Kamil Perry
Lactose-intolerant cheese lovers can rejoice, as Cabot Creamery offers a range of lactose-free cheese options. During the cheese-making process, the curds, which eventually become cheese, are separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose. The natural aging process further breaks down any remaining lactose. As a result, Cabot's aged cheeses, such as Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, and Muenster, contain 0 grams of lactose per serving. So, lactose-intolerant individuals can confidently enjoy the delicious taste of Cabot's award-winning cheeses without worrying about their lactose sensitivity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheeses with 0 grams of lactose | Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Gouda, and Muenster |
| Cheeses with very little lactose | Cabot Cheddars, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Muenster (less than 0.1 grams per 1oz serving) |
| How to check if a cheese is low in lactose | Read the Nutrition Facts panel and check for sugar content |
| How cheese becomes lactose-free | Curd is separated from whey (which contains most of the lactose), and the remaining lactose breaks down as the cheese ages |
| Time for cheese to become lactose-free | 3 to 4 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
How is cheese lactose-free?
Cabot produces many cheeses that are lactose-free, including Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster. These cheeses are lactose-free because they undergo a natural aging process. During the cheese-making process, curds are separated from whey (which contains most of the lactose), and the curds eventually become cheese. The small amount of lactose that remains in the curds breaks down over time as the cheese ages, resulting in an aged low-lactose or lactose-free cheese.
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance occurs when the stomach doesn't produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose. However, it's important to note that lactose intolerance is not an allergy, and most people with lactose intolerance can handle some dairy.
Cheeses that undergo the natural aging process, like cheddar, contain little to no lactose. Aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano are also considered virtually lactose-free. Hard cheeses, in general, are lower in lactose than soft, fresh, and processed cheeses. Examples of hard cheeses that are low in lactose include cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
For those who are lactose intolerant, there are still many options for enjoying cheese and dairy products. In addition to lactose-free cheeses, lactose-free milk, Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts, butter, cream, and cream cheese are all low in lactose. Eating small amounts of low-lactose dairy over time may even help improve lactose intolerance.
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Cabot's lactose-free cheeses
Cabot produces a range of cheeses that are naturally lactose-free, containing 0 grams of lactose per serving. This is because, during the cheese-making process, the curds, which eventually become cheese, are separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose. The natural aging process then breaks down any remaining lactose.
Cabot Cheddar is one of the most well-known lactose-free cheeses, with its aged cheddars containing 0 grams of lactose per serving. This includes varieties such as Horseradish Cheddar, Light Cheddar, and Pepper Cheddar. In addition to cheddar, other Cabot cheeses that are considered lactose-free include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Muenster, which contain very little to no lactose per serving (less than 0.1 grams per 1-ounce serving).
The aging process is crucial in determining the lactose content of cheese. Cheeses that undergo a natural aging process, such as cheddar and mozzarella, contain little to no lactose. A good rule of thumb is that if a cheese has been aged for 8 months or longer, it is likely to be lactose-free.
It is important to note that lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. Therefore, when checking if a cheese is lactose-free, one can look at the Nutrition Facts panel and see if there is any sugar listed. If there is zero grams of sugar listed, it indicates that the cheese has nearly no lactose.
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Lactose-free Cabot Cheddars
Cabot produces a range of cheeses that are naturally lactose-free, containing 0 grams of lactose per serving. This includes their award-winning Cabot Cheddars, which are aged cheeses with added flavour and richness. The lactose-free nature of these cheeses is due to the cheesemaking process, where the curds, which eventually become cheese, are separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose. The small amount of lactose that remains in the curds breaks down over time as the cheese ages, resulting in lactose-free cheese.
The Cabot Cheddars that are lactose-free include their regular Cheddar, Light Cheddar, and Horseradish Cheddar. In addition, Cabot offers other lactose-free cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Muenster, which contain very little to no lactose per serving (less than 0.1 grams per 1-ounce serving).
The natural aging process of cheese contributes to its lactose-free properties. Cheeses that undergo this process, such as cheddar, are considered low-lactose or lactose-free due to the breakdown of any remaining lactose over time. This is why aged cheeses, typically aged for 8 months or longer, are recommended for those with lactose intolerance.
Cabot's lactose-free cheeses provide a delicious option for individuals with lactose intolerance or those looking to reduce their lactose intake. These cheeses offer the same flavour and nutritional benefits as regular cheese, including important nutrients such as calcium, protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus. With Cabot's lactose-free options, dairy lovers can confidently enjoy their favourite cheeses without worrying about lactose-related discomfort.
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Other lactose-free cheeses
Cabot produces many cheeses that are lactose-free or contain zero grams of lactose. These include:
- Cheddar
- Light Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Muenster
- Colby Jack
- Gouda
In general, aged cheeses are considered to be lactose-free as lactose breaks down over time as the cheese ages. This means that, apart from Cabot's cheeses, there are several other lactose-free cheese options. These include:
- Swiss
- Mozzarella
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Colby
- Limburger
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Babybel red wax cheeses
While not completely lactose-free, softer cheeses such as ricotta and cottage cheese contain low levels of lactose and can be eaten in moderation by those who are lactose intolerant.
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Lactose-free recipes
Cabot produces a range of cheeses that are naturally lactose-free, including Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster. These cheeses are aged, and the natural aging process breaks down the lactose in milk, resulting in little to no lactose content.
Lactose-Free Mac & Cheese
This classic comfort food can be made lactose-free by using Cabot's lactose-free cheeses and lactose-free milk. The recipe suggests using Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, but other options include Cabot Alpine Cheddar, Cabot Sharp Cheddar, or Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar. The process involves cooking the pasta, making a cheese sauce with milk, cornstarch, and cheese, and then combining the two. The dish can be baked for a bubbly, golden finish.
Cheesy Cheddar Fondue
A fun and interactive way to enjoy cheese, fondue is perfect for a romantic date night or a get-together with friends. Cabot's cheesy cheddar fondue recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Grilled Pita Pockets
For a quick and easy meal, grill or press pita pockets filled with Cabot's lactose-free cheese. The gooey, cheesy pockets can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.
Tomato & Cheddar Sliders
These sliders are a delicious option for a picnic or camping trip. Using Cabot's Vermont Sharp Shredded Cheddar, you can create a tasty, lactose-free appetizer or snack.
Roasted Honeynut Squash Taco Bowls
A unique and flavorful dish, these taco bowls offer a crowd-pleasing option for those seeking lactose-free options.
Remember, Cabot's lactose-free cheeses provide a great way to enjoy dairy without the discomfort associated with lactose intolerance.
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Frequently asked questions
Cabot produces many cheeses that contain zero grams of lactose, including Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, and Muenster.
During the cheese-making process, the curd, which becomes the cheese, is separated from the whey, which contains most of the lactose. The curd can contain a small amount of lactose, but it breaks down over time as the cheese ages.
The easiest way to check if a cheese is low in lactose is to read the Nutrition Facts panel. If there is no sugar listed, there is likely no lactose in that cheese.
Yes, Cabot Creamery has a variety of lactose-free recipes on their website, including Savory Cheesy Waffles (aka Chaffles) and Habanero Black Bean Dip.
