Frederic Melton
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem that affects around 65% of the world's population. People with this condition are unable to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Contrary to popular belief, those with lactose intolerance do not need to avoid all dairy products. In fact, some dairy products are naturally low in lactose or even lactose-free. This includes certain types of cheese, such as mature cheddar, which is the focus of this discussion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose-free | Yes |
| Dairy product | Yes |
| Type of cheese | Mature Cheddar |
| Suitable for vegetarians | Yes |
| Rich in | Protein, vitamin B12, calcium |
| Manufacturer | Arla |
| Weight | 200g |
| Storage | Refrigerate |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hard cheeses have less lactose
Lactose is present in all dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem, affecting around 65% of the world's population. People with lactose intolerance have a decreased ability to produce lactase, an enzyme that is needed to digest lactose. While some people with lactose intolerance may assume they need to give up cheese entirely, this is not the case. In fact, some cheeses are naturally low in lactose or even lactose-free.
Hard, aged cheeses tend to be lower in lactose than their softer, creamier counterparts. This is because, as cheese ages, the lactose present is converted to lactic acid by bacteria, reducing the overall lactose content. Sugar is the primary component of lactose that makes it difficult to digest, so the lower sugar content of aged, hard cheeses makes them easier on the stomach.
Cheddar cheese, for example, contains very little lactose. While mild cheddar, which is aged for two to three months, contains about 0 to 2.1% lactose, older cheddars contain only trace amounts, up to 2.1%. Some brands, such as Arla, even offer lactose-free mature cheddar cheese, which is slowly matured and tested to ensure it is completely free of lactose while retaining the delicious taste of dairy.
Other examples of hard cheeses that are low in lactose include Parmesan, Swiss, and goat cheese. Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano if produced in the specific province of Italy, is aged for 12 to 36 months and contains 0 to 3.2% lactose. Swiss cheeses, such as Emmenthaler and Gruyère, are also aged longer and thus lower in lactose. Goat cheese tends to be well-tolerated by those with lactose intolerance, although the lactose content can vary depending on the brand and type of goat cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Is Eden a True Member?
You may want to see also
Soft cheeses have more lactose
Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products that can be hard to digest for people with lactose intolerance. However, not all dairy products are high in lactose. Lactose is present in cheese, but the amount varies depending on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, tend to have more lactose than hard cheeses.
Soft cheeses are made from curds that have more moisture (whey) in them than the curds used to make hard cheeses. Whey contains more lactose than curds, and during the cheesemaking process, soft cheeses don't have their whey removed until after the curds are put into cheese forms. This results in soft cheeses retaining more lactose than hard cheeses.
Hard cheeses, on the other hand, have the whey drained out before the curds are pressed into forms. Additionally, as cheese ages, it loses moisture, and the lactose is converted into lactic acid. This means that aged, hard cheeses have lower levels of lactose. Cheddar, for example, is an aged hard cheese that is considered low in lactose, with some brands claiming their cheddar to be lactose-free.
While soft cheeses tend to have more lactose, it's important to note that they still have far less lactose than milk, yogurt, or ice cream. For example, soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert have a lactose range of 0-2%. This means that even those with lactose intolerance may be able to consume small portions of these cheeses without experiencing symptoms.
In summary, while soft cheeses generally have more lactose than hard cheeses, there are exceptions, and the amount of lactose can vary depending on the specific type of cheese, the cheesemaking process, and the brand. Those with lactose intolerance can experiment with different cheeses in moderation to find the ones that suit their digestive system.
Cheddar Jack and Monterey Jack: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Lactose-free cheese alternatives
Lactose, also known as milk sugar, is present in all dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, the amount of lactose in cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese and the cheesemaking process. Aged, hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss, tend to have lower levels of lactose due to the breakdown of lactose by bacteria during the aging process.
For those who are lactose intolerant, there are several cheese alternatives available that are naturally low in lactose or lactose-free. Here are some options to consider:
Low-lactose cheeses
- English Cheddar: A nutty, crumbly cheese with a lactose range of 0-2.1%.
- Provolone: Often sold smoked, this cheese has a lactose range of 0-2.2%.
- Gouda: A slightly sweet cheese that can be used in grilled cheese or on a cheese platter. Beemster's Classic Gouda (aged 18 months) and XO Gouda (aged 26 months) are claimed to be lactose-free.
- Blue Cheese: With a lactose range of 0-2.5%, this pungent, salty cheese can be crumbled over a salad or grain bowl.
