Kamil Perry
Sargento is a brand of cheese that offers a variety of products, including shredded, sliced, block, and ricotta cheeses, as well as natural cheese snacks and string cheese. While the brand does not specifically market its products as lactose-free, they address the topic of lactose intolerance in their FAQ section. Sargento states that during the cheese-making process, 96-98% of the lactose in milk is removed, and as cheese ages, even more, lactose disappears. They mention that most lactose-intolerant individuals can typically tolerate hard, aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan due to their low lactose content. Sargento advises those with lactose intolerance to consult their doctor or dietician for specific guidance regarding cheese consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose-Free | Sargento cheese is not entirely lactose-free, but it is very low in lactose. |
| Lactose Content | 96-98% of the lactose in milk is removed during the cheese-making process, and the remaining lactose disappears as the cheese ages. |
| Aged Cheese | Aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are naturally low in lactose and can be consumed by lactose-intolerant individuals. |
| Non-Aged Cheese | Even non-aged cheeses like Mozzarella contain less than 1% lactose. |
| Lactose Intolerance | Sargento recommends discussing lactose intolerance with a doctor or dietician as they cannot provide medical advice. |
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What You'll Learn
Most Sargento natural cheeses are lactose-free
Sargento natural cheeses are very low in lactose, and many are lactose-free. If the nutrition facts panel on the package lists the sugar content as 0g, the cheese is either lactose-free or very low in lactose. Whether you develop symptoms of lactose intolerance depends on several factors, including how much cheese and other dairy products you eat, your ability to produce lactase, and whether you eat a dairy product with a meal or by itself.
Sargento shredded, sliced, block, and Ricotta cheeses, as well as refrigerated natural cheese snacks, are all nut-free and produced in manufacturing plants that do not contain nuts. However, the Sargento Balanced Breaks products, including cheese and crackers, are packaged in a separate facility that contains peanuts and tree nuts.
Sargento recommends freezing their shredded and sliced cheeses and natural cheese snacks for no more than two months. Freezing and thawing may alter the texture of the cheese, making it more crumbly. Sargento also suggests consuming their cheese within five days of opening the package, as exposure to air can lead to mold development.
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Lactose-intolerant people can eat hard, aged cheeses
Lactose-intolerant people can eat most hard, aged cheeses. During the cheese-making process, 96-98% of the lactose in milk is removed. As cheese ages, more lactose disappears, and it changes into lactic acid, which aids digestion. Hard, aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are naturally low in lactose, and even non-aged cheeses like Mozzarella are less than 1% lactose.
Sargento natural cheeses are very low in lactose, and many are lactose-free. Lactose-intolerant people can eat Sargento's shredded and sliced cheeses and natural cheese snacks, which can be frozen for up to two months. If the nutrition facts panel on the package lists the sugar content as 0g, then the cheese is lactose-free or very low in lactose.
However, individual tolerance levels vary, and some lactose-intolerant people may still experience symptoms after consuming these cheeses. It is important to note that the amount of cheese and other dairy products consumed, the ability to produce lactase, and whether dairy is consumed with a meal or alone can all impact the occurrence of symptoms.
While Sargento cannot provide medical advice, they recommend discussing lactose intolerance with a doctor or dietician. Additionally, there are websites and apps dedicated to providing information about lactose in cheese and building lactose-free shopping lists.
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Sargento's shredded and sliced cheeses can be frozen
Sargento does not recommend freezing their cheese for a variety of reasons. Firstly, their packaging is not designed to withstand freezing temperatures. Secondly, not all cheese varieties stand up well to freezing.
If you do decide to freeze Sargento's shredded or sliced cheese, there are some steps you can take to help preserve its quality. Firstly, if the package has been opened, press out as much air as possible before reclosing the package. Then, place the package into a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Finally, freeze the cheese as rapidly as possible to at least -9 °F (-23 °C) to prevent the formation of large, disruptive ice crystals.
It is recommended that you use frozen cheese within two to three months of freezing it. To defrost the cheese, simply put it in the refrigerator for 7-8 hours per 1 pound (500 grams) of cheese. You can also use the cheese frozen, for example, by sprinkling it on top of a pizza.
