If you enjoy eating cheese, you may be wondering does Parmesan cheese have lactose. This is a commonly asked question, as Parmesan cheese is a very popular type of cheese used to top a variety of dishes.
You will often see Parmesan cheese dusted over garlic bread, Italian pasta, and a variety of tomato-based casseroles. It is a very popular type of cheese that has a strong and salty flavor that is sure to satisfy your cheese cravings.
Unfortunately for many people, the majority of cheese contains lactose, which is something that many people struggle to process. Making it difficult for them to find a cheese that they can still eat and enjoy.
Keep reading to find out whether or not Parmesan cheese contains lactose and what other types of cheese you can’t eat, even with a lactose sensitivity.
Parmesan Cheese Contains Very Little Lactose
If you are a fan of cheese, you may be wondering does Parmesan cheese have lactose. The good news for those who are sensitive to lactose is that Parmesan cheese contains very little lactose, so most people can eat it.
Parmesan cheese is considered to be a hard cheese that has been aged for a considerable amount of time. It is then ground down into a fine powder that can be dusted over a variety of dishes, whether that be a plate of pasta or a serving of garlic bread.
Many people may not realize that Parmesan cheese contains very small amounts of lactose in comparison to other types of dairy products. For the most part, the majority of dairy products contain a large amount of lactose.
This is something that many people struggle to process, as their digestion is not able to break down lactose. Resulting in stomach problems and a great deal of pain and discomfort when consuming anything that contains lactose.
The good news is that not all types of cheese contain a large amount of lactose, despite being made with dairy. Different types of hard cheese and aged cheese tend to be lower in lactose, so more people can enjoy eating them.
Swiss
Swiss is another kind of aged cheese that tends to have a very small amount of lactose per serving. This covers a range of cheeses that are considered to be Swiss cheeses and are usually mild and nutty in flavor.
They have distinct holes throughout that are the result of the maturing process before the cheese is ready to be eaten. They are a great option if you are a cheese lover but have a sensitivity to lactose.
Cheddar
Cheddar is one of the most common types of cheese that you are going to find in grocery stores. It is a hard cheese that has been aged for a long time, resulting in it being very low in lactose.
One of the best things about cheddar cheese is that you can find it in so many varieties. Choosing the type of cheddar that tastes the best to you as there are varying degrees of sharpness.
Brie
Brie is an extremely soft cheese that is made with cream to create a creamy and earthy-tasting cheese. Despite being made from dairy, brie cheese is very low in lactose, making it suitable for those with a lactose sensitivity.
This is great news as Brie can be used in ways that you may not want to use other cheeses for. It goes great with fruit and crackers or you could add it to your favorite cheesy recipes.
Provolone
Provolone is another very popular type of cheese that is a great option for those with a lactose sensitivity. It contains very little lactose and comes in several different varieties made with different types of milk, though the most common is cow’s milk.
It has a strong savory flavor and is covered in a thick wax rind. It is a great option for those who want a more sophisticated type of cheese without an upset stomach afterward.
Those Who Are Lactose-Free Can Eat Parmesan
The good news for those who are lactose-free is that you can still enjoy eating Parmesan. Even though Parmesan is a dairy product, it is an aged hard cheese that does not contain a large amount of lactose.
Parmesan is just one of many types of cheeses that contains very little lactose, so anyone can enjoy eating them. This is something that many people do not realize as they automatically assume that they cannot eat any dairy products.
But the good news is that not all dairy products are going to necessarily contain a large amount of lactose. This is an element of dairy that can often be removed or decreased throughout the process of making the product.
Why Parmesan Has So Little Lactose?
The reason why certain cheeses contain more or less lactose often depends on how long the cheese has been left to mature. During the maturing process, bacteria are produced and start to eat away at the lactose in the dairy.
Because of this, cheeses that have been aged for a longer amount of time, resulting in a harder cheese, are usually going to be less lactose-heavy. Making them safe to eat for those who have a sensitivity to lactose.
That is why you can still enjoy different types of cheese, such as Parmesan, cheddar, Swiss, and options like provolone. Though there are many different varieties of aged cheeses that are going to have less lactose than your typical cheese.