- Parmesan: A popular cheese with a tangy flavor that can be added to spaghetti, pizza, scrambled eggs, or chicken cutlets. It typically has a lactose range of 0-3.2%.
- Limburger: A soft, washed-rind cheese with a strong smell and flavor. It contains approximately 2% lactose.
- Feta: Feta is almost lactose-free, with only 0.5-1.5% lactose, and it's also lower in fat than many other cheeses.
Lactose-free cheeses
- Soy Cheese: Made without dairy, soy cheese is lactose-free but may have a different flavor and texture from traditional cheese.
- Rice Cheese: Another dairy-free option that is lactose-free but may differ in taste and texture.
- Cashew Cheese: Cashew-based cheeses, such as the camembert from Full of Plants, provide a lactose-free option that tastes and looks like traditional cheese.
- Almond Cheese: Almond-based cheeses, like the one from Trader Joe's, offer a lactose-free alternative, although they may have a less desirable texture.
- Yogurt Cheese: Cultured Way's yogurt cheese is made with active yogurt cultures that remove milk sugars during the cheesemaking process. It is said to be the closest in taste and texture to real cheese and melts well.
In addition to these options, there are also vegan cheese alternatives available, such as those made by Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Miokos. These dairy-free cheeses vary in their ability to melt and may have different flavors and textures compared to traditional cheese, but they can be a good option for those avoiding lactose or dairy products.
Feta vs Cheddar: Which Cheese is Less Fattening?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lactose intolerance is very common
Cheddar cheese is generally considered to be low in lactose, with some sources stating that it contains only trace amounts. This is because, during the cheese-making process, the lactose in milk is found in the whey, which is mostly removed when the curds are separated. The longer a cheese is aged, the more lactose is broken down by bacteria, and the less lactose remains in the final product.
Lactose intolerance is a very common condition, affecting around 65%-68% of the world's population. It is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain. It is most prevalent in people of East Asian, West African, Arab, Jewish, Greek, Italian, African, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian descent. People with lactose intolerance may need to avoid dairy products or choose low-lactose options to manage their symptoms.
The good news for cheese lovers is that not all dairy products are high in lactose. In fact, many types of cheese naturally have very low or non-measurable amounts of lactose, especially aged, hard cheeses. This is because the aging process allows bacteria in the cheese to break down more of the remaining lactose, lowering its content. Softer, creamier cheeses tend to have higher levels of lactose, as they contain more whey, which is where most of the lactose is found.
For those with lactose intolerance, there are several types of cheese that can still be enjoyed in moderation. Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, Gouda, and Blue cheese are all examples of low-lactose cheeses. Feta is another excellent option, as it is practically lactose-free, with only 0.5-1.5% lactose, and it is also lower in fat than many other cheeses. Limburger is another good choice, with only about 2% lactose, although its strong smell and flavor may not be to everyone's taste.
Cheddar Conundrum: Is Kraft Cheddar Cheese Healthy?
You may want to see also
Cheddar is low-lactose
Cheddar is a hard cheese, and hard cheeses are generally lower in lactose than soft cheeses. This is because soft cheeses are made from curds that contain more moisture (whey) than those used for hard cheeses. Whey contains more lactose than curds, and it also loses less moisture during the ageing process.
Mild cheddar, which is aged for two to three months, typically contains between 0% and 2.1% lactose. Older cheddars, which are aged for longer, contain even less lactose, with some sources stating that they contain only trace amounts, or up to 2.1%. According to Cabot Creamery, a producer of cheddar cheese, their naturally aged cheddar contains 0 grams of lactose.
For those who are lactose intolerant, eating foods with high levels of lactose can cause uncomfortable digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain. However, not all dairy foods are high in lactose, and some can be consumed in moderation. People with lactose intolerance can typically tolerate between 12 and 15 grams of lactose, and cheddar cheese contains less than 0.1g/ounce, so it is usually well-tolerated.
Cheddar Cheese: A Tasty Treat or Poison for Dogs?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mature cheddar cheese is not completely lactose-free, but it does contain very low levels of lactose. The longer a cheese has been aged, the less lactose it will contain.
Other low-lactose cheeses include Swiss cheese, Parmesan, provolone, gouda, blue cheese, and feta.
Some lactose-free alternatives to cheese include soy cheese, rice cheese, cashew cheese, almond cheese, and yogurt cheese.
