Frederic Melton
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. Fortunately, not all cheeses are forbidden on a low-lactose diet, and there are several types of cheeses that those sensitive to lactose can still enjoy in moderation. Aged, hard cheeses have less sugar and lactose, making them easier to digest. For example, cheddar, gouda, and provolone are all suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. So, which pizza restaurant cheeses have the least lactose?
Characteristics and Values of Pizza Restaurant Cheeses with the Least Lactose:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aged Cheeses | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Provolone, Gouda |
| Low-Lactose Cheeses | Muenster (0-1.1% lactose), Camembert (0-1.8% lactose), Cheddar (0-2.1% lactose), Provolone (0-2.1% lactose), Gouda (0-2.2% lactose), Blue Cheese (0-2.5% lactose), Parmesan (0-3.2% lactose) |
| Lactose-Free Cheese | Swiss Cheese |
| Lactose-Free Dairy | Butter, Yogurt, Kefir |
| Low-Lactose Dairy | Greek and Icelandic Yogurt, Lactose-Free Milk |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are aged cheeses with low lactose
- Mozzarella is a low-lactose cheese that melts irresistibly on pizza
- Swiss cheese is completely lactose-free
- Provolone is a low-lactose cheese that is great for pizza
- Lactose-intolerant individuals can usually enjoy natural hard cheeses
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are aged cheeses with low lactose
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive condition that occurs due to the body's inability to produce the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. While it may seem that lactose intolerance means giving up on delicious pizza, there are cheese options with low lactose content that can satisfy your cravings.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are aged cheeses that are naturally low in lactose. Cheddar, with its nutty and crumbly texture, is a popular choice and can be used in a variety of dishes, from macaroni to cheese sauces. Its lactose content can be as low as 0.1 grams per serving, though it may vary depending on the brand or recipe. Monterey Jack, a semi-soft cheese, is another excellent option for those with lactose intolerance, as it typically contains less than 3.5 grams of lactose per 100-gram serving.
Parmesan, a hard and aged cheese, is also a great choice for those watching their lactose intake. While its lactose content can vary from 0.01% to over 5%, the longer aging process reduces the lactose level to a safer range of 1-3% for those with lactose intolerance. In the United States, Parmesan is legally required to be aged for at least 10 months, ensuring a lower lactose content.
These cheeses are not only delicious but also provide a good source of calcium and protein, making them a nutritious option for those with lactose intolerance. When used on pizzas, they can deliver a tasty, cheesy experience without the digestive woes associated with high-lactose foods. Additionally, aged cheeses like provolone are also suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals, though those with extreme sensitivity may need to exercise caution.
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Mozzarella is a low-lactose cheese that melts irresistibly on pizza
Lactose intolerance can be a real pain, especially when it comes to pizza. Fortunately, there are cheeses with low lactose content that can be used as substitutes for those who are lactose intolerant. One such cheese is mozzarella.
Mozzarella is a soft cheese that is naturally low in lactose. It is a popular choice for pizza due to its irresistibly melty texture and stretchy quality when cooked. The more a cheese ages, the more its lactose breaks down, and since mozzarella is a soft cheese, it tends to be younger and have lower lactose content. This makes it a good option for those with lactose intolerance, as it is generally well-tolerated in moderation.
Some brands even offer lactose-free mozzarella, which is a great option for those who are highly sensitive to lactose. These cheeses are made with lactase enzymes, which break down the lactose, making it easier to digest. Lactose-free mozzarella can be found at various retailers, including Walmart, Safeway/Vons, Costco, and local health food stores.
In addition to mozzarella, there are other cheeses with low lactose content that can be used on pizza. Provolone, for example, is a popular choice and can be found at local health food stores and some larger retailers like Costco. Other low-lactose cheeses include aged cheddar, Parmesan, and goat or sheep cheeses.
So, if you're craving a cheesy pizza but are worried about lactose intolerance, mozzarella is a great option. With its low lactose content and delicious melting quality, you can enjoy your favourite pizza without the digestive woes.
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Swiss cheese is completely lactose-free
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. While some people with lactose intolerance may avoid cheese altogether, there are several types of cheeses that those sensitive to lactose can still enjoy.
