Is there a cream cheese for lactose intolerant people? Navigating Your Diet

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 68% of the world's population is affected by lactose malabsorption, making the hunt for dairy-free alternatives increasingly common. For those craving a creamy spread, a key question arises: Is there a cream cheese for lactose intolerant people? The good news is, yes, plenty of delicious options exist today.

Quick Summary

This article explores the wide variety of lactose-free and dairy-free cream cheese products available, detailing how they are made and comparing their characteristics. It provides guidance on selecting the best option based on dietary needs, flavor, and use, from store-bought brands to homemade recipes.

Key Points

Enzyme-treated options: Lactose-free dairy cream cheese is made by adding lactase enzyme to break down lactose, preserving the classic dairy flavor.
Plant-based alternatives: Options exist from cashews, almonds, soy, and oats, offering creamy, tangy spreads for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
Label reading is key: Check ingredients to differentiate between lactase-treated dairy and truly dairy-free (vegan) products.
Texture and flavor vary: Plant-based alternatives have different flavor profiles and textures compared to dairy versions, so trying different brands is recommended.
Baking considerations: The performance of dairy-free cream cheese in baked goods like cheesecakes can vary; some products are better suited for spreading.
DIY is an option: Homemade dairy-free cream cheese can be created using simple ingredients like soaked cashews or firm tofu for a fresh alternative.
Many products are available: Major brands like Philadelphia, as well as specialty brands like Kite Hill and Violife, offer reliable lactose-free and dairy-free options.

Yes, Delicious Lactose-Free Options Abound

For a long time, individuals with lactose intolerance assumed cream cheese was off-limits due to its dairy content. Regular cream cheese is made from milk and cream, which naturally contain lactose. However, modern food science and the rise of dietary alternatives have introduced a wealth of products that allow everyone to enjoy this classic staple. The two main types are lactose-free dairy cream cheese and plant-based, dairy-free alternatives.

Lactose-Free Dairy Cream Cheese

One approach to making cream cheese safe for those with lactose intolerance is to treat dairy ingredients with the lactase enzyme. This enzyme breaks down lactose into more easily digestible sugars, glucose and galactose. Many popular brands, including Philadelphia, offer a lactose-free version of their classic cream cheese. This method is ideal for those who enjoy the traditional flavor and texture of dairy but cannot digest lactose. It's important to note that this is not suitable for individuals with a milk protein allergy, as the milk protein remains in the product.

How it's made: Regular milk is pasteurized, the lactase enzyme is added, and then lactic acid bacteria ferment the milk sugars. After fermentation, the whey is removed to create the velvety texture.
Taste and texture: These products are often very similar in taste and texture to their regular dairy counterparts.
Brands: Examples include Philadelphia Lactose Free and Green Valley Creamery Lactose Free Organic Cream Cheese.

Plant-Based Cream Cheese Alternatives

For individuals with a milk allergy or those following a vegan diet, plant-based alternatives are the way to go. These products use non-dairy bases to replicate the creamy texture and tangy flavor of traditional cream cheese. They are completely free of dairy and lactose.

Popular plant-based alternatives use a variety of bases, each offering a slightly different flavor and texture profile:

Nut-based: Cream cheese made from soaked and blended cashews or almonds offers a rich, creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Brands like Kite Hill and Miyoko's Creamery use this method.
Soy-based: Tofu-based cream cheese, like Tofutti, has a long history as a dairy alternative. When pureed, silken tofu can create a smooth, cream-cheese-like consistency.
Coconut-based: Some alternatives use a coconut cream base, which offers excellent creaminess and heat stability but can have a subtle coconut flavor.
Oat-based: Newer products, including Philadelphia's plant-based option, use an oat and almond base for a smooth, classic cream cheese taste.

Comparison of Cream Cheese Options

Choosing the right cream cheese depends on your specific dietary needs and preferences. This table provides a quick overview to help you decide.


