Does Goat Cheese Have Lactose? Let’s Break it Down

Goat cheese is delicious, plain and simple. Its piquant tang and the variety of cheeses you can create with it have made it popular for thousands of years. Humans have been herding goats for more than 9,000 years, enjoying their milk for at least that long.

There isn’t much difference between Stone Age and Modern Age folks when it comes to thoughts on goat cheese. The general sentiment is “Yes, please!” Goat cheese’s distinctive taste has made it a staple in many of our delicious recipes, like our goat cheese burger recipe.

Those who are lactose-free may have some restrictions on eating cow’s milk or even goat cheese. We’re here to break it down for you.

Goat cheese, especially Cypress Grove’s Goat Cheese, can be difficult to resist. One question remains for the lactose-intolerant or lactose-sensitive: Does goat cheese have lactose? It’s a good question with an answer that might make you happy.

Does Goat Cheese Have Lactose?

Yes, goat cheese does have lactose, but it has much less than other types of dairy.

So, the short answer is yes, but if you ask how much lactose, well, then it depends.

How Much Lactose is in Goat Cheese and Goat’s Milk?

According to Healthline, fresh goat cheese naturally has less lactose because goat milk has less lactose than cow milk to start. For reference, goat milk typically has ~4.2%, and cow cheese has ~5%. In addition to milk type, according to The Cheese Professor, the lactose in cheese depends on the cheese type and age. Harder cheeses and more aged cheeses have less lactose than higher moisture, younger cheeses. So, a harder, more aged goat cheese could have virtually no lactose left in it. Although the effect on digestion is not scientifically proven yet, there is a noticeable difference for some consumers.

That said, never trust a cheesemaker for medical advice. We’ve heard from countless fans about their joyful experience finding that our goat cheeses mean they can enjoy cheese again, but we strongly advise you to work with a medical professional.

Lactose Intolerance: The Basics

Lactose is a sugar found only in milk from mammals. When people cannot digest this sugar, they are considered lactose intolerant. Lactose-intolerant people exist on a spectrum, meaning not everyone has the same severity of reaction. Symptoms may include gas, digestive distress, diarrhea, or bloating. For people with lactose intolerance, it is hard to find foods that don’t trigger unpleasant physical responses.

Enter goat cheese.

Lactose in Goat Milk vs Other Dairy Milk

Goat’s milk has significantly less lactose than cow’s milk. Goat’s milk contains about 4% lactose, compared to cow milk’s 5%. This can make goat’s milk easier to digest. For those with mild or moderate lactose intolerance, this difference can be noticeable.

Additionally, the shorter fat molecules in goat’s milk further enhance its digestibility. While we wish for everyone to be able to eat goat cheese, we recommend always consulting with your doctor before making dietary changes if you are lactose intolerant.

How Much Lactose is in Aged Goat Cheese vs. Fresh Goat Cheese?

Lastly, the age of the cheese matters. Over time, the bacterial cultures responsible for different types of cheese consume lactose, lowering its content. So, for those who have a problem with fresh cheeses, you can still enjoy aged cheeses with a lower incidence of reaction, if any.

Are You Looking to Try Some Goat Cheese?

If you’re excited to try some fresh or aged non-cow milk cheese, check out our amazing selection at a retailer near you. Whether you’re planning your next dinner party masterpiece or a restaurant looking for top-notch ingredients, we’ve got you covered!

Where Can I Get Cypress Grove Goat Cheese?

Cypress Grove’s gourmet goat cheese is sold in some retailers or can be shipped right to your front door! Use our store locator to find a store near you, or order online via Goldbelly. Don’t hold out; try some of our delicious creations today!