Does Mozzarella Have Lactose? Gardner’s Guide To Mozzarella, Lactose, And Still Having A Good Time

Does mozzarella have lactose? Short answer: yes.
Less depressing answer: it depends on the type, how much you eat, and how sensitive your stomach is.

In this guide, we will walk through how much lactose is typically in mozzarella, what that means for lactose intolerant folks, and how to enjoy mozzarella responsibly. We will also talk about how Gardner’s mozzarella style cheeses, like Mozzarella String Cheese and Draw String Cheese Whips, can fit into a lactose conscious life.

And yes, you can still have snacks!

Key Takeaways

• Mozzarella usually has around 2 to 3 grams of lactose per 100 grams, which is lower than many other soft cheeses. For a lot of lactose intolerant people, that makes it a “sometimes snack” instead of an automatic no.
  
• Fresh mozzarella often has more lactose. More aged, firmer styles of cheese usually have less, because the cultures nibble away at the lactose over time.
  
• Gardner’s aged cheddars, like 8 Year Old Super Sharp Cheddar and 13 Year Old Super Sharp Cheddar, are naturally lactose free, which makes them great backup options if your stomach says no to mozzarella.
  
• You can manage lactose intolerance with smaller portions, pairing cheese with other foods, or using lactase supplements, so you can still enjoy mozzarella themed moments without total digestive chaos.
  

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance happens when your body does not make enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is the natural sugar in milk and dairy products. When lactose is not broken down properly, it moves through your system undigested and can lead to bloating, gas, abdominal cramping, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Over 65 percent of the global population experiences some degree of lactose intolerance. It often becomes more noticeable in adulthood. Genetics, age, and gut health all play a role in how much lactose you can handle before your digestive system files a complaint.

The good news is that lactose intolerance is usually not dangerous. The even better news is that some cheeses are naturally lower in lactose, and some, like well aged cheddars, are basically lactose free. Choosing those more often can help you live a happy, cheese filled life!

Lactose In Mozzarella Cheese

So where does mozzarella land on the lactose scale?

Mozzarella typically clocks in at about 2.5 grams of lactose per 100 grams of cheese. That is less than very fresh, spreadable cheeses like cream cheese, but more than long aged cheeses where the lactose is mostly gone.

At Gardner’s, our mozzarella magic mostly shows up in snackable form. Think:

• Mozzarella String Cheese
• Draw String Cheese Whips
• Salty Smoked String Cheese
• Jalapeño String Cheese
• Hot Honey Cheese Whips (mozzarella based with sweet heat)
  

All of these start with a mozzarella style base. That means they contain some lactose, but in controlled, snack sized portions. For many people with mild lactose intolerance, one or two sticks or whips, eaten with other foods, can be totally manageable.

If you are highly sensitive, you may need to test slowly and see what your personal limit looks like.

Types Of Mozzarella And Their Lactose Content

Not all mozzarella is the same, and that matters for your stomach. In general:

• Fresh mozzarella (the soft balls in water)
  
  • Higher moisture
    
  • Slightly higher lactose
    
• Low moisture or aged mozzarella (the firmer stuff used for shredding)
  
  • Developed longer
    
  • Typically a bit less lactose per bite
    
• Mozzarella style snacks (like Gardner’s strings and whips)
  
  • Portion controlled
    
  • Still contain lactose, but easier to moderate
    

Gardner’s mozzarella based snacks sit closer to the low moisture side. They are firm, peelable, and perfect for charcuterie boards, lunchboxes, and “I just need one more cheese stick and then I will behave” moments.

If you are lactose intolerant, the type of mozzarella and the serving size both matter.

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella usually contains around 2 to 3 percent lactose, which means roughly 2 to 3 grams of lactose per 100 grams of cheese.

That is not an enormous amount, but for someone with very sensitive digestion, it can still be enough to cause discomfort, especially if you eat a lot in one sitting. Think big caprese salads, extra cheese pizza, or “one more slice” that turns into three.

Tips if you love fresh mozz:

• Start small and see how your body responds.
  
• Eat it with other foods, not on an empty stomach.
  
• Space out your dairy intake throughout the day.
  

If your stomach says no to fresh mozzarella, you may do better with firmer, more aged cheeses, like Gardner’s Dry Aged Cheddar (4 Year) or 8 Year Old Super Sharp Cheddar, which are naturally lactose free.

Aged Mozzarella And Low Moisture Styles

As cheese ages, bacteria and cultures slowly break down lactose into simpler sugars. That is why very aged cheeses have very little lactose left.

Low moisture and aged mozzarella style cheeses often contain less lactose than fresh. Gardner’s takes the mozzarella concept and turns it into snackable, low moisture formats like:

• Mozzarella String Cheese
• Draw String Cheese Whips

These still contain some lactose, but their firmer texture and smaller serving sizes make them easier to experiment with. For many lactose intolerant cheese lovers, one or two pieces with crackers, fruit, or meat is totally