Patrick Oconnell
Mozzarella is a soft cheese that is usually made from buffalo or cow's milk. It is a popular ingredient in dishes such as pizza, garlic bread, and burgers. However, for those who are lactose intolerant or choose to avoid lactose, there are now several options for lactose-free mozzarella cheese. Some brands offer mozzarella cheese made from lactose-free milk, while others use alternative ingredients such as goat or sheep's milk, which naturally do not contain lactose. These lactose-free options aim to provide the same taste, melt, and stretch as traditional mozzarella cheese, without the lactose content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose-free mozzarella cheese available | Yes |
| Brands | Galbani, Green Valley, Walmart, Superstore, Trader Joe's |
| Type | Shredded, block |
| Texture | Firmer |
| Taste | Like real dairy cheese |
| Melting quality | Stretchy and bubbly |
| Lactose content | 99.9% lactose-free |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes |
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What You'll Learn
Lactose-free mozzarella options
Mozzarella is pretty low in lactose already, but if you are lactose intolerant, there are some options for you to enjoy this cheese.
Some brands offer lactose-free mozzarella cheese, including Green Valley and Galbani Lactose Free Mozzarella, which is 99.9% lactose-free. These cheeses are made with pasteurized milk, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, and in the case of Green Valley, a lactase enzyme to make it lactose-free. These lactose-free options are great for melting and stretching, just like regular mozzarella, and can be used on pizzas, garlic bread, or burgers.
Other Low-Lactose Options
If you are unable to find lactose-free mozzarella, you can try aged cheeses like provolone, which is an aged mozzarella with similar taste and melting qualities. The aging process reduces lactose content, so a good quality provolone will have very low lactose levels. Scamorza is another option, made in a similar fashion to mozzarella, but it may be harder to find. Goat and sheep cheeses are also naturally lactose-free, so a goat mozzarella could be an option, although the flavor can be stronger.
Remember, the reaction to lactose varies from person to person, so while some lactose-intolerant individuals may be able to enjoy regular mozzarella, others may need to stick to the lactose-free or low-lactose alternatives.
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Goat and sheep's cheese
There are several options for lactose-free mozzarella cheese, including brands such as Galbani and Green Valley. These cheeses are made without lactose but aim to retain the same qualities as regular mozzarella cheese.
Now, onto goat and sheep's cheese. For those with lactose intolerance, goat and sheep's cheese can be a great alternative to cow's cheese. This is because goat and sheep's milk do not contain lactose, and therefore cheeses made from these milks are suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. In fact, some people with lactose intolerance find that they can tolerate fresh goat and sheep's cheese, such as feta.
Sheep's cheese, in particular, has some unique characteristics. It tends to have a higher fat content, but the fat molecules are smaller, making it easier to digest than cow's or goat's cheese. These fats are also considered "healthy fats," as they can help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Additionally, sheep's cheese is rich in triglycerides, which can aid in weight control by promoting a feeling of fullness and increasing energy expenditure.
There is a wide variety of goat and sheep's cheeses available, including hard and soft varieties. For example, Manchego is a hard sheep's cheese, while St. James is a soft variety. With their distinct flavours and textures, these cheeses offer a great option for those seeking lactose-free alternatives without compromising on taste.
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Provolone as an alternative
Yes, there are lactose-free options for mozzarella cheese available in the market. Some popular brands include Galbani Lactose Free Mozzarella Cheese and Green Valley Lactose Free Mozzarella. These cheeses are said to have the same qualities as whole milk mozzarella, including the ability to stretch and melt, but without the lactose content.
Provolone is a semi-hard cheese from Southern Italy that can be used as an alternative to mozzarella. It is made from cow's milk and has a more complex, sharp, and tangy flavor profile. The aging process for provolone is at least two months, which contributes to its firmer texture and more pronounced taste. When compared to mozzarella, provolone has a lower moisture content and is less prone to melting, making it a suitable option for those who want a cheese that holds its shape better.
