Lactose Intolerance is caused due to deficiency or insufficient production of the lactase enzyme in the body. This results in indigestion of ingested lactose, leading to a series of painful and irritating gastrointestinal symptoms. More than the symptoms, lactose intolerance leads to lack of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D in individuals. The only way to manage the symptoms is to cut down on lactose foods. But elimination of lactose is not that easy. Every other dairy product or milk derivatives or milk products contain lactose. Even medications contain lactose in them. In fact, the best and some most delicious items in the world contain milk/lactose. And cheese is just one of them!
Lactose Free Cheese Substitutes: Lactose-free cheese, does such a thing exist? Yes, it does. One cannot remove lactose from original, cow’s milk cheese, but you can try cheese alternatives that are prevalent in the market. Below are a list of lactose free, non-dairy cheeses that can be substituted for regular cheese in recipes:
1. Soy cheese: Just as soy milk is the most preferred option, so is soy cheese the most favorite among users. Soy cheese is available in both vegan and non-vegan varieties. The vegan variety does not have casein, a milk protein in the ingredients. Soy cheese contains soy proteins and soybean oil. It can be substituted for a variety of dishes owing to its long life and texture. It is also available in different flavors – right from mozzarella, nacho and cheddar to parmasen. Like every other cheese, it can be bought grated or sliced or pre-packaged (in chunks). If you are allergic to milk proteins, you can try the vegan option of soy cheese. If you are lactose intolerant and not allergic to proteins, you can consume soy cheese as much as you would like to take regular cheese. Of course, without symptoms.
2. Almond cheese: Almond milk is a delicacy when a sweetener is added to it during the making process. So is almond cheese. Made by replacing animal milk (cow’s milk) with almond milk, almond cheese contains dried milk proteins, casein. There is no non-vegan option and hence vegans and people with milk allergy should stay away from almond cheese. The main ingredients of this type of cheese are – crushed almonds, water, canola oil and brown rice flour. This cheese is available in jalapeno, cheddar and mozzarella flavors.
3. Rice cheese: Rice milk is a healthy substitute for cow’s milk. Just like that, rice cheese is a good substitute for various regular-cheese dishes. The main ingredients of this cheese are – rice flour and rice bran oil. This cheese is available in flavors such as cheddar, pepper jack and American. You can find vegan and non-vegan varieties of rice cheese.
4. Yogurt cheese: Yes, this is dairy cheese. But this comes with a difference. Yogurt cheese is made with live yogurt cultures acidophilus and bifidus which remove milk sugars from cheese. Since the sugars are removed, this can be consumed by the lactose intolerant without trouble. The texture and flavor of the cheese is very similar to regular cheese and hence is a favorite lactose-free alternative for all purposes.
