Bushra Griffith
Lactose-free cheese is a dairy product designed for people with sensitive stomachs or lactose intolerance. It can be challenging to find lactose-free cheese in certain countries, such as the United States, despite the availability of other lactose-free products like milk and ice cream. However, there are several options available for those seeking lactose-free cheese. Some cheese varieties, such as aged cheeses like cheddar and hard cheeses like Parmesan, are naturally lactose-free and can be found in most grocery stores. Additionally, brands like Cabot, Green Valley, Lactaid, and Galbini offer lactose-free options, including cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. Online retailers like Amazon and Target also provide a range of lactose-free cheese options, including cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. For those with severe lactose intolerance, reading labels and opting for blocks of cheese instead of pre-sliced options can help ensure a lactose-free experience.
Where to find lactose-free cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online | Amazon, Target, Walmart |
| Grocery Stores | Artisan dairy section |
| Brands | Cabot, Green Valley, Lactaid, Galbani, Kraft, Bunker Hill Cheese |
| Types | Cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream |
| Countries | Italy |
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What You'll Learn
Lactose-free cheese in restaurants
Finding lactose-free cheese in restaurants can be challenging, especially in certain countries like the US. However, there are some options and strategies that can help you enjoy cheese without the lactose.
Firstly, some restaurants in Italy are known to offer lactose-free cheese, so if you're travelling there, you may have better luck finding cheese options on restaurant menus. In the US, while lactose-free milk and ice cream are common, cheese options are more limited. However, some brands like Cabot offer naturally lactose-free cheddar, and Green Valley offers lactose-free cream cheese and cottage cheese. You can also look for aged cheeses like cheddar and hard cheeses like Parmesan, which are naturally lower in lactose.
When dining out, it's best to inquire about the ingredients used in the dishes, especially when it comes to cheese. Some restaurants may be able to accommodate your needs by offering lactose-free options or suggesting dishes that don't contain cheese. It's worth asking about the specific types of cheese used in their dishes, as some cheeses naturally contain lower levels of lactose, such as aged cheddars and harder cheeses like Parmesan. By familiarising yourself with different cheeses and their lactose levels, you can make more informed choices when ordering.
Additionally, some grocery stores offer lactose-free cheese options that you can incorporate into your meals at home. For instance, Superstore carries a PC brand lactose-free product line, including marble and cheddar bricks, mozzarella shredded cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. Costco also offers a variety pack of sliced lactose-free cheese with Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Swiss. Walmart is another option, with cheese slices like Harvarti and Provolone. Online retailers like Bunker Hill Cheese also offer lactose-free options that you can purchase directly from their website.
While finding lactose-free cheese in restaurants may be a challenge, knowing which brands and retailers offer these options can help you make informed choices and enjoy cheese without worrying about lactose intolerance.
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Lactose-free cheese in grocery stores
Lactose intolerance can be a real pain, especially when it comes to enjoying cheese. The good news is that there are plenty of options for those who are lactose intolerant or choose to avoid dairy, and these can be found in most grocery stores.
First of all, it's important to know that not all cheese contains lactose. Hard and aged cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and other hard cheeses, are naturally lactose-free. You can find these in the artisan dairy section of most grocery stores.
Some brands, such as Cabot, offer a range of naturally lactose-free cheeses, including cheddar and parmesan. Lactaid also offers lactose-free options, including cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, which you can typically find in the dairy section of grocery stores.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, Kraft has a range of lactose-free cheese products, which can be found in most stores. Their products are labelled as having 0 lactose, making them a great option for those with sensitivity to lactose.
For those who are vegan or prefer plant-based options, there are also several dairy-free cheese alternatives available. Walmart, for example, offers a range of vegan cheese options, such as Violife's original cream cheese and Daiya's Dairy Free American Style Slices and Jalapeno Havarti Style Blocks.
Additionally, you can find microbial coagulants for making your own cheese at home, ensuring a lactose-free option tailored to your taste.
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Lactose-free cheese online
While it may be challenging to find lactose-free cheese in some places, such as the United States, there are online retailers that offer a variety of options for those with lactose intolerance. Here is a guide to help you find lactose-free cheese online:
Online Retailers
Start your search for lactose-free cheese by exploring dedicated online retailers that specialise in dairy products or cater to specific dietary needs. Amazon, for example, offers a wide range of lactose-free products, including various types of cheese such as cheddar, cottage cheese, and cream cheese.
Lactose-Free Brands
Several brands cater specifically to the lactose-intolerant community. For instance, Cabot Creamery offers a range of lactose-free cheeses, including cheddar, which can be found at various retailers or ordered online. Green Valley is another brand that offers lactose-free cream cheese, and their products can be purchased online or at select stores.
