For individuals with lactose intolerance, consuming foods containing lactose can result in digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. When it comes to cheese, there is often confusion surrounding its lactose content. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of Cheddar and its lactose content, shedding light on whether it is suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
SEE ALSO: Our complete guide to lactose and lactose-free cheeses →
What is lactose intolerance?
Before delving into the specifics of Cheddar, let’s briefly discuss lactose and lactose intolerance.
Lactose is a carbohydrate (sugar) that occurs naturally in milk. Actually, a small percentage of humans don’t produce a substance (enzyme) called lactase. You might have guessed its role from its name. Indeed, lactase breaks down the lactose we consume into a form that our body can digest.
Consequently, people who can’t produce lactase are said to be lactose intolerant. The symptoms of this intolerance can include loose bowel motions, wind and a general feeling of being bloated and uneasy.
Statistically speaking, people who are lactose intolerant start to show symptoms of discomfort when they consume more than 12g of lactose. Therefore, a glass of milk is often within the limits of what their body can handle.
You can read our complete blog post on lactose intolerance here.
Cheddar: The world’s most popular cheese
Cheddar, originating from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, is one of the most popular types of cheese worldwide. It is made from cow’s milk and undergoes a specific production process that contributes to its unique characteristics.
The cheese is typically aged for varying periods, resulting in different flavour profiles and textures. Cheddar can range from mild and creamy to robust and crumbly, offering a versatile choice for culinary applications.
You can read all about this famous pressed cheese from Somerset in our dedicated Cheddar post here.
How much lactose is in Cheddar?
While Cheddar is a dairy product, its lactose content can vary depending on factors such as the manufacturing process and the ageing period. During the cheesemaking process, lactose is converted into lactic acid by bacteria, which contributes to the distinctive flavour and texture of Cheddar.
As a result, Cheddar cheese generally contains minimal amounts of lactose. On average, mature Cheddar cheese, aged for several months, can contain less than 1 mg of lactose per 100 grams.
You can find our entire database of lactose content in cheese here.
Can lactose intolerant people eat Cheddar?
Given its low lactose content, Cheddar is often considered suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. However, it is essential to note that individual tolerances can vary.
While many lactose intolerant individuals can enjoy Cheddar cheese without experiencing discomfort, some may still be sensitive to even trace amounts of lactose. It is advisable to listen to your body and monitor your own reactions when consuming Cheddar or any other dairy product.
Conclusion: Cheddar is OK for most lactose intolerant people
In conclusion, Cheddar cheese is generally considered to be a lactose-friendly option for individuals with lactose intolerance. Its unique production process and ageing period contribute to reduced lactose content, making it well-tolerated by many.
However, it is important to remember that lactose intolerance can vary from person to person, and individual reactions should always be considered. If you have lactose intolerance, consider starting with small portions of Cheddar and gradually increasing your intake to gauge your personal tolerance levels.
Are you lactose intolerant? We’d love to hear about your experience with Cheddar cheese. Leave us a comment below.
References
Overall nutritional content
The nutritional content of cheese in our table comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository, the Australian Food Composition Database and cheese manufacturers. We realise that there can be variations between different brands and producers. Hence, the numbers we have used are averages.
Lactose levels in mentioned cheeses
¹ Lactose residual content in PDO cheeses
² Detection of lactose in products with low lactose content
³ The analysis of lactose in milk and cheese products by HPLC
⁴ Food Standards ANZ Food Composition Database
⁶ Lactose & Galactose content of cheese
Sabine is the creative force behind Cheese Scientist. She is a sustainable living advocate, a climate change protestor and is pro-choice. And, most relevantly, she is also a lactose intolerant cheese lover.
