Types of Cheese for the Lactose-Intolerant

25 September, 2023 Cheese
cheese plater
Credit: Pexels/Alexy Almond

Being lactose-intolerant is not easy, especially when you love foods like pizza and pasta that contain a high quantity of dairy products as their primary ingredients. However, being lactose-intolerance does not mean you have to remove cheese from your diet completely.

Several types of cheese contain small amounts of lactose. In general, the hard and aged cheeses are lower in lactose than soft and fresh cheeses. From vegan cheese varieties to cheese with milk from a range of different animals, we’ve got you covered. Read up and learn more about the top five cheese types that are beneficial even for people who are lactose-intolerant.

Gouda

Believe it or not, Dutch cheese is known for its smoky flavour, and its reddish-brown rind is a popular delicacy for the lactose intolerant. Gouda has a 0-2.2% lactose range, which makes it a favourite of those who enjoy a little bit of caramel in their semi-soft cheese. Serve it up on a cheese platter, and you're all set!

Muenster

Turkey sandwich
Cheese picture: A Turkey chicken sandwich with muenster cheese on ciabatta bread

Muenster is perfect for anyone with lactose intolerance, not only because of its mild flavour but because it scores an extremely low level of 0-1.1% on the lactose range. Make this your go-to cheese as a topping on a pizza, grilled on toast or in the classic American mac n' cheese. Enjoy!

Camembert

A delicious cheese to add to your lactose-free diet plan is camembert. This cheese is mild, tangy and fruity and is within the 0-1.8% lactose range. If you don't want to limit yourself to only hard cheese types, then give this French cheese a try!

Hard cheese
Unsplash/Farhad Ibrahimzade

Cheddar

Cheddar is a brilliant white to orange-coloured cheese that you can enjoy either sliced with bread or in mac n’ cheese. This cheese type has a score of 0-2.1% in the lactose range, making it enjoyable for anyone with lactose intolerance. Keep in mind that this cheese has a stronger and sharper taste compared to other cow's milk cheeses.

Brie

Brie is widely considered to be amongst the best cheese in the world, and there is a reason for that! Not only is this creamy cheese delicacy a fun addition to a cheese board, but Brie also has a lactose range between 0-2%, making it acceptable for those with allergies or intolerances. 

Dine in style whilst sticking to those healthy choices!