If you love cheese but your stomach doesn’t, you’re not alone. An estimated 30 to 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies lack enough lactase enzyme to properly digest the sugar (lactose) found in dairy . For years, the solution was simply to avoid cheese—but not anymore.
The dairy industry has undergone a delicious revolution. Today, you can enjoy lactose free cheese in virtually every form, from creamy spreads to sharp aged blocks. Whether you are looking for lactose free cream cheese for your bagels, lactose free ricotta cheese for lasagna, or lactose free string cheese for a quick snack, there are now excellent options available in grocery stores across the country and on Amazon.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best lactose free cheeses, explain the difference between naturally low-lactose and enzyme-treated varieties, and help you find specific types like lactose free parmesan cheese, lactose free cottage cheese brands, and lactose free feta cheese.
What Makes Cheese Lactose-Free? Understanding the Science
Before diving into specific products, it helps to understand how cheese can be lactose-free. There are two main categories:
1. Naturally Lactose-Free Cheese
Many hard, aged cheeses contain little to no lactose naturally. During the cheesemaking process, whey (which contains most of the lactose) is separated from the curds. Then, as the cheese ages, the remaining lactose is consumed by bacteria and converted into lactic acid . The longer a cheese ages, the less lactose remains. Naturally lactose free cheese options include well-aged varieties like Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Cheddar, and aged Gouda .
2. Enzyme-Treated Lactose-Free Cheese
For fresher cheeses that don’t undergo long aging—like cream cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese—manufacturers add the lactase enzyme directly to the milk. This enzyme breaks down lactose into simpler sugars (glucose and galactose) that are easily digestible . The result is a product that tastes, smells, and cooks just like traditional cheese but won’t upset your stomach.
The Best Lactose-Free Cheese Varieties: A Complete Guide
Let’s explore the top options available for USA consumers, categorized by cheese type.
Lactose Free Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is America’s favorite cheese, and thankfully, it’s one of the easiest to find in lactose-free form. Aged cheddar is naturally low in lactose because the aging process eliminates most of the milk sugar . For those who want a guarantee, several brands offer enzyme-treated versions.
Top Pick: Kraft Lactose Free Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese
Kraft, a trusted name with over 100 years of cheese-making experience, now offers a dedicated lactose-free line. Their lactose free cheddar cheese comes pre-shredded, making it perfect for tacos, casseroles, and burgers. It contains lactase enzyme to ensure digestibility and has a rich, creamy flavor .
- Best for: Melting on burgers, sprinkling over tacos, adding to casseroles.
- Available at: H-E-B and other major retailers nationwide.
- Affiliate Link: Shop Kraft Lactose Free Cheddar on Amazon
Lactose Free Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan is a dream for the lactose-intolerant because traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is aged for a minimum of 12 months—long enough to reduce lactose to nearly undetectable levels . In fact, an entire wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano contains less lactose than a single glass of milk.
Top Pick: Rumiano Organic Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Rumiano is a family-owned California company that has been crafting cheese since 1919. Their lactose free parmesan cheese is USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project verified, and contains 0 grams of lactose per serving. It’s made with milk from pasture-raised cows and is American Humane Certified .
- Best for: Sprinkling over pasta, salads, and soups.
- Available at: Uber Eats, specialty grocers, and online.
- Affiliate Link: Find Rumiano Parmesan Cheese on Amazon
Lactose Free Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta has traditionally been tricky for lactose-intolerant individuals because it’s a fresh, high-moisture cheese that retains more lactose. But Lactalis, the company behind the Galbani brand, has solved this problem. They developed a lactose free ricotta cheese by adding the lactase enzyme directly to the formula, carefully adjusting the texture and flavor to match the original .
- Top Brand: Galbani Lactose-Free Ricotta
- Best for: Lasagna, stuffed shells, cannoli, and spreading on toast.
- Availability: Available at Tops, ShopRite, and expanding to over 800 additional stores nationwide .
- Affiliate Link: Buy Galbani Lactose-Free Ricotta on Amazon
Lactose Free Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a breakfast staple, but it’s also a fresh cheese that typically contains lactose. Fortunately, several brands now offer lactose free cream cheese that spreads smoothly and tastes just like the real thing.
Top Brand: Green Valley Creamery
Green Valley Creamery is one of the most well-known names in the lactose-free dairy space. They offer a full line of lactose-free products, including cream cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and kefir. Their cream cheese is made with lactase enzyme and is FODMAP Friendly certified, making it suitable for those with IBS as well .
- Best for: Bagels, cheesecake, frosting.
- Available at: Nationwide retailers.
- Affiliate Link: Shop Green Valley Creamery Lactose-Free Cream Cheese on Amazon
Lactose Free Cottage Cheese Brands
Cottage cheese is beloved for its high protein content, but it’s also a fresh cheese that can be high in lactose. Finding reliable lactose free cottage cheese brands used to be difficult, but options are expanding.
Top Brand: Dairy Farmers of America (DFA)
DFA, a farmer-owned cooperative, produces lactose-free products under brands like Kemps and Country Fresh. Their portfolio includes lactose-free cottage cheese available in the Midwest and beyond .
