Is Fage Greek Yogurt Lactose Free? What You Need to Know

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 70% of the world's population is affected by lactose intolerance to some degree, making the question 'Is Fage Greek yogurt lactose free?' a common concern for many consumers. While Fage offers specific lactose-free products, their regular Greek yogurt is not entirely lactose-free but does contain a reduced amount compared to regular milk.

Quick Summary

Fage provides a dedicated lactose-free line, FAGE BestSelf and BeFree, which is safe for those with an intolerance. Standard FAGE Total Greek yogurt, while having lower lactose levels than milk due to straining, is not lactose-free. The difference lies in the addition of a lactase enzyme during production.

Key Points

Lactose-Free Versions Exist: Fage offers specific lactose-free products called FAGE BestSelf (U.S.) and FAGE BeFree (international).
Regular Fage is Not Lactose-Free: Standard FAGE Total Greek yogurt contains some lactose, although it's lower than in regular milk.
Enzyme Breaks Down Lactose: The lactose-free Fage is made by adding a lactase enzyme to break down the milk sugar.
Straining Reduces Lactose: The straining process for regular Greek yogurt removes much of the whey, which contains a significant amount of lactose.
Read the Label: Always look for the 'lactose-free' claim on the packaging to ensure you're getting the right product for your dietary needs.
Active Cultures Aid Digestion: The live cultures in all Fage Greek yogurts can assist in digesting lactose, making it more tolerable for some individuals.

Fage's Lactose-Free Products: The Clear Choice

For consumers with lactose intolerance, Fage provides specific product lines designed to be completely free of lactose. These products, known as FAGE BestSelf in the U.S. and FAGE BeFree internationally, are created by adding the enzyme lactase during production. This enzyme breaks down the lactose—the natural sugar in milk—into simpler, more digestible sugars (glucose and galactose), eliminating the source of digestive discomfort for intolerant individuals. When shopping, look for the 'lactose-free' label prominently displayed on the packaging to ensure you are selecting the correct option.

The Science Behind Fage's Lactose-Free Yogurt

Enzyme Addition: Lactase enzyme is added to the milk before fermentation. This is the crucial step that differentiates it from standard dairy products.
Active Cultures: The yogurt still contains the live and active cultures that define Greek yogurt, which also assist in digestion.
Authentic Taste: The process ensures the yogurt retains the signature rich, creamy texture and great taste that Fage is known for.
Fat Variations: Fage offers lactose-free Greek yogurt in different fat percentages, including fat-free (0%) and low-fat (2%) options, catering to various dietary needs.

Standard Greek Yogurt vs. Lactose-Free Versions

It's a common misconception that all Greek yogurt is inherently lactose-free. While the traditional straining process removes a significant amount of the lactose-containing whey, it doesn't eliminate it entirely. This is why many people with mild to moderate lactose intolerance can consume regular Greek yogurt without issues, but those with higher sensitivity may still experience symptoms. The key distinction lies in the deliberate addition of the lactase enzyme to create a truly lactose-free product.

Comparison Table: Fage Total vs. FAGE BestSelf


Feature	Regular FAGE Total	FAGE BestSelf (Lactose-Free)
Lactose Content	Significantly reduced due to straining, but still present.	Less than 0.01g per 100g, officially designated lactose-free.
Production Process	Fermentation and straining to remove whey.	Fermentation, straining, and the addition of a lactase enzyme.
Suitability for Intolerance	May be tolerated by individuals with mild intolerance; risk of symptoms for others.	Safe for all individuals with lactose intolerance.
Availability	Widely available in various fat percentages.	Available in specific flavors and fat percentages; look for the 'lactose-free' label.
Taste & Texture	Rich and creamy.	Maintained taste and texture, without the lactose.

Tips for Enjoying Greek Yogurt with Lactose Intolerance

If you have lactose intolerance, here are some tips to help you enjoy Greek yogurt safely and comfortably:

Choose the Right Product: Always opt for a product explicitly labeled as lactose-free, such as FAGE BestSelf or BeFree. Don't rely on the assumption that Greek yogurt is safe.
Read the Ingredients: Check the ingredient list for the phrase 'lactase enzyme,' which confirms that the lactose has been broken down.
Monitor Your Tolerance: For those with mild intolerance, start with a small serving of regular Greek yogurt and observe your body's reaction. Everyone's tolerance level is different.
Pair with Other Foods: Consuming dairy products alongside other foods can slow digestion and potentially reduce symptoms for some individuals.
Consider Lactase Supplements: For convenience, you can use over-the-counter lactase supplements with regular Fage yogurt to aid in lactose digestion.

Fage's Commitment to Quality and Accessibility

Fage's introduction of lactose-free products demonstrates its commitment to catering to a broader audience, ensuring that individuals with dietary restrictions can still enjoy high-quality dairy products. The availability of these options means you don't have to compromise on taste or texture when managing your intolerance. The product line is a testament to the brand's innovation in the dairy space, providing a creamy, delicious, and protein-rich snack for everyone. To see the specific options available, you can visit the Fage BestSelf product page on their official website: FAGE BestSelf Plain | FAGE Yogurt.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

In conclusion, while regular Fage Greek yogurt has a naturally lower lactose content due to straining, it is not lactose-free. For those with lactose intolerance, the only safe option is to choose a product from Fage's dedicated lactose-free line, such as FAGE BestSelf or BeFree. These products are clearly labeled and contain a lactase enzyme to ensure they are fully digestible. By checking the label, you can confidently enjoy the rich and creamy taste of Fage without any digestive discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, regular Fage Greek yogurt, like FAGE Total, is not completely lactose-free, as it is made from milk. The straining process reduces the lactose content significantly, but it is not eliminated.

Fage offers dedicated lactose-free products under the names FAGE BestSelf (in the U.S.) and FAGE BeFree (internationally). These are made with an added lactase enzyme.

You can tell if a Fage yogurt is lactose-free by looking for the 'lactose-free' label on the packaging. The ingredient list will also mention 'lactase enzyme'.

Many people with mild to moderate lactose intolerance can tolerate regular Greek yogurt because its lactose content is lower than regular milk. The live and active cultures also aid digestion, but it depends on individual sensitivity.

The key difference is the addition of the lactase enzyme. Fage BestSelf has this enzyme added to break down the lactose entirely, whereas regular Fage relies only on the straining and fermentation process for lactose reduction.

No, according to Fage and consumer reviews, the lactose-free versions maintain the same rich and creamy texture and delicious flavor as their standard Greek yogurt counterparts.

Fage offers lactose-free options in various fat percentages, including both fat-free (0%) and low-fat (2%) versions, allowing consumers to choose based on their dietary preferences.

Yes, if you have a lactase supplement, you can take it with regular Fage Greek yogurt to help your body digest the remaining lactose. This can be a helpful strategy if you don't have the lactose-free version available.