Artisan Dairy Sections
Some grocery stores have an artisan dairy section where you can find aged and hard cheeses that are naturally lactose-free. These include cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan. Check the websites of your local grocery stores or specialty food retailers to see if they carry these products and if they offer delivery or pickup options.
Lactose-Free Alternatives
If you're unable to find traditional cheese that is completely lactose-free, consider exploring plant-based alternatives. Online retailers often carry a wide range of vegan cheese options made from plant-based ingredients, ensuring that you can still enjoy cheese-like flavours and textures without the lactose.
International Options
If you're open to exploring international options, consider Italian cheese producers. Italy is known for offering lactose-free cheese in many of its restaurants, so it's worth investigating whether Italian cheese producers offer online purchases and international shipping for their lactose-free options.
Remember to always read the labels and ingredients carefully to ensure the product truly meets your lactose-intolerant needs. With a bit of online exploration, you should be able to find cheese options that align with your dietary requirements without sacrificing taste.
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Naturally lactose-free cheeses
Many naturally lactose-free cheeses do not explicitly state that they are lactose-free on their labels. However, some cheeses are now being labelled as "naturally lactose-free". Lactose intolerance varies from person to person, so it is important to know the severity of your intolerance and to be aware of the different types of cheese that are low in lactose.
Hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are virtually lactose-free. Cabot Creamery, for instance, produces lactose-free Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Muenster cheeses, which contain very little to no lactose per serving (less than 0.1 grams per 1oz serving). Their naturally-aged cheddars have 0g of lactose per serving. Other lactose-free cheeses include Parmesan, aged Gouda, and sheep's milk cheese.
Goat's milk is naturally low in lactose, and most lactose-intolerant people can eat goat's cheese without a problem. However, those with a dairy allergy typically cannot consume goat's milk.
To check if a cheese is low in lactose, you can read the Nutrition Facts panel. If there is no sugar listed on the label, there is almost no lactose in that cheese.
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Lactose-free cheese brands
There are several lactose-free cheese brands available in the market. Here is a list of some popular brands:
Cabot Creamery
Cabot Creamery offers a range of lactose-free cheese options, including their award-winning cheddars, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Muenster cheeses. These cheeses contain very little to no lactose per serving (less than 0.1 grams per 1-ounce serving). Cabot's naturally-aged cheddars are also marketed as having 0 grams of lactose per serving.
Bunker Hill Cheese
Bunker Hill Cheese offers lactose-free cheese crafted for sensitive stomachs. Their lactose-free cheese is made with ingredients like pasteurized part-skim milk, salt, microbial coagulant, yogurt, and yogurt cultures, resulting in a product that is suitable even for those with lactose intolerance.
Green Valley
Green Valley offers a lactose-free mild cheddar cheese that is buttery and smooth. Their product is made with pasteurized cultured milk, salt, annatto color, a vegetarian enzyme, and a lactase enzyme, and it is available nationwide in natural and specialty food stores.
Galbani
Galbani offers lactose-free mozzarella cheese, which is low in lactose rather than being completely lactose-free.
Sieprc
Sieprc is a Polish or Slavic deli brand that offers packaged lactose-free cheeses. Their products will have the words "bez laktozy," which means "without lactose" in English, on the packaging.
Kraft
While Kraft does not advertise its cheese as lactose-free, some of its products, such as Kraft American Singles, are labelled as containing 0% lactose per serving. However, there are mixed reviews about the tolerance of these cheeses among individuals with lactose intolerance.
It is important to note that the tolerance to lactose in cheese can vary among individuals with lactose intolerance. Some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of lactose, while others may require completely lactose-free products. Additionally, the curing and aging processes of cheese can affect lactose levels, with harder, aged cheeses tending to have lower lactose content.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find lactose-free cheese at most grocery stores in the dairy or cheese section. Some popular brands that offer lactose-free cheese include Cabot, Green Valley, Lactaid, Galbani, and Kraft. You can also find lactose-free cheese online at Amazon.com and Walmart.com.
Yes, many restaurants in Italy offer lactose-free cheese. However, it may be more challenging to find lactose-free cheese in restaurants in other countries, such as the United States.
There are several types of lactose-free cheese available, including cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
Yes, some cheeses are naturally lactose-free, such as aged cheeses like cheddar and hard cheeses like Parmesan. The longer a cheese is aged, the less lactose it contains.
Lactose-free cheese is generally well-tolerated by most people, but some individuals with severe lactose intolerance may still experience issues even with lactose-free products. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or allergies.
