Can Lactose-Intolerant People Eat Cheese?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer might surprise you, many lactose-intolerant people can enjoy cheese comfortably.

Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk. During cheesemaking, much of that lactose drains away with the whey. As cheese ages, remaining lactose is broken down by cultures. That means aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, parmesan, and manchego are naturally very low in lactose.

Sheep’s milk cheese is also often easier to digest. While it still contains lactose, its fat and protein structure can be gentler on digestion for some people.

Fresh cheeses like ricotta or fresh chèvre contain more lactose and may be harder to tolerate. Everyone’s sensitivity is different, so starting with small portions and aged cheeses is usually a good approach.

Lactose intolerance does not have to mean giving up cheese. It often just means choosing the right kinds.