Provolone can be an excellent substitute for mozzarella in cooked dishes, particularly those that require melted cheese, such as pizzas, sandwiches, and pastas. While mozzarella is known for its creamy texture and delicate taste, provolone offers a slightly more assertive flavor that can enhance the overall taste of a dish. The slight differences in taste and texture between the two cheeses should be considered when making a substitution.
When substituting provolone for mozzarella, it is important to note that provolone has a more pronounced flavor and a firmer texture, especially if it has been aged for longer. This can alter the final outcome of some dishes, so it is recommended to consider the specific characteristics of each cheese to ensure the substitution aligns with the intended culinary application. For example, aged provolone may not provide the same gooey consistency as mozzarella due to its lower melting propensity.
Some other alternatives to mozzarella cheese include gouda, muenster, emmental, and scamorza. These cheeses offer varying textures and flavors that can be suitable substitutes depending on the dish and desired characteristics.
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Scamorza as a substitute
Yes, there are lactose-free mozzarella cheese options available. For instance, Galbani® Lactose Free Mozzarella claims to have the same qualities as their whole milk mozzarella, but without the lactose. Another option is Green Valley's Lactose-Free Mozzarella, which is available nationwide in natural and specialty food stores.
Scamorza is a traditional Italian cheese that can be used as a substitute for mozzarella. It is made by stretching and kneading fresh curd in hot water and then moulded into a pear shape. While scamorza shares the creamy and milky flavour notes of mozzarella, it has a more robust, tangy, and complex flavour profile. It is also drier and firmer in texture, making it ideal for sandwiches as it holds together better than mozzarella.
When melted, scamorza and mozzarella both develop an elastic, stretchy consistency. However, scamorza has a tangier and slightly smoky flavour that complements other toppings such as roasted vegetables, cured meats, and fresh herbs. It can be shredded or sliced and layered into baked pasta dishes such as lasagna or baked ziti, where its creamy texture and tangy accents blend well.
Scamorza can be grilled and served with neutral-tasting vegetables such as zucchini, eggplants, and potatoes. It can also be drizzled with honey to add dimension to its flavour before being added to a charcuterie board with cured meats and crackers.
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Low-lactose mozzarella
Mozzarella is a soft cheese, and softer cheeses tend to be younger, which means they contain more lactose. However, there are a few options for those seeking low-lactose mozzarella. Firstly, some companies like Galbani and Green Valley produce lactose-free mozzarella, which is made with enzymes and has the same qualities as whole-milk mozzarella. Secondly, you can opt for aged mozzarella, or provolone, which has a similar taste and melting quality to mozzarella, but with a lower lactose content due to the aging process. Provolone typically contains between 0.0% and 2.1% lactose.
Another option is to choose goat or sheep mozzarella, as goat and sheep dairy products do not contain lactose. However, these cheeses can sometimes have a stronger flavour, so it is worth trying different brands to find one that suits your taste. If you are making pizza and are concerned about lactose content, you could also try using an aged cheddar or parmesan, as these melt well and are lower in lactose due to the aging process.
It is important to note that while these options are lower in lactose, they may not be completely lactose-free, and the tolerance for lactose can vary from person to person. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the ingredients and nutritional information, and to start with a small amount to test your tolerance if you are unsure.
Finally, if you are unable to find lactose-free or low-lactose mozzarella, you can try regular mozzarella in small amounts, as it is already pretty low in lactose. You can also look for it in specialty food stores or try ordering online.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is lactose-free mozzarella cheese available.
You can buy lactose-free mozzarella cheese from various retailers, including Safeway, Albertsons, Walmart, and some national brands.
Galbani and Green Valley are two brands that offer lactose-free mozzarella cheese.
Yes, there are a few lactose-friendly substitutes for mozzarella cheese. Goat and sheep dairy products, such as goat mozzarella, do not contain lactose. Provolone, an aged form of mozzarella with a similar taste and melt, also has a lower lactose content due to the aging process.
Yes, there are vegan cheese options available that can serve as substitutes for mozzarella cheese.
