Is double cream ok for lactose intolerance?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 70% of the world's population has some form of lactose malabsorption, which can lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms. For those with this condition, the question 'is double cream ok for lactose intolerance?' is a common culinary concern, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

Double cream is naturally lower in lactose than milk due to its high fat content. Its suitability for lactose-intolerant individuals depends on personal sensitivity levels and the quantity consumed. Small amounts are often tolerated, but dairy-free alternatives are recommended for those with high sensitivity.

Key Points

Low Lactose Content: Double cream is naturally lower in lactose than milk because most of the lactose is in the water part of milk, not the fat.
Personal Tolerance Varies: The amount of double cream an individual with lactose intolerance can handle depends on their personal level of lactase deficiency.
Portion Size Matters: A small amount of double cream in a dish is less likely to cause symptoms than a large, rich serving.
Alternatives Exist: Numerous dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream, cashew cream, and oat milk can replicate the creaminess of double cream without the lactose.
Symptoms Are Your Guide: If you experience bloating, gas, or pain after consuming double cream, it is a clear sign that you should either reduce your portion size or avoid it entirely.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance and Double Cream

Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition caused by the body's inability to produce sufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms can include bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, and their severity varies widely among individuals.

Double cream, defined by its high-fat content (around 48% or more), is derived from milk. As cream is separated from milk, the water-soluble lactose becomes more concentrated in the milk portion, leaving the higher-fat cream with a lower overall lactose content. This does not mean it is lactose-free, but its lower concentration makes it potentially more tolerable for some people with mild lactose intolerance. While regular milk can contain around 4.8g of lactose per 100ml, double cream typically contains about 2.6g per 100ml.

Factors Influencing Your Tolerance

Your personal tolerance to double cream depends on several key factors:

Lactase Deficiency Level: The amount of lactase your body produces is the primary determinant. Some people can handle small amounts of lactose, while others must avoid it almost entirely.
Portion Size: The amount of double cream you consume is crucial. A small dollop might be fine, but a large serving, especially in a rich sauce or dessert, could trigger symptoms. The amount of lactose can still accumulate, and the high fat content can slow digestion, potentially making symptoms less severe but not preventing them.
Other Food in Your Meal: Consuming double cream with other foods, particularly those high in fiber, can slow digestion and help manage symptoms. Having a rich, creamy sauce as part of a balanced meal is often better tolerated than consuming cream alone.

Practical Ways to Approach Double Cream

If you have lactose intolerance and want to test your tolerance to double cream, consider the following strategy:

Start Small: Begin with a very small amount, like a tablespoon added to a soup or coffee, and monitor your body's reaction over the next 12-24 hours.
Use Lactase Supplements: Over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplements can be taken just before eating dairy to help your body break down the lactose.
Don't Overdo It: Even if you tolerate a small quantity, consuming a large portion on an empty stomach is more likely to cause issues. Stick to moderation.

Lactose Content Comparison: Dairy Products

To put double cream's lactose content into perspective, here is a comparison with other common dairy products. All figures are approximate and can vary by brand and processing:


Dairy Product	Approx. Lactose Content (per 100ml/100g)	Notes
Double Cream	~2.6g	Higher fat, lower lactose concentration.
Full Cream Milk	~4.8g	Significantly higher lactose content than cream.
Regular Cream (35% fat)	~2.9g	Lower fat than double cream, slightly more lactose.
Sour Cream	~2-3g	Fermented, which reduces lactose.
Cheddar Cheese (Hard)	<1g	Aged, fermented cheese, very low lactose.
Yogurt (Fermented)	Varies (~5g)	Active cultures help break down lactose.
Butter	~0.6g	Very high fat, extremely low lactose.

Excellent Alternatives for a Lactose-Free Diet

For those who prefer to avoid dairy entirely or have severe lactose intolerance, there are numerous delicious and effective alternatives to double cream.

Coconut Cream: Rich, thick, and ideal for both sweet and savory dishes, especially those where a coconut flavor is welcome.
Cashew Cream: Made by blending soaked cashews with water, this alternative is known for its neutral flavor and creamy texture, making it perfect for sauces, soups, and desserts.
Oat Milk (Barista Blend): Barista-style oat milk is designed to be richer and can be used in some recipes for a creamy effect, particularly in coffee or soups.
Silken Tofu: Blended silken tofu creates a rich, creamy texture suitable for making cheesecakes, sauces, and mousses.
Lactose-Free Cream: Many brands now offer specially formulated lactose-free creams, where the lactase enzyme has been added to break down the lactose.

How to Choose the Right Double Cream Substitute

When choosing a substitute, consider the recipe's needs. For a rich, sweet dessert, coconut cream is an excellent choice, while a neutral-flavored cashew cream might be better for a savory sauce. For whipping, coconut cream is a strong contender, but ensure it's been chilled properly. For baked goods, a blend of non-dairy milk and neutral oil can replicate the fat content and texture.

Conclusion

While double cream contains less lactose than milk, it is not completely lactose-free, and its suitability depends on an individual's sensitivity level. Many people with mild intolerance can enjoy small portions without significant symptoms, especially when consumed with other food. However, those with severe intolerance should consider the risk and may be better off exploring the wide array of effective and delicious dairy-free alternatives available. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice. For more in-depth information on managing lactose intolerance, refer to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website.

Managing Lactose Intolerance and Dairy Consumption

Test your tolerance with small portions. Even if a food is low in lactose, your personal tolerance is the ultimate deciding factor.
Consider lactase supplements. These can be a game-changer for enjoying small amounts of dairy without discomfort.
Explore plant-based alternatives. Cashew, coconut, and oat-based products are fantastic for replicating creamy textures in a dairy-free way.
Read ingredient labels carefully. Lactose can hide in unexpected places, so always check for dairy-derived ingredients in packaged foods.
Pair dairy with other foods. Consuming creamy products as part of a larger meal can aid digestion and reduce symptoms.
Opt for aged cheeses. Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar and parmesan are naturally low in lactose.
Choose fermented dairy products. Some individuals tolerate yogurt and kefir better due to the fermentation process, which breaks down lactose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Double cream is lower in lactose because it is made primarily from the high-fat part of milk. Lactose is a water-soluble sugar, so when the fat is separated from the milk, most of the lactose stays in the watery milk component.

If you have a severe lactose intolerance, it is generally recommended to avoid all dairy products, including double cream. Even though it's lower in lactose, it still contains enough to trigger symptoms in highly sensitive individuals.

Excellent lactose-free substitutes include coconut cream, cashew cream, and specially formulated lactose-free creams. Plant-based barista blends of oat or soy milk can also work in some applications.

Cooking does not significantly reduce the lactose content of double cream. The lactose will remain present in the finished dish, and its effect on your digestion will depend on your tolerance and the amount consumed.

You can test your tolerance by starting with a very small serving, such as a tablespoon, and monitoring for symptoms over the next 12 to 24 hours. Consider having it as part of a meal to slow digestion.

The main benefit of double cream for a lactose-intolerant person is its relatively lower lactose content compared to milk. This might allow some with mild intolerance to enjoy small quantities without severe side effects, but it is not a benefit for all.

Yes, because the fat content is even higher in extra-thick double cream, the concentration of the water-soluble lactose is slightly lower. However, the difference is minimal, and its suitability still depends on personal tolerance.