Does cheese aggravate the stomach? A comprehensive look at dairy and digestion

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Globally, up to 70% of adults experience reduced ability to digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy. For these individuals, the question, 'Does cheese aggravate the stomach?' is a common concern, but the answer depends on several factors beyond just lactose.

Quick Summary

Digestive discomfort from cheese can stem from lactose intolerance, high fat content, or protein sensitivities. Understanding triggers and choosing specific cheese types can help manage symptoms.

Key Points

Lactose is a primary culprit: For many, cheese-related stomach upset is caused by lactose intolerance, where the body lacks the enzyme lactase to properly digest milk sugar.
Aged cheese is typically lower in lactose: Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan and Swiss contain significantly less lactose than fresh, soft cheeses and are often easier to digest.
High fat can slow digestion: The high fat content in many cheeses can delay gastric emptying, leading to bloating and discomfort, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Casein sensitivity is different from lactose intolerance: Some people react to the proteins (casein or whey) in cheese, an immune-mediated response different from a lactase deficiency.
Probiotic cheeses can be beneficial: Certain fermented cheeses with live cultures may support gut health for those without severe intolerance, but checking labels for 'live and active cultures' is important.
Moderation and portion control are key: Listening to your body and consuming cheese in smaller amounts, especially alongside other foods, can help manage symptoms.

Why Cheese Can Cause Digestive Upset

Cheese is a dairy product enjoyed by many, but for some, it leads to digestive discomfort. This can be due to several factors present in cheese, including lactose, fat, and proteins. The way cheese is made and aged also affects its digestibility.

The Role of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common reason for digestive issues with cheese. It happens when the body doesn't produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose. Undigested lactose ferments in the colon, causing gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance affects a large portion of the world's adult population, though prevalence varies. Different cheeses contain varying levels of lactose; aged cheeses have less than fresh, soft ones. Managing symptoms can involve reducing dairy, choosing low-lactose options, or using lactase supplements.

The Impact of High Fat Content

The fat content in cheese is another factor. High-fat foods can slow digestion, which can be problematic for those with sensitive stomachs or IBS. This delay can lead to bloating and discomfort. Additionally, high-fat meals can relax the muscle that prevents stomach acid from backing up, potentially causing acid reflux or heartburn.

Casein Sensitivity and Protein Digestion

Some people react to the protein in cheese, primarily casein. Casein sensitivity is an immune response that can cause digestive issues, and sometimes skin or respiratory symptoms, and is distinct from lactose intolerance. A true milk allergy is a more severe immune reaction, though less common in adults.

The Unexpected Role of Probiotics

Some cheeses, particularly certain fermented types, contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion. For individuals without severe intolerance, moderate consumption of probiotic-rich cheese might support gut health. Look for cheeses labeled with 'live and active cultures,' as pasteurization can eliminate these. Examples include some aged Gouda, Swiss, and Cheddar.

The Difference Between Cheeses: Aged vs. Fresh

The type of cheese consumed significantly impacts its potential for digestive issues. The table below highlights differences between aged and fresh cheeses.


Feature	Aged Hard Cheeses (e.g., Parmesan, Aged Cheddar)	Fresh Soft Cheeses (e.g., Ricotta, Cottage Cheese)
Lactose Content	Very low to virtually none.	Higher.
Digestion	Easier for many with lactose intolerance.	More likely to cause symptoms for those with lactose intolerance.
Fat Content	Can be high.	Varies, can be high.
Probiotic Potential	Often contain beneficial bacteria.	Some probiotic varieties are available.

Strategies for Managing Cheese-Related Issues

If cheese causes stomach discomfort, you may not need to eliminate it entirely. Consider these strategies:

Small Portions: Start with a small amount of low-lactose cheese to see how your body reacts.
Pair with Fiber: Eating cheese with fiber-rich foods may help slow digestion.
Opt for Aged Cheeses: Hard, aged cheeses are lower in lactose and often better tolerated.
Consider Lactase Supplements: For lactose intolerance, supplements can aid digestion.
Try Probiotic Cheeses: Fermented cheeses with live cultures may be beneficial.
Listen to Your Body: Use a food diary to identify triggers.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult a healthcare provider for persistent issues, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion

The impact of cheese on the stomach varies depending on individual factors like lactose intolerance, fat sensitivity, and protein issues. While cheese can cause digestive discomfort for some, moderate consumption of certain types, such as aged or probiotic varieties, can be well-tolerated or even beneficial for others. Understanding your body and making informed choices allows for better management of your diet and continued enjoyment of cheese in a way that supports digestive well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue where the body cannot properly digest the sugar in milk (lactose), causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea. A milk allergy is a potentially severe immune system reaction to the proteins in milk, like casein or whey.

Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, aged Cheddar, and Swiss are typically lowest in lactose. During the aging process, bacteria ferment and break down most of the lactose, making these cheeses more digestible for many with lactose intolerance.

Yes, high-fat cheeses can slow down the digestive process, causing discomfort like bloating. They can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which may trigger acid reflux and heartburn in some individuals.

Fermented cheeses like Gouda and some cheddars may contain probiotics (live, beneficial bacteria). For those who are not intolerant, these probiotics can support a healthy gut microbiome.

Symptoms of casein sensitivity can include digestive issues like stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Unlike lactose intolerance, it may also involve other systemic symptoms like skin rashes or congestion.

If cheese triggers acid reflux, try consuming lower-fat cheeses in smaller portions. Eating cheese with other low-fat foods can also help. Avoiding large, high-fat meals that include cheese, especially before lying down, is also recommended.

One simple method is an elimination diet. Remove cheese and other dairy products from your diet for a few weeks and observe if symptoms improve. You can then reintroduce them slowly to pinpoint your triggers.

Lactase supplements can help some individuals with lactose intolerance digest dairy products, including cheese. They can be taken just before a meal containing cheese to aid in breaking down lactose.