It is worth noting that most Sargento cheeses are very low in lactose, and many are lactose-free. Therefore, lactose-intolerant individuals may be able to consume these cheeses without issue. However, it is always best to consult a doctor or dietician for specific dietary advice.
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Sargento's natural cheeses are made with non-animal rennet
Sargento cheese is made with enzymes that act on milk to thicken it and form curds. These enzymes are called rennet and originate from both animal and non-animal sources. Rennet is used in the production of most traditional Italian cheese styles, such as Romano, Provolone, Asiago, and Fontina. However, Sargento's natural cheeses are made with non-animal rennet.
Sargento's natural cheeses that may contain animal enzymes include traditional Italian cheese styles and blends such as Romano, Provolone, Asiago, and Fontina. These cheeses are found in Italian blends, sliced Provolone, grated Parmesan, and Romano. Animal rennet may also be present in Blue and Feta cheese varieties.
All other Sargento cheeses are made with non-animal enzymes. This means that the majority of Sargento's natural cheeses are produced with non-animal rennet. This is important information for vegetarians and others who wish to avoid animal rennet in their diets.
While Sargento does not provide specific lactose content information for its natural cheeses, they do state that their natural cheeses are very low in lactose, with many being lactose-free. Lactose intolerance is the inability to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. When cheese is made, 96-98% of the lactose in milk is removed, and as cheese ages, even more, lactose disappears. Therefore, most lactose-intolerant individuals can consume aged hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, as these varieties are naturally low in lactose.
Sargento's shredded, sliced, block, and ricotta cheeses, as well as refrigerated natural cheese snacks like cheese sticks, are all nut-free and produced in facilities that do not process nuts. Additionally, the Sargento Natural Sharp Cheddar Sliced Cheese is specifically marketed as lactose-free.
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Sargento's cheese sticks are individually wrapped
Sargento cheese is made with traditional cheese-making methods, directly from milk, usually by curdling the milk with enzymes and pressing the curd. When cheese is made, 96-98% of the lactose in the milk is removed. As cheese ages, even more lactose disappears. Most people who are lactose intolerant can eat hard, aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan because they are naturally low in lactose. Sargento's cheese sticks are individually wrapped, making them a convenient and satisfying snack option. The individual packaging makes these snacks suitable for on-the-go consumption, such as in lunchboxes or as office snacks.
Sargento's cheese sticks are a natural source of calcium, with each individual stick containing 20% calcium and 80 calories. They are also a good source of protein, offering a filling and satisfying option for between-meal cravings. The cheese sticks are made with natural ingredients, appealing to those who prioritize clean eating.
While Sargento's cheese sticks are a tasty and nutritious snack, it is important to be mindful of caloric intake, especially when consuming multiple sticks. Individuals with lactose intolerance might need to opt for lactose-free alternatives to avoid digestive discomfort. Sargento's cheese sticks are not lactose-free, but they are very low in lactose. Even a non-aged cheese like Mozzarella is less than 1% lactose.
Sargento's cheese sticks can be frozen for up to two months. If the package has been opened, it is recommended to press out as much air as possible before reclosing the package. Freezing and thawing may change the texture of the cheese, making it more crumbly. Sargento's cheese sticks have a freshness date that assures the product's freshness only when it is unopened. Once the package is opened, there is a potential for mold to develop. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the cheese within 5 days of opening.
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Frequently asked questions
Sargento natural cheeses are very low in lactose, and many are lactose-free. If the nutrition facts panel on the package lists the sugar content as 0g, then the cheese is lactose-free or has very low lactose.
Hard, aged cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are naturally low in lactose. Even non-aged cheeses like Mozzarella are less than 1% lactose.
Lactose intolerance is the inability to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. If you are lactose intolerant, you may experience GI symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating. If you have questions about lactose intolerance, please consult your doctor or dietician.
You can scan the barcode of a Sargento product using the Fig app, which will flag any ingredients that are not lactose-free and recommend similar products that are lactose-free.
Sargento Foods identifies all products with a freshness date, which assures freshness only in an unopened package. Once opened, the cheese must be used within 5 days to avoid mold. If you won't use all the cheese within 5 days, you can freeze the remaining portion for up to 2 months.
