Andy Montoya
Lactose intolerance is a condition that affects people who are sensitive to lactose, a sugar found in milk. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, gas, and bloating. While some cheeses, such as hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, are naturally low in lactose and may be suitable for people with lactose intolerance, other cheeses may contain higher levels of lactose. Sargento® Cheese Slices Deli Style Extra Sharp Cheddar, for example, is not lactose-free and lists at least one ingredient that contains lactose. However, other varieties of Sargento Cheddar cheese, such as the Natural Sharp Cheddar Sliced Cheese, may be a better option for those with lactose intolerance, as Cheddar cheese generally has lower lactose content compared to other cheeses.
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What You'll Learn
Sargento Natural Sharp Cheddar Sliced Cheese is not lactose-free
Lactose is the sugar found in milk, and a lactose-free diet avoids any foods that are high in lactose. People who are especially sensitive to lactose may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating, which is known as lactose intolerance. While cheese does contain some lactose, the amount varies by type, with cheddar cheese containing 0.2 grams of lactose per slice compared to 6 grams in feta cheese or 12 grams in an 8-ounce glass of milk.
For those with lactose intolerance, it is recommended to look for aged cheeses rather than younger varieties, as they tend to have lower lactose levels. Additionally, cheeses with higher fat content usually have lower lactose levels. However, it is important to note that even cheeses with trace levels of lactose (less than 0.5 grams per ounce) may cause issues for those who are extremely sensitive to lactose.
If you are unsure about the lactose content of a particular cheese, it is advisable to use a lactose-free shopping list or a barcode-scanning app that can flag ingredients that are not lactose-free. It is also recommended to consult a doctor or dietician for specific guidance on managing lactose intolerance, as individual tolerances can vary.
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People with lactose intolerance can eat hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar
Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and some people are sensitive to it, experiencing symptoms like diarrhoea, gas, and bloating. This is known as lactose intolerance. A lactose-free diet avoids foods with high lactose content. However, people with lactose intolerance can eat certain hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan because they are naturally low in lactose.
During the cheese-making process, most of the lactose is drained off with the whey (the liquid portion). As cheese ages, even more, lactose disappears. An easy way to check for lactose in cheese is to look at the Nutrition Facts under "Sugar". Since the sugar in cheese is lactose, you can easily see how much lactose the cheese contains. If the sugar is listed as zero, then the cheese contains no more than 0.5 grams of lactose per ounce. For reference, an 8-ounce glass of milk contains 12 grams of lactose.
Sargento Natural Sharp Cheddar Sliced Cheese is not lactose-free as it lists at least one ingredient that contains lactose and another that may contain lactose depending on the source. However, the lactose content in Cheddar cheese is relatively low compared to other cheeses. For example, Cheddar cheese typically has 0.2 grams of lactose per serving, while Feta cheese contains 6 grams.
People with lactose intolerance can generally tolerate small amounts of lactose without experiencing significant symptoms. The level of tolerance can vary from person to person, so it is important to understand your own tolerance level and adjust your diet accordingly. If you have questions about lactose intolerance, it is recommended to discuss this information with your doctor or dietician.
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Sargento cheese uses anti-caking agents to prevent sticking
Sargento Cheese's use of anti-caking agents serves a functional purpose, ensuring the cheese remains separated and easy to use for consumers. It is important to note that these agents are not used as fillers or substitutes for cheese but solely to prevent caking. The company explicitly states that the anti-caking agents are not harmful, addressing any potential health concerns.
The presence of anti-caking agents in Sargento Cheese is part of the company's commitment to delivering a high-quality, convenient product. By preventing the cheese from sticking together, they ensure that consumers can easily use and enjoy the cheese without encountering clumps or a solid block. This attribute aligns with the modern consumer's preference for products that offer both quality and convenience.
Additionally, Sargento Cheese's attention to packaging complements the use of anti-caking agents. The packaging is designed to protect the cheese from oxygen and lighting conditions typically found in retail stores. It also helps maintain the necessary refrigerated temperatures. However, the company does not recommend freezing their cheese products due to potential changes in texture and the packaging's limitations in withstanding freezing temperatures.
While Sargento Cheese takes measures to ensure the quality and convenience of its products, it is important to note that their cheese products are not lactose-free. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and while most of it is drained off during the cheese-making process, some individuals with lactose intolerance may still experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Sargento Cheese products, including their Natural Sharp Cheddar Sliced Cheese, contain ingredients with lactose, as indicated on their labels.
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Lactose is a sugar found in milk
Lactose is inherent to the milk of mammals and is crucial for the development of the nervous tissue of newborn mammals. It provides them with galactose for the synthesis of nerve structures (myelin sheaths). During digestion, lactose is broken down into the monosaccharides galactose and glucose by the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine. This process allows the body to absorb the sugars and use them for energy production.
Lactose is naturally present in milk and considered a natural sugar, while it is considered an added sugar when used as an ingredient in packaged foods and beverages during manufacturing. It is added to some foods for its mildly sweet taste and to act as a carrier and stabiliser of aromas and pharmaceutical products. Lactose is also added to infant formula to match the composition of human milk, although lactose-reduced formulas are becoming more popular.
Lactose intolerance occurs when individuals have a lactase deficiency, resulting in physical responses from the digestive system. It is important to differentiate lactose intolerance from a milk allergy, which is an immune response to the proteins in milk. For those with lactose intolerance, the good news is that most of the lactose in milk is removed during the cheese-making process, and it continues to decrease as the cheese ages. Therefore, some lactose-intolerant individuals can consume hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan.
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Sargento Sharp Cheddar Slices are gluten-free
However, it is important to note that this product is not lactose-free. While 96-98% of lactose is removed from milk during the cheese-making process, and even more as the cheese ages, Sargento Sharp Cheddar Slices still contain lactose. The product lists one ingredient that contains lactose and one that may contain lactose, depending on the source.
Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and those with lactose intolerance may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating after consuming it. Aged cheeses like cheddar are naturally lower in lactose, and some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate them. However, the decision to consume lactose should be made in consultation with a doctor or dietician.
Sargento's Sharp Cheddar Slices are also not dairy-free, as they list two ingredients derived from animals, and one that may be derived from animals. The product is also not suitable for vegans, as it contains ingredients derived from animals.
Additionally, Sargento advises against freezing their cheese products, as it may negatively impact the texture, leading to crumbling or clumping.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Sargento Deli Style Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese is not lactose-free. It lists one ingredient that contains lactose and one ingredient that could contain lactose depending on the source.
Lactose is a sugar found in milk. People who are especially sensitive to lactose may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating. This is known as lactose intolerance.
Yes, hard, aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are naturally low in lactose. This is because, during the cheese-making process, most of the lactose is drained off with the whey, and as cheese ages, even more, lactose disappears.
You can use the Fig app, which will flag any ingredients that are not lactose-free and recommend similar products that are. Alternatively, you can check the Nutrition Facts label for sugar content, as the sugar listed on cheese labels is lactose.
Sargento does not recommend freezing their cheese. Their packaging is not designed to withstand freezing temperatures, and freezing and thawing may change the texture of the cheese, resulting in crumbling or clumping.
