Is American Cheese Ok for Lactose Intolerance?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, around 36% of the U.S. population has lactose malabsorption, which can lead to lactose intolerance. When it comes to American cheese and its compatibility with this condition, the answer is complex and depends heavily on individual sensitivity.

Quick Summary

American cheese is a processed food with a variable, though typically lower, lactose content than fresh dairy milk. Its tolerability for individuals with lactose intolerance depends on personal sensitivity levels, the specific product's formulation, and serving size, making careful selection and portion control necessary.

Key Points

Lactose Content Varies: Unlike aged, natural cheeses, the lactose content in American cheese is not uniformly low and depends on the specific brand and processing methods.
Individual Tolerance is Key: Whether you can eat American cheese depends on your personal sensitivity level to lactose; some can tolerate small amounts, while others cannot.
Check Labels for Added Dairy: Some processed American cheeses have extra whey or milk solids added back in, increasing the lactose content compared to natural cheeses.
Aged Cheeses are Safest: For consistent low-lactose options, choose hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan, where the lactose has been largely broken down during aging.
Lactose-Free Alternatives Exist: Many brands offer explicitly labeled lactose-free dairy cheeses and plant-based options for those who need to avoid lactose completely.
Control Portion Size: For mild intolerance, eating smaller portions of American cheese might be tolerated better than larger servings.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue caused by the body's inability to produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. When undigested lactose reaches the large intestine, it can ferment and cause unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, meaning some people can tolerate small amounts of lactose while others need to avoid it completely. It is important to distinguish this from a milk allergy, which is an immune system response to milk proteins and requires complete dairy avoidance.

The Truth About American Cheese and Lactose

American cheese is a processed cheese product made by blending natural cheeses, such as cheddar and colby, with other ingredients like emulsifiers, milk, and salt. While it contains dairy, the processing and formulation can influence its lactose content.

The Cheesemaking and Processing Impact

During the initial cheesemaking process, the milk is separated into curds (solids) and whey (liquid).
Most of the lactose, being water-soluble, is removed along with the whey.
The longer a cheese is aged, the more time bacteria have to ferment any remaining lactose into lactic acid, resulting in a lower lactose content.
However, processed cheese, like American cheese, often has additional milk or whey products blended back in, which can increase the total lactose content compared to a hard, aged cheese.

Variable Lactose Content in American Cheese

Due to the variable manufacturing processes and ingredients, the lactose level in American cheese is not uniform. Some commercial brands may use additional whey, while others may contain minimal lactose, similar to aged natural cheeses. Some brands, such as certain Kraft sliced and shredded cheeses, even explicitly label their products as having '0g lactose per serving', though these are still dairy-based. This means checking the specific product's nutritional information is crucial.

Choosing Alternatives and Navigating Your Intolerance

If American cheese proves problematic, many other delicious cheese options exist that are naturally low in lactose or specifically manufactured to be lactose-free. Finding your personal tolerance level is key to a comfortable and satisfying diet. For those with high sensitivity, aged cheeses are often the safest bet, as the aging process naturally reduces lactose to trace amounts.

Comparison of American vs. Aged Hard Cheeses for Lactose Intolerance


Feature	American Cheese	Aged Hard Cheeses (e.g., Parmesan)
Lactose Content	Variable; often lower than milk, but can be higher than aged cheeses due to added whey.	Virtually lactose-free due to aging process.
Aging Process	Processed through heating and emulsification, halting the natural aging.	Aged for extended periods (months to years), allowing bacteria to break down lactose.
Best for Melting	Excellent, consistent, and smooth meltability.	Melts differently, sometimes becoming granular, but adds a distinct nutty flavor.
Suitability for Intolerance	Depends on individual tolerance; check labels carefully for added milk solids.	Generally safe for most people with lactose intolerance.
Common Use	Sandwiches, burgers, and classic comfort food recipes.	Grating over pasta, charcuterie boards, or as a flavor accent.

Low-Lactose Cheese List

Extra Mature Cheddar: Aged for 12 to 18 months, virtually lactose-free.
Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano): Aged for at least a year, often two, leaving almost no lactose.
Swiss Cheese: Hard, aged varieties are typically very low in lactose.
Provolone: Aged varieties are suitable for many with lactose intolerance.
Goat and Sheep Milk Cheeses: Such as Manchego or aged feta, often easier to digest for some due to different milk fat compositions.
Lactose-Free Cheeses: Many brands now offer specifically formulated lactose-free cheese options that are safe for all tolerance levels.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, whether American cheese is okay for someone with lactose intolerance depends on their personal sensitivity and the specific product. Because its lactose content can vary, it is not a universally safe choice in the same way an aged hard cheese is. For those with a mild intolerance, a small slice might be fine, but for higher sensitivity, it is advisable to opt for naturally low-lactose alternatives like aged cheddar or Swiss. By understanding the cheesemaking process and carefully reading labels, you can confidently navigate your dietary needs while still enjoying delicious cheese.

For more information on living with lactose intolerance and making smart dietary choices, consider consulting with a registered dietitian or checking resources like the National Dairy Council.

Additional Tips for Managing Lactose Intolerance

Here is a list of additional considerations and strategies for those with lactose intolerance:

Know Your Personal Limit: Some people can handle a few grams of lactose without symptoms, while others are more sensitive. Experiment with small portions of different cheeses to find your threshold.
Portion Control: When consuming any dairy product, including processed cheeses like American, controlling the portion size is essential to avoid triggering symptoms.
Consider Lactase Supplements: Over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplements, like Lactaid, can be taken with dairy-containing foods to help your body digest the lactose.
Pair with Other Foods: Eating dairy with other foods can help slow digestion, which may reduce the chance of experiencing symptoms.
Explore Non-Dairy Alternatives: A wide range of dairy-free, plant-based cheese substitutes are available for those who must avoid dairy entirely.
Read Labels Carefully: Look for ingredients that might indicate added lactose, such as 'whey', 'milk solids', or 'dried milk'.
Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about how to manage your intolerance, a dietitian or doctor can provide personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some people with lactose intolerance can eat American cheese, but its suitability depends on their individual sensitivity and the specific brand. While it is lower in lactose than milk, it can contain more lactose than hard, aged cheeses due to its processing.

Processed cheese, including American cheese, can be higher in lactose than aged, natural cheeses because milk solids or extra whey are often added back during production. The exact lactose content varies significantly by brand.

For severe lactose intolerance, the safest choices are hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, aged cheddar, and Swiss, as the aging process breaks down almost all of the lactose. You can also choose explicitly labeled lactose-free cheeses.

Yes, the aging process dramatically reduces lactose content. As cheese matures, bacteria convert the lactose into lactic acid, and much of the lactose is removed with the whey during production. The longer the aging, the less lactose remains.

To assess if a specific American cheese is low in lactose, check the nutritional facts for 'lactose' or 'sugars' content. Look for brands that explicitly state 'lactose-free,' even though they are still dairy-based. Be wary of ingredients like 'milk solids' or 'whey' that may increase lactose.

Yes, many dairy-free, plant-based cheese alternatives are available in stores, made from ingredients like soy, cashews, or almonds. These are completely free of lactose and suitable for those who need to avoid dairy entirely.

Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of dairy, especially low-lactose products like yogurt with live cultures and certain aged cheeses. The key is to know your individual tolerance level and manage portion sizes accordingly.