Hey there, cheese lover! So, you’ve got a bit of a tiff with lactose, huh? Don’t fret! Just because you and lactose aren’t the best of pals doesn’t mean you have to break up with cheese. In fact, there’s a smorgasbord of cheeses out there that are low in lactose and ready to tango with your taste buds.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of lactose-friendly cheeses! Lactose is milk sugar, so it you look at the nutritional panel and the Sugars are “O g”, there is no lactose! Many dietitians counsel that even 1 g of sugar per serving is considered low lactose.
Cheddar
Aged cheddar is not only sharp in flavor, but also low in lactose. The longer it’s aged, the less lactose it contains. Win-win!
Parmesan
This hard cheese is aged for so long that most of its lactose has said goodbye. Sprinkle away on your pasta!
Swiss
With its iconic holes and nutty flavor, Swiss cheese is a delightful low-lactose option.
Brie
Soft, creamy, and dreamy! Brie is not only a crowd-pleaser, but also gentle on the tummy. It makes an amazing baked appetizer, too. Warm and gooey. Try this Cranberry Baked Brie.
Camembert
Similar to Brie, Camembert is another soft cheese that’s low in lactose. Perfect for a fancy cheese board!
Gouda
Aged Gouda is not only delicious but also a safe bet for those looking for a lower lactose option.
Provolone
This semi-hard cheese is great for sandwiches and is typically low in lactose.
Manchego
Made from sheep’s milk, Manchego is naturally lower in lactose and has a rich, unique flavor.
Roquefort
A blue cheese made from sheep’s milk, Roquefort is tangy and crumbly with minimal lactose.
Pecorino Romano
Crafted from sheep’s milk, this Italian cheese is a flavorful and lactose-friendly alternative to cow’s milk cheeses.
Feta
Often made from sheep or goat’s milk, feta is a crumbly delight that’s easy on the lactose content. We love it baked as a simple starter. Try this Baked Feta with Walnuts, Thyme & Honey.
Goat Cheese
Creamy and tangy, goat cheese (or chèvre) is naturally lower in lactose.
Muenster
This semi-soft cheese is not only melt-in-your-mouth delicious but also kinder to those with lactose sensitivities.
Blue Cheese
Many blue cheeses are low in lactose due to their aging process. Make DIY Blue cheese dips and dressing! So much better than store bought.
Havarti
Creamy Havarti is a treat, and the good news is that it’s typically low in lactose.
Limburger
Known for its strong aroma, Limburger is also on the list of cheeses that are low in lactose.
Gruyère
This Swiss cheese is not only perfect for fondue but also a friend to the lactose-intolerant.
Monterey Jack
Spice things up with Pepper Jack or enjoy the mild Monterey Jack, both of which are low in lactose.
Colby
A close relative of cheddar, Colby is another cheese that’s typically low in lactose.
Mozzarella
Especially the fresh kind, mozzarella is lower in lactose and oh-so-delicious on pizzas!
Ricotta
Ricotta is not as low in lactose as hard cheese, like cheddar, but it does have low lactose serving sizes. Try just a tablespoon or two, like in these dips.
Jarlsberg
This Norwegian cheese is not only nutty and delicious but also low in lactose.
Comté
A French cheese with a sweet and nutty profile, Comté is another lactose-friendly option.
Emmental
Another Swiss star, Emmental is a holey delight that’s kind to those avoiding lactose.
Cabrales
A blue cheese from Spain, Cabrales is made from a mix of cow, sheep, and goat’s milk, and it is a lower lactose option.
Let’s Eat Cheese!
Lactose-intolerant or not, the world of cheese is vast and varied, ready for you to explore. Remember, aging and the type of milk are key factors in lactose content. So, next time you’re at the cheese counter, you’ll know exactly what to reach for. Happy cheese munching! Why not make a cheese and charcuterie board?
