No, cream cheese is not lactose-free. It is made from milk and cream, meaning it contains lactose, a milk sugar found in dairy products.
This luxurious spread, which we all know and love, undergoes a minimal fermentation process compared to aged cheeses. So, while some lactose is broken down during the process, it is not aged long enough to become lactose-free.
However, you can find delightful, fresh, and soft cream cheese without lactose. If you want to know more about the world of lactose-free cheese, check out everything you need to know about lactose-free cheese and our article about cheese with higher lactose levels.
How much lactose is in cream cheese?
In general, cream cheese contains about 4-4.6 grams of lactose per 100 grams. However, the amount can vary depending on the specific brand and product, so it is important to check the label if you want to know the exact amount.
Since it is a fresh cheese that has not aged for long, its lactose content is higher than longer-aged cheese types like crumbly parmesan, fresh mozzarella, or firm, mature cheddar. The shorter the ageing period, the smaller the amount of lactose is broken down and vice versa.
How to make lactose-free cream cheese?
Lactose-free cream cheese can be made from various sources, but it is most often made from cow's milk.
The process begins with pasteurising the milk to remove any unwanted bacteria.
Then lactase enzymes are added, breaking down the lactose into its simpler components: glucose and galactose.
You can read more about this in our article 'What is lactose-free milk?'.
Then comes the lactic acid bacteria, the maestros of fermentation. These bacteria ferment the milk sugars, converting them into lactic acid, which thickens the milk and imparts that delightful tangy cream cheese flavour.
After fermentation, the whey is removed using a separator or through filtration to achieve the well-known and beloved velvety cream cheese texture.
Creamy soft cheese without lactose but with the same good flavour
And the best thing? Lactose or not, cream cheese is perfect to use in both sweet and savoury cuisine. Start sweet, using the soft, spreadable texture for luxurious cheesecakes, classic cream cheese frosting, or as a refreshing spread in pancakes.
In savoury cuisine, it is perfect spread on toasted bread or bagels, in sauce, or stuffed in mushrooms, bell peppers, chicken fillet, and much more.
It is also perfect for easy variations. Mix in spices or fresh herbs to use in savoury cuisines, or swirl in some sweet fruit or berries to use as a delightful dessert topping.
