Is Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese Lactose Free? A Detailed Guide

What is Lactose?

Lactose is the natural sugar found in dairy products and foods containing dairy ingredients. It is made up of two simpler sugars - glucose and galactose - bonded together.

In order for lactose to be properly digested and absorbed, the enzyme lactase is needed to break the bond between glucose and galactose. When there isn’t enough lactase available, undigested lactose passes through to the colon leading to lactose intolerance symptoms like:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

There are several reasons people can become lactose intolerant and experience symptoms from lactose consumption including:

• Primary lactose intolerance - Declining lactase levels as you age
• Secondary lactose intolerance - Disease or injury damaging intestinal lactase
• Congenital lactose intolerance - Being born with low lactase levels
• Developmental lactose intolerance - Premature birth affecting lactase production

Up to 75% of adults worldwide deal with some degree of lactose maldigestion leading to intolerance symptoms.

Lactose Content of Dairy Products

The amount of lactose present in dairy products depends on a few key factors:

• Type of dairy - Cheese and yogurt less than milk; cream more than milk
• Fat content - Full fat versus low-fat versions
• Fermentation - Yogurt and aged cheeses are fermented, lowering lactose
• Added milk products - Ingredients like milk powder increase lactose

In general, the highest lactose dairy products include milk, ice cream, custard and cream. Lower lactose options are yogurt, soft cheeses and firm aged cheeses.

What is Buffalo Cheese?

Buffalo cheese, also referred to as buffalo mozzarella, is a stretched curd cheese made from the milk of water buffalos. It originated in the Campania region of Italy where it holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

The name “buffalo” comes from the type of milk used rather than the region or method of production. Genuine buffalo mozzarella is made solely from the milk of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo.

Compared to cow’s milk, water buffalo milk is higher in fat and protein content. This gives buffalo mozzarella a soft, moist and mild flavor with a supple, elastic texture.

Fresh buffalo mozzarella is traditionally served in small round balls packed in whey or brine. Low moisture buffalo mozzarella used for cooking and pizza making is often formed into blocks or braids.

Nutrition Profile

A 1 oz (28g) serving of fresh buffalo mozzarella provides:

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbs: 1g
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Phosphorus: 15% DV

Buffalo mozzarella is a good source of protein, calcium and phosphorus. It’s higher in fat than regular cow’s milk mozzarella due to the rich buffalo milk used.

Is Buffalo Mozzarella Low Lactose?

The lactose content of buffalo mozzarella is: Low. Buffalo mozzarella is relatively low in lactose compared to other cheeses and dairy products.

During the cheesemaking process, most of the lactose from the original buffalo milk gets drained off in the whey. What little lactose remains becomes concentrated as the curd matures and moisture content decreases.

According to testing by the University of Melbourne, the lactose content of buffalo mozzarella is approximately:

• Fresh buffalo mozzarella: 0.6-1%
• Low moisture buffalo mozzarella: 0.3-0.6%

In comparison, regular full fat cow’s milk contains about 5% lactose while fresh cow’s milk mozzarella has around 2-3% lactose.

The lower lactose levels in buffalo mozzarella make it easier to digest for those sensitive to lactose compared to other cheeses and dairy products.

Aged Buffalo Mozzarella

In addition to the draining process, aging buffalo mozzarella longer can also reduce residual lactose levels. During aging, microbial enzymes help break down lactose further.

One study found buffalo mozzarella aged over 60 days contained less than 10% of the lactose in freshly made buffalo mozzarella.

Opting for aged buffalo mozzarella that has been aged for several months can provide even lower lactose content.

Is Buffalo Mozzarella Lactose Free?

While buffalo mozzarella is low lactose, it is not completely lactose free. A small amount of lactose remains, even in aged varieties.

For a product to be labeled lactose free, it must contain less than 0.01g of lactose per serving. Buffalo mozzarella falls slightly above this threshold.

Even very sensitive lactose intolerant individuals may be able to tolerate the minimal lactose in buffalo mozzarella, especially if consumed in small amounts with other foods.

Those with severe lactose intolerance or dairy allergies likely still need to avoid buffalo mozzarella completely.

Tips for Eating Buffalo Mozzarella With Lactose Intolerance

Here are some tips for incorporating buffalo mozzarella into a low lactose diet:

Avoid Large Servings

Stick to about 1-2 oz buffalo mozzarella per serving. Lactose intolerant individuals can typically handle up to 12g lactose spread throughout the day.

Pair With Lactose-Free Foods

Eat buffalo mozzarella along with gluten-free crackers, veggies, meats or other lactose-free foods to help improve digestion.

Choose Aged Varieties

Opt for longer-aged buffalo mozzarella that’s been aged over 2 months, ideally 6 months or longer, to reduce lactose content.

Take a Lactase Supplement

Take a lactase enzyme supplement before eating buffalo mozzarella to help break down and digest its lactose content.

Watch for Symptoms

Pay attention to how your body reacts when eating buffalo mozzarella. Avoid it if you experience intolerance symptoms.

Low Lactose Buffalo Mozzarella Recipe Ideas

Here are some recipe ideas for enjoying buffalo mozzarella on a low lactose diet:

Caprese Salad

Buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze make a classic caprese.

Bruschetta

Top gluten-free bread with diced tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil and olive oil for an easy bruschetta.

Pizza

Use small amounts of buffalo mozzarella as part of the topping for homemade lactose-free pizza.

Flatbreads

Build personal flatbreads with buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce and your choice of low lactose veggies and seasonings.

Skewers

Thread cubes of buffalo mozzarella onto skewers alternated with tomatoes, basil and olives for a colorful appetizer.

Other Low Lactose Cheese Options

In addition to buffalo mozzarella, some other lower lactose cheese varieties include:

• Cheddar
• Swiss
• Provolone
• Parmesan
• Blue cheese
• Feta
• Goat cheese

Opt for longer-aged versions of these cheeses for minimal lactose content. Hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss and Parmesan are naturally lower in lactose.

Is Buffalo Mozzarella Lactose Free? The Bottom Line

While not completely lactose-free, buffalo mozzarella is low in lactose compared to many other cheeses and dairy products. Consuming small servings, especially of aged buffalo mozzarella, is often well tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.

Buffalo mozzarella can be a delicious lower lactose alternative to regular mozzarella for use in appetizers, salads, pizzas and more. Pair it with lactose-free foods and pay attention to individual tolerance levels.

Understanding the lactose content in buffalo mozzarella and other dairy products enables you to make informed choices to create a low lactose diet that prevents adverse reactions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.