Patrick Oconnell
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that makes it difficult for the body to process lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. While this condition may make it challenging to consume cheese, it does not necessarily mean that cheese is entirely off the menu. Several types of cheese contain little to no lactose, making them suitable options for individuals with lactose intolerance. The key lies in understanding the varying lactose levels in different types of cheese and making informed choices to manage the condition effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose-intolerant-friendly cheeses | Muenster, Camembert, Brie, Gouda, Cheddar, Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmesan, Swiss, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Feta, Cottage Cheese |
| General guidelines | Hard and aged cheeses are lower in lactose than soft and fresh cheeses |
| Lactose content | Less than 1 gram of lactose per ounce |
| Serving size | 40 grams |
| Total sugars | 0 grams |
| Total carbohydrates | 0 grams |
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What You'll Learn
Hard cheeses are lower in lactose
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. However, this does not mean that people with lactose intolerance need to cut cheese out of their diets entirely. In fact, several types of cheese contain little to no lactose and can be enjoyed by those with lactose intolerance.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, parmesan, colby, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, are generally lower in lactose than soft and fresh cheeses. This is because hard cheeses undergo a longer fermentation process, which reduces their lactose content. For example, mozzarella in a firm block or shredded form has lower lactose content than fresh mozzarella. Similarly, aged gouda has a lactose range of 0-2.2%, making it a suitable choice for those with lactose intolerance.
Other low-lactose cheese options include feta, cottage cheese, and muenster. Feta, made from goat or sheep's milk, has a lactose content of only 0.5-1.5%. Muenster, a semi-soft cheese from the United States, has a lactose range of 0-1.1%. These cheeses can be enjoyed in moderation by those with lactose intolerance.
It is important to note that the tolerance for lactose can vary among individuals with lactose intolerance. While some may be able to handle up to 12 grams of lactose per day, others may have a lower threshold. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor or a dietitian to determine the appropriate amount of lactose that can be consumed without triggering unpleasant symptoms.
By choosing hard, aged cheeses and monitoring their lactose intake, people with lactose intolerance can still enjoy the delicious taste of cheese without experiencing digestive discomfort.
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Aged cheeses are lower in lactose
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, making it difficult to digest lactose, the naturally occurring sugars found in dairy. It is different from a milk allergy, which is an immune response and tends to cause more severe reactions.
While soft, fresh, and processed cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, and burrata contain significantly more lactose than hard cheeses, they still have far less than milk, yoghurt, and ice cream. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), most people with lactose intolerance can handle at least one, if not multiple, servings of low-lactose foods each day.
In general, hard and aged cheeses are lower in lactose than soft and fresh cheeses. Hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are "virtually lactose-free". Other low-lactose cheese options include feta, goat, and sheep's milk cheeses.
Aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddars are also lower in lactose. Gouda, a Dutch cheese, is a particularly great source of vitamin K, which can provide health benefits in a variety of ways, from promoting heart, skin, and bone health to reducing the risk of certain cancers. Gouda has a 0-2.2% lactose range, making it a favourite of those who enjoy a little bit of caramel in their semi-soft cheese.
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Lactose-free cheese exists
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, making it difficult to digest lactose, the naturally occurring sugars found in dairy. However, this does not mean that people with lactose intolerance need to entirely cut cheese out of their diet. Lactose-free cheese does exist, and there are several types of cheese that contain little to no lactose.
Hard and aged cheeses are generally lower in lactose than soft and fresh cheeses. Examples of hard cheeses that are considered "virtually lactose-free" include cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack. Other hard, aged cheeses that are lower in lactose include parmesan, gouda, and feta. Feta, in particular, is known to be practically lactose-free, with only between 0.5% and 1.5% lactose, and it is also lower in fat than many other cheeses.
Some soft cheeses are also suitable for people with lactose intolerance. These include muenster, with a 0-1.1% lactose range, and camembert, with a 0-1.8% lactose range. Brie, which has a similar flavour and appearance to camembert, has a lactose range of 0-2% and is also considered safe for people with lactose intolerance. Limburger is another soft cheese that is suitable for lactose intolerance, with a moderate amount of lactose at about 2%.
In addition to natural hard and aged cheeses, there are also lactose-free cheeses marked as such on their packaging. These cheeses are suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
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Goat or sheep's milk feta is low-lactose
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that makes it difficult for the body to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. However, this does not mean that those with lactose intolerance need to cut cheese out of their diets entirely. In fact, several types of cheese contain little to no lactose and can be enjoyed by those with lactose intolerance.
Goat or sheep's milk feta is one such option. Feta is a semi-soft cheese that is typically made with cow's milk. However, when made with goat or sheep's milk, it becomes a low-lactose option. Feta made from goat or sheep's milk has a very low lactose content, ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% lactose. This is because, during the cheese-making process, some of the lactose is washed away, reducing the overall lactose content.
In addition to being low in lactose, goat or sheep's milk feta also offers other benefits. It is lower in fat than many other cheeses and is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including riboflavin, phosphorus, and selenium.
For those with lactose intolerance, choosing cheeses that are hard and aged, such as Swiss, Parmesan, and cheddar, is generally a safer option as they tend to have lower lactose content. Soft and creamy cheeses, such as ricotta and cream cheese, tend to have higher levels of lactose. However, there are exceptions, as some soft cheeses like goat or sheep's milk feta are naturally low in lactose.
It is important to note that the tolerance for lactose can vary among individuals with lactose intolerance. While most people with lactose intolerance can handle up to 12 grams of lactose per day, it is important to listen to your body and adjust your intake accordingly.
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Lactose-intolerant people can still eat cheese
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that makes it difficult for the body to process lactose, a sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. However, this does not mean that lactose-intolerant individuals need to completely forgo cheese. Several types of cheese contain little to no lactose and can be enjoyed in moderation.
Hard and aged cheeses, such as Swiss, Parmesan, and Cheddar, are generally lower in lactose than soft and fresh cheeses. This is because the cheese-making process for hard cheeses involves fermentation, which helps to lower lactose content. For example, mozzarella, when fermented and hardened, has a lower lactose content than its softer, fresher counterparts. Other hard cheeses that are considered safe for lactose-intolerant individuals include Colby, Monterey Jack, and Gouda.
In addition to hard cheeses, there are some soft cheeses that are suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. Feta cheese, for instance, typically contains only 0.5% to 1.5% lactose. Muenster cheese, a semi-soft variety, has a lactose range of 0% to 1.1%. Camembert, a popular French cheese with a soft and creamy texture, has a lactose range of 0% to 1.8%.
It is important to note that the tolerance for lactose can vary among individuals with lactose intolerance. While some may be able to handle up to 12 grams of lactose per serving without issues, others may need to maintain a stricter limit. Additionally, combining dairy with other foods may help reduce or eliminate symptoms for some people. Lactose-intolerant individuals can experiment with different types of cheese and serving sizes to determine their personal tolerance levels.
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Frequently asked questions
Hard and aged cheeses are generally lower in lactose than soft and fresh cheeses. These include Swiss, Parmesan, cheddars, Colby, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
Muenster, Camembert, and Brie are soft cheeses with low lactose content, ranging from 0 to 2.2% lactose.
Yes, cottage cheese and feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk are also low-lactose options.
Soft and creamy cheeses like ricotta and cream cheese are typically higher in lactose and may cause discomfort for people with lactose intolerance.
Check the nutrition label for "Total Sugars". If it's 1 gram or less, then it's generally considered low lactose and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
