No, fresh mozzarella is not lactose-free. The delightful cheese favourite from Italy is traditionally made from buffalo milk, though cow’s milk versions are also popular.
Is fresh mozzarella high in lactose?
No, fresh mozzarella is not high in lactose. On average, fresh mozzarella contains about 2-3% lactose, translating to 2-3 grams of lactose per 100 grams of cheese. The comparatively lower lactose content in fresh mozzarella than other fresh cheeses is due to its distinct production process:
The 'pasta filata' method, unique to fresh mozzarella, involves heating and stretching the cheese, reducing the amount of whey, which is where much of milk's original lactose is located.
It also undergoes a brief fermentation, converting some lactose into lactic acid, which also lowers the lactose content.
Additionally, traditional mozzarella is made from buffalo milk, which naturally contains slightly less lactose than cow's milk.
So, it is this fusion of fermentation, whey reduction through "pasta filata", and the choice of milk that positions fresh mozzarella with a more moderate lactose content.
Perhaps you also want to read our articles ‘Is cream cheese lactose-free?’, ‘Is ricotta lactose-free?’, and ‘Is cottage cheese lactose-free?’. You can also check our cheese lactose chart with low-lactose cheeses.
Is buffalo mozzarella lactose-free?
No, buffalo mozzarella is not lactose-free. Buffalo mozzarella, also known as 'Mozzarella di Bufala', is the traditional, most well-known type of fresh mozzarella. It is made from the milk of water buffalo native to Italy. However, buffalo milk typically has a higher fat content and less lactose compared to cow's milk, resulting in slightly lower levels of lactose in buffalo mozzarella compared to fresh mozzarella made from cow's milk.
Making fresh mozzarella lactose-free
To produce lactose-free fresh mozzarella, the enzyme lactase is introduced during the cheese-making process. This enzyme breaks down lactose into two simpler sugars, glucose and galactose. As a result, the cheese retains its traditional flavour and texture but is left without lactose.
Lactose-free mozzarella captures the identical delightful flavour and soft texture of regular fresh mozzarella. It keeps its delicate, milky flavour and moist texture, making it optimal for a variety of dishes.
What dishes can you use mozzarella in?
Try, for example, a lovely, classic Caprese salad accompanied by fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Its slightly elastic quality makes it a pizza staple, creating that desirable gooey texture when cooked. Especially when it comes to traditional Italian pizza. Moreover, it can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into sandwiches and pasta dishes. Its mild, creamy character complements a wide range of flavours, allowing it to blend seamlessly into various dishes.