Feature	Lactose-Free Dairy Cream Cheese	Plant-Based (Dairy-Free) Cream Cheese
Best For	Lactose intolerant individuals who prefer a classic dairy taste and texture.	Vegans or those with milk allergies seeking a dairy-free product.
Key Ingredients	Lactase enzyme added to pasteurized milk and cream.	Bases like nuts (cashew, almond), soy (tofu), coconut, or oat.
Flavor	Closely mimics the flavor of traditional dairy cream cheese.	Varies by base; can be nutty, tangy, or slightly sweet. Brands like Kite Hill are praised for their authenticity.
Texture	Very similar to the smooth, velvety texture of regular cream cheese.	Can range from smooth and creamy to slightly grainy, depending on the base and brand.
Baking Performance	Generally performs well and reliably in recipes like cheesecake.	Can vary significantly. Some brands hold up better than others, so testing is recommended.
Pros	Authentic dairy flavor, reliable texture.	Diverse flavor profiles, suitable for vegans and allergy sufferers.
Cons	Not suitable for milk allergies. Some brands are less common.	Flavor and texture can differ from dairy; performance in baking varies.

Making Your Own Lactose-Free Alternatives

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, creating homemade dairy-free cream cheese is a simple and rewarding process. Two popular methods include using cashews or tofu.

Cashew Cream Cheese: Soak raw cashews for several hours or in hot water for a quicker method. Drain and blend them with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and optionally, nutritional yeast for a cheesy tang. The mixture will become smooth and creamy, and it will firm up in the fridge.
Tofu Cream Cheese: Blend a block of firm silken tofu with lemon juice, olive oil, miso paste, and seasonings until smooth. The result is a versatile, protein-rich spread that can be flavored in various ways.

How to Choose the Right Option

To find the perfect fit, consider these tips:

For classic taste: If you only need to avoid lactose, start with a name-brand lactose-free dairy cream cheese like Philadelphia's. The familiar taste and texture are a huge plus.
For vegans and allergy sufferers: Focus on the plant-based alternatives. Trial and error with different brands and bases (cashew, oat, etc.) will help you find the one that best suits your palate.
For baking: Pay close attention to reviews and brand recommendations if you plan to use the cream cheese in baked goods. Some options, especially homemade ones, may not hold up as well in cheesecakes.
For savory uses: Some plant-based cream cheeses, particularly cashew-based ones, lend themselves well to savory applications like dips or sauces.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when a lactose intolerance diagnosis meant giving up cream cheese. A range of high-quality, delicious products are now widely available, from lactase-treated dairy to innovative plant-based formulations. By understanding the differences between these options, you can confidently choose a cream cheese that meets your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you are spreading it on a bagel or baking a masterpiece, the creamy possibilities are endless.

Explore the world of plant-based foods, including dairy alternatives, on the Kraft Heinz website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, traditional cream cheese is considered a fresh, soft cheese and generally contains a higher lactose content than aged hard cheeses. It is made from milk and cream, both of which contain lactose.

Lactose-free cream cheese is typically made by adding the lactase enzyme to dairy milk. This enzyme breaks down the lactose sugar, making the product digestible for those with intolerance.

No, they are not the same. A product labeled 'lactose-free' means the lactose has been removed or broken down, but it still contains dairy protein and is unsuitable for those with a milk allergy. 'Dairy-free' products contain no dairy ingredients and are suitable for vegans and those with milk allergies.

Popular brands offering dairy-free options include Kite Hill (almond milk based), Violife (coconut based), and Tofutti (soy based). Philadelphia also now offers a plant-based, non-dairy spread.

Plant-based alternatives can be made from a variety of ingredients, including soaked and pureed nuts like cashews or almonds, soy (tofu), or coconut milk.

Yes, but results may vary, especially with plant-based alternatives. Some brands and bases perform better in baking applications than others. Lactose-free dairy cream cheese generally behaves similarly to regular cream cheese in recipes.

For baking, especially cheesecakes, a firmer alternative is often better. Checking reviews or brand-specific information is recommended, as some plant-based cream cheeses are too soft or contain stabilizing gums that can affect the texture of baked goods.