- Best for: High-protein breakfasts, post-workout snacks.
- Availability: Midwest retailers under Kemps and Country Fresh brands.
- Affiliate Link: Find Lactose-Free Cottage Cheese on Amazon
Lactose Free Feta Cheese
Feta cheese adds a tangy, salty kick to salads and Mediterranean dishes. While traditional sheep’s milk feta is often easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese, some brands now offer specifically labeled lactose free feta cheese.
Plant-Based Alternative: Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Feta Crumbles
If you’re looking for a completely lactose-free (and dairy-free) option, Follow Your Heart offers Dairy-Free Feta Crumbles. Made with coconut oil and a proprietary blend of ingredients, this product mimics the tangy flavor of real feta without any lactose, casein, or dairy .
- Best for: Greek salads, spanakopita, grain bowls.
- Available at: Sprouts, Albertsons, and Vons.
- Affiliate Link: Shop Follow Your Heart Feta on Amazon
Lactose Free String Cheese
String cheese is a favorite snack for kids and adults alike. For those seeking a portable, protein-packed option, lactose free string cheese is now available.
Top Pick: Joseph Farms Lactose-Free String Cheese
Joseph Farms, a California-based company founded in 1946, produces a lactose free string cheese that is 99% lactose-free and contains 7 grams of protein per stick. It’s a nutritious, easy-to-digest snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go .
- Best for: Snacking, lunchboxes, post-workout recovery.
- Availability: Select retailers nationwide.
- Affiliate Link: Buy Joseph Farms String Cheese on Amazon
Naturally Lactose Free Cheese: Aged Varieties to Enjoy
If you prefer cheese that is naturally free of lactose without any enzyme treatment, look for aged cheeses. According to experts at Delish, the following varieties are excellent choices :
| Cheese Type | Why It’s Low in Lactose |
|---|---|
| Parmigiano Reggiano | Aged a minimum of 12 months; lowest lactose cheese available |
| Aged Cheddar | Aged 12–14 months; virtually no lactose remains |
| Aged Gouda | Aged Gouda has low lactose and melts beautifully |
| Swiss Cheese | Contains only trace amounts of lactose |
| Manchego | Made from sheep’s milk, which has a different protein structure and is easier to digest |
| Goat Cheese | Goat’s milk contains less lactate protein; aged varieties are even lower in lactose |
| Alpine Cheeses | Gruyère, Raclette, and similar styles aged 6+ months |
Quick Reference: Lactose-Free Cheese Shopping Guide
Here’s a handy summary of the best brands for each cheese type:
| Cheese Type | Top Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Lactose Free Cheddar Cheese | Kraft | Pre-shredded, melts easily |
| Lactose Free Parmesan Cheese | Rumiano | Organic, 0g lactose per serving |
| Lactose Free Ricotta Cheese | Galbani | Enzyme-treated, perfect for lasagna |
| Lactose Free Cream Cheese | Green Valley Creamery | FODMAP Friendly, nationwide availability |
| Lactose Free Cottage Cheese | Kemps / Country Fresh (DFA) | High-protein, Midwest availability |
| Lactose Free Feta Cheese | Follow Your Heart | Dairy-free, plant-based alternative |
| Lactose Free String Cheese | Joseph Farms | 7g protein per stick, 99% lactose-free |
| Naturally Lactose Free Cheese | Various aged cheeses | No enzyme needed, rich flavor |
Where to Buy Lactose-Free Cheese in the USA
The demand for lactose-free dairy is growing rapidly. You can find these products at:
- Major Grocery Chains: Albertsons, Safeway, Kroger, H-E-B, ShopRite, Tops, and Sprouts Farmers Market all carry lactose-free cheese options .
- Online: Amazon offers a wide selection of lactose-free cheeses, including hard-to-find specialty brands. Use the affiliate links above to shop directly.
- Specialty Stores: Whole Foods Market and local co-ops often carry artisanal, naturally lactose-free aged cheeses.
How to Cook with Lactose-Free Cheese
One common concern is whether lactose-free cheese melts and cooks the same as traditional cheese. The answer is yes—especially with enzyme-treated varieties like Kraft’s lactose-free cheddar and Galbani’s lactose-free ricotta .
Here are a few tips:
- For Melting: Use aged Gouda or lactose-free cheddar for grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos, and casseroles.
- For Baking: Lactose-free cream cheese works perfectly in cheesecake recipes.
- For Pasta: Lactose-free ricotta blends seamlessly into lasagna and stuffed shells.
Conclusion
Living with lactose intolerance no longer means living without cheese. From lactose free cream cheese to lactose free string cheese, the market has exploded with delicious, digestible options for USA consumers. Whether you prefer enzyme-treated fresh cheeses like lactose free ricotta cheese or naturally aged varieties like lactose free parmesan cheese, there’s a perfect option waiting for you.
Ready to stock up? Click the links above to explore the best lactose free cheeses on Amazon through our store ID cosmoclinic-20 and enjoy fast, reliable shipping to your doorstep.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have severe lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, please consult your healthcare provider before trying new products. Always check product labels, as formulations may vary.
