Exploring the Delicious World of Lactose Free Cream Cheese

Lactose free cream cheese may be something you are interested in if you suffer with a lactose intolerance or are on the low FODMAP.

Regular cream cheese does contain some lactose but fortunately, there are now many safe alternatives available in the shops.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of lactose-free cream cheese, exploring its benefits, uses, and some recipes that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

What cream cheese is lactose free?

Cream cheese can be made lactose free if a lactase enzyme has been added to the diary or if the product is vegan. 

Below, we have outlined suitable lactose free cream cheese options.

Available in the UK;

• Violife Original Soft Cheese Dairy Alternative
• Philadelphia Plant-Based Almond & Oat Soft Cheese Alternative
• Cathedral City Plant-Based Spring Onion & Black Pepper
• Tesco Plant Chef Alternative To Soft Cheese
• Oatly Creamy Oat Spread Plain

Available in the USA;

• Miyoko’s Creamery Classic Plain Organic Cultured Vegan Cream
• Green Valley Organic Lactose Free Cream Cheese
• Arla Lactose Free Cream Cheese

Is there a Philadelphia lactose free cream cheese?

Yes!

Philadelphia has a lactose free cream cheese option. The cheese is made by adding lactase enzyme which breaks down the lactose.

You can purchase this cheese in all of the major retailers – Asda, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Woolworths. 

Is lactose free cream cheese ok for dairy alternatives?

It is safe for people with a dairy intolerance as these people are sensitive to lactose.

However, it is not safe for people with a milk allergy because those people react to a milk protein which will still be present.

If you have a milk allergy then you will need to source a vegan cream cheese.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder where the body cannot fully digest lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

When lactose is not broken down adequately in the small bowel, it can cause digestive symptoms.

For more information on lactose intolerance you can read our indepth blog:  LACTOSE INTOLERANCE – WHAT IS IT? HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? HOW DO I MANAGE IT?

What cheese can someone with lactose intolerance eat?

If you have a lactose intolerance you will be pleased to know that you can eat most cheese. This is because during the cheese making process, most lactose is removed. 

Safe cheeses include mozzarella, cheddar cheese and brie.

For further information, read our post on ‘Low FODMAP Cheese’ because lactose is a FODMAP and so FODMAP safe cheese is also safe for those with a lactose intolerance.

What is the FODMAP content of Lactose free cream cheese?

Lactose is also a FODMAP, this is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (1). 

It is low in FODMAP at 40g according to Monash (2). 

Thus, it can be enjoyed within this serving for people on the low FODMAP diet in small amounts.

A regular portion of cream cheese is 2tbsp or 28g for perspective.

How to make lactose free cream cheese 

Lactose free products can be expensive or difficult to find so making your own lactose free cream cheese may be a great option.

To make this, mix in powdered lactase enzyme which will break down the lactase

Lactose free cream cheese recipes

If you miss the creaminess of cream cheese in recipes then look no further!

I have rounded up 4 of my favorite lactose-free cream cheese recipes:

1. Lactose-free baked cheesecake
2. Carrot Cake Bread With Cream Cheese Icing
3. Lactose-Free Blueberry Cheesecake
4. Easy Vegan Cream Cheese

Summary

Traditional cream cheese does contain lactose which can be a problem for those with a lactose intolerance. 

Luckily, there are plenty of options now available on the market. 

Written by Rida Mahmood, reviewed by Kirsten Jackson, Consultant Dietitian BSc Hons, RD, PG Cert