Is burrata cheese high in lactose? A comprehensive guide

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

While burrata cheese is made from cow's milk and contains lactose, the amount is significantly lower than a glass of milk, with a typical serving offering between 1 and 6 grams. Its fresh nature and creamy center give it more lactose than aged hard cheeses.

Quick Summary

Burrata contains a moderate amount of lactose, generally less than milk but more than aged, hard cheeses. The content is influenced by its fresh nature and creamy stracciatella filling.

Key Points

Lactose Content: Burrata contains a moderate amount of lactose, generally between 1 and 6 grams per serving, which is significantly less than milk but more than aged cheeses.
Production Process: The fermentation used to create the mozzarella shell reduces lactose, but the addition of high-lactose cream to make the stracciatella filling increases the total content.
Individual Tolerance: Many with mild lactose intolerance can tolerate burrata in small to moderate amounts, as individual sensitivity varies greatly.
Lactose-Free Alternatives: Lactose-free burrata options are available from some manufacturers, along with naturally low-lactose cheeses like aged parmesan and cheddar.
Not for Milk Allergies: Burrata is not suitable for individuals with a milk protein allergy, as it is a dairy product.
Management Strategies: Portion control, taking lactase supplements, and pairing the cheese with other foods can help manage consumption for sensitive individuals.

Understanding Burrata: Production and Lactose Content

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese known for its unique texture and rich, milky flavor. It begins with the same process as mozzarella, where fresh cow's milk is curdled and stretched using the pasta filata technique. This stretching forms the thin, pliable outer shell. What sets burrata apart is its filling, known as stracciatella, which is a mix of fresh curds and thick cream.

The lactose content is a direct result of this production method. During the initial cheese-making process, bacterial cultures ferment much of the lactose (the natural sugar in milk) into lactic acid. However, unlike hard cheeses that are aged for months, burrata is a fresh cheese and is stuffed with cream, which is high in lactose. This dual composition means its overall lactose level is moderate—lower than fresh milk but higher than aged cheeses. The fermentation breaks down some lactose, but the addition of cream elevates the total amount compared to other cheeses that lose more whey and sugar during processing and aging.

Can people with lactose intolerance eat burrata?

For many with lactose intolerance, consuming dairy products is a matter of managing dosage and knowing individual tolerance levels. A typical serving of burrata falls within a range that some people with lactose intolerance can handle without experiencing severe symptoms. It is important to note that lactose intolerance is a spectrum; what one person tolerates, another may not. Starting with a small portion and monitoring your body's reaction is the best approach. For more severe cases, or for those who simply want to be cautious, lactase supplements can be used to help digest the lactose.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Burrata

Here are some tips for those with lactose sensitivity:

Practice moderation: The amount of lactose in burrata can be manageable for many in small quantities. A single, standard-sized ball of burrata is often a reasonable portion.
Consider lactase supplements: Taking over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplements can help your body break down the lactose in dairy products, making burrata easier to digest.
Explore lactose-free varieties: Some companies produce lactose-free burrata, using a natural process to break down the lactose to negligible levels.
Pair with other foods: Eating burrata as part of a larger meal, such as with a salad or vegetables, can help slow digestion and may alleviate some discomfort.

Burrata vs. Other Cheeses: A Lactose Comparison

To put burrata's lactose content into context, let's compare it with a range of other dairy products. The following table illustrates the approximate lactose content per serving size. The exact amounts can vary depending on the brand and preparation method.


Cheese Type	Freshness/Aging	Approximate Lactose (per serving)	Notes
Burrata	Fresh	1-6 grams	Contains cream filling, moderate lactose.
Milk (1 cup)	Not aged	9-14 grams	High lactose content.
Yogurt (1 cup)	Fermented	4-17 grams	Varies widely by brand and fermentation.
Fresh Mozzarella	Fresh	1-3 grams	Less lactose than burrata as it lacks the cream filling.
Cottage Cheese	Fresh	0.7-4 grams	Varies significantly depending on brand.
Aged Cheddar	Aged	<1 gram	Long aging process breaks down most lactose.
Parmesan	Aged	<1 gram	Very low lactose due to extensive aging.

Health implications and digestive sensitivity

It is crucial to understand the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue caused by insufficient lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose. A milk allergy, on the other hand, is an immune system reaction to milk proteins, which can be severe. Since burrata contains milk proteins, it is unsuitable for those with a true milk allergy. For individuals with lactose intolerance, the issue is not life-threatening but can cause digestive discomfort like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

For those sensitive to fresh cheeses, exploring alternatives is a great option. Aged cheeses, which are naturally low in lactose, can provide a delicious cheesy flavor without the digestive upset. Lactose-free dairy products and a variety of plant-based cheeses are also widely available and can satisfy a craving for a creamy texture.

Conclusion

In summary, is burrata cheese high in lactose? The answer is nuanced: it contains a moderate level, higher than aged cheeses but significantly lower than milk. Its unique combination of a fermented mozzarella shell and a cream-filled center gives it this characteristic. For many with mild lactose intolerance, consuming burrata in moderation is often possible. Listening to your body's specific tolerance and utilizing strategies like portion control or lactase supplements can help. Ultimately, burrata offers a creamy, delicious experience that may still be accessible for those with dairy sensitivities, provided the right approach is taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, burrata cheese contains lactose because it is made from milk and includes a cream filling. While the fermentation process breaks down some lactose, the addition of fresh cream results in a moderate level of lactose overall.

Burrata is not considered a low-lactose cheese, especially when compared to hard, aged varieties like Parmesan or Cheddar. It has a moderate lactose content, typically higher than most hard cheeses but lower than a glass of milk.

If you are lactose intolerant, you may be able to eat burrata in moderation, depending on your individual tolerance level. It is recommended to start with a small amount and observe your body's reaction.

Burrata generally contains more lactose than fresh mozzarella. While both are fresh cheeses made from cow's milk, burrata is filled with a mixture of fresh curd and cream (stracciatella), whereas mozzarella is a solid ball of cheese without the creamy filling.

The creamy filling inside burrata is called stracciatella. It consists of fresh mozzarella curds that have been shredded and then mixed with fresh cream.

Yes, some producers offer lactose-free versions of burrata. These products are made by adding the enzyme lactase during production, which breaks down the lactose to less than 0.1%.

Good alternatives include hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, aged Cheddar, and Swiss, which are very low in lactose. You can also find lactose-free dairy products or plant-based cheese substitutes that mimic a creamy texture.