Is Boar's Head Lactose Free? A Comprehensive Guide to Dairy-Free Deli Options

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 68% of the world's population has some form of lactose malabsorption, making the question "Is Boar's Head lactose free?" a common one for deli shoppers. While many of their products are indeed safe, checking product-specific information is vital for those with sensitivities or allergies.

Quick Summary

Boar's Head offers a variety of milk-free and lactose-free products, including many deli meats and some hard cheeses. Consumers should consult individual product labels, as specific ingredients can vary and some items are not dairy-free. Always verify before consumption.

Key Points

Many Options Are Available: Boar's Head offers a significant number of milk-free and lactose-free products across its deli meats and cheeses.
Most Deli Meats Are Safe: With the notable exception of Mortadella, most Boar's Head deli meats are confirmed to be dairy-free.
Aged Cheeses are Best: Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, Swiss, and Cheddar are typically lactose-free and a safe choice.
Always Check the Label: Because some items contain dairy, it is critical to verify the ingredients list for specific products.
Don't Fear Lactic Acid: The lactic acid starter culture used in some products is not dairy-derived and is safe for those with lactose intolerance.
Use the Website as a Resource: The official Boar's Head website provides detailed nutrition and allergen information for all its products.

Understanding Lactose and Deli Products

Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. For individuals with lactose intolerance, consuming it can lead to digestive discomfort. When evaluating a brand like Boar's Head, it's crucial to understand that not all products will be the same. Boar's Head explicitly states they offer a variety of milk-free and lactose-free options, making them a viable choice for many. However, product ingredients can vary, so the "always check the label" rule applies here more than ever.

Lactose-Free Boar's Head Meats

Many of Boar's Head's deli meats are naturally lactose-free. The company has confirmed that nearly all of their lunch meats and deli meats are dairy-free, with the notable exception of their Mortadella. The list of safe products includes many favorites. This is particularly reassuring for those looking for a quick and easy sandwich filling without worrying about dairy ingredients.

Meats confirmed as milk and lactose-free:

Brown Sugar & Spice Ham Glaze
Butcher Craft Extra Thick Cut Naturally Smoked Bacon
Corned Beef Top Round
London Broil Top Round Roast Beef
Genoa Salami
Deluxe Ham (thin sliced)
1st Cut Cooked Corned Beef Brisket
1st Cut Pastrami Brisket

Lactose-Free Boar's Head Cheeses

Cheese can be a tricky area for lactose intolerance, as the lactose content depends on how the cheese is made and aged. Hard, aged cheeses generally have very little to no lactose, and Boar's Head offers a good selection of these. For those with sensitivities, opting for these varieties is a safe bet.

Cheeses listed as lactose-free:

Aged Gouda Cheese
Canadian Cheddar Cheese
Edam Cheese
Gold Label Imported Switzerland Swiss® Cheese
Parmesan Cheese (including grated)
Parmigiano Reggiano
Pecorino Romano Cheese (including grated)
Vermont Cheddar Cheese

The Lactic Acid Starter Culture Question

A common point of confusion arises with the ingredient "lactic acid starter culture," which is used in the production of some Boar's Head meats and cheeses. Some people incorrectly assume this means the product contains dairy. However, Boar's Head, along with other manufacturers, clarifies that their lactic acid starter culture is not derived from dairy. It is typically grown on a plant-based medium, like corn, and is safe for those with lactose intolerance.

Comparison: Lactose-Free vs. Containing Dairy

To simplify your shopping trip, here is a comparison table outlining some common Boar's Head products and their lactose status.


Product Category	Lactose-Free Options	Known Dairy/Lactose Containing	Important Notes
Deli Meats	London Broil, Genoa Salami, Deluxe Ham	Mortadella	Most deli meats are lactose-free; Mortadella is the main exception.
Cheeses	Vermont Cheddar, Gold Label Swiss, Parmesan, Edam, Gouda	American, White American, some blends or flavored cheeses	Aged cheeses are the safest bet. Always check labels on softer or blended cheeses.
Condiments	Mustards, Hummus, Pickles	Creamy sauces, flavored dips, spreads	Check specific product labels for hidden dairy. Hummus and most mustards are typically safe.

Navigating the Deli Counter and Supermarket Aisles

When at the deli counter, always ask the associate to check the ingredients for any item you are unsure about. Boar's Head provides comprehensive ingredient information on its official website, which is an excellent resource for confirming a product's status before you head to the store. Many pre-packaged items also clearly state "lactose free" on the label, making identification much easier. The company is known for its transparency regarding ingredients and allergens, a helpful trait for consumers with dietary restrictions.

For additional support and resources regarding dairy-free living, you can consult reputable sources such as the Go Dairy Free website, which has compiled extensive lists of safe products.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

In conclusion, asking "Is Boar's Head lactose free?" requires a nuanced answer: while many of their products are, it is not a blanket guarantee. The vast majority of their deli meats and a wide selection of their hard, aged cheeses are completely lactose-free, providing numerous safe options for those with intolerance. However, some products, like Mortadella, do contain milk ingredients. The key takeaway is to always consult the product label or the official Boar's Head website for specific allergen information. By staying informed and vigilant, you can continue to enjoy the high-quality products from Boar's Head without dietary concerns.

Go Dairy Free: The Dairy-Free Deli Meat and Packaged Lunch Meat Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Boar's Head products are lactose-free. While a large variety of their deli meats and many of their hard, aged cheeses are safe, some items, such as the Mortadella, do contain dairy.

Boar's Head lists several cheeses as lactose-free, including aged Gouda, Canadian Cheddar, Edam, Gold Label Swiss, Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano. Harder, aged cheeses generally have minimal lactose.

No, according to multiple sources, Boar's Head Mortadella contains dairy and is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Lactic acid starter culture is an ingredient used in some Boar's Head products for fermentation. The company has confirmed that the one they use is not dairy-derived and is safe for lactose-intolerant individuals.

The most reliable source for specific allergen information is the official Boar's Head website, which features a dedicated section for milk-free and lactose-free products. The product packaging also lists ingredients.

No, you should not assume this. While many are, you should always ask the deli associate to verify the ingredients of the specific meat you are purchasing, as some may contain milk.

For those with a severe milk allergy, cross-contamination is a risk at a shared deli counter, where the same slicers may be used for meats and cheeses. It is best to purchase pre-packaged items marked as lactose-free to minimize risk.

Many of Boar's Head's condiments, like mustards, and their hummus are lactose-free. However, as with all products, it is best to check the specific packaging to ensure no dairy ingredients were used.