Swiss cheese, for example, is considered completely lactose-free. Swiss cheese is a medium-hard, yellow cheese that originated in Switzerland. It has a 0-3.4% lactose range and is great in sandwiches, wraps, omelets, and chicken bakes. Swiss cheese is made with cow's milk, but it is good for most lactose-intolerant people.
Other hard cheeses such as cheddar, colby, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are also virtually lactose-free. Cheddar, for instance, has a 0-2.1% lactose range and can be used in macaroni and cheese, cheese sauce, or as a topping for cheese puffs. Provolone, which is commonly used on pizzas, has a 0-2.2% lactose range.
In general, aged, hard cheeses have less sugar and lactose, making them easier to digest. Soft, creamy cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and burrata contain significantly more lactose than hard cheeses, but still much less than milk, yogurt, and ice cream. For those who are lactose intolerant, consuming high levels of lactose can lead to uncomfortable digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain.
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Provolone is a low-lactose cheese that is great for pizza
Lactose intolerance is a common 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. Fortunately, not all cheeses are off the menu for those who are lactose intolerant. Aged, hard cheeses have less sugar and lactose, making them easier to digest.
Provolone is a great example of a low-lactose cheese. It is an aged cheese with a buttery texture and a lactose range of 0-2.1%, or 0-2.2% if smoked, making it suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. In fact, it is a popular choice for those who are lactose intolerant and still want to enjoy pizza, as it can be used as a pizza topping without causing the same digestive woes—such as bloating, gas, and stomach pain—that high-lactose cheeses can cause.
Provolone is not the only aged cheese with low lactose content. Cheddar, for example, is a crumbly, nutty-flavoured cheese with a similar lactose range of 0-2.1% and is another option for those wanting to add cheese to their pizza. Other aged cheeses with low lactose content include gouda, blue cheese, and parmesan.
While these aged, low-lactose cheeses are suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, it is important to remember that they may still contain small amounts of residual lactose. For those who are highly sensitive to lactose, it is possible that even a pizza made with provolone will contain too much lactose for their body to handle.
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Lactose-intolerant individuals can usually enjoy natural hard cheeses
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 lactose-intolerant individuals have to give up dairy entirely. In fact, many people with lactose intolerance can handle some dairy, up to 12 grams of lactose daily, or a cup of milk.
Natural hard cheeses, such as cheddar, colby, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, are virtually lactose-free and can be enjoyed by lactose-intolerant individuals. Aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, are also virtually lactose-free due to the aging process converting lactose to lactic acid. The longer a cheese has aged, the less lactose it contains. Other examples of aged hard cheeses with low lactose content include gouda, which has a lactose range of 0 to 2.2%, and provolone, which has a range of 0 to 2.1%. These cheeses are suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals and can be enjoyed on sandwiches, in casseroles, or on homemade pizza.
In addition to hard cheeses, there are other dairy products with low lactose content that are safe for lactose-intolerant individuals to consume. These include Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts, lactose-free milk, and goat cheese, also known as chèvre. Goat cheese is a good option for those who want a creamy, spreadable cheese, as goat's milk has a lower lactose content than cow's milk, and the transformation process from milk to cheese further reduces lactose levels.
It is important to note that the tolerance for lactose varies from person to person, and some individuals with lactose intolerance may still experience discomfort with certain low-lactose cheeses. However, by consuming average-sized servings of low-lactose cheeses, lactose-intolerant individuals can usually enjoy natural hard cheeses without experiencing the uncomfortable digestive symptoms associated with high-lactose foods.
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Frequently asked questions
Pizza cheeses with the least lactose include aged cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, and gouda.
According to Catherine Rall, a registered dietitian, aged cheeses have lower lactose content. As cheese ages, its lactose converts to lactic acid, making it easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance.
The severity of lactose intolerance varies among individuals, so it's important to assess your personal tolerance. Additionally, the way cheese is prepared can also affect its lactose content.
Yes, consider using lactose-free or low-lactose cheese alternatives, or opt for pizzas with minimal cheese. Lactose-intolerant individuals can also tolerate small amounts of lactose when consumed with food or spread throughout the day.
