strength. Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in helping the body absorb calcium, so it is recommended to get enough sunlight exposure or consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the winter months.
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Frequently asked questions
No, halloumi cheese is not entirely lactose-free, but it does have a lower lactose content compared to some other dairy products. Lactose-free halloumi is also available.
Lactose is a sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose.
If a product contains milk, it will be listed in bold, underlined, or highlighted on the ingredients list. Lactose-free products will usually be labelled as such.
Yes, some cheeses are naturally low in lactose, such as feta, blue cheese, goat's cheese, and hard cheeses like cheddar. Lactose-free versions of popular cheeses are also available.
It is recommended to consume halloumi in moderation and monitor your body's reaction if you are lactose intolerant. Lactose-free halloumi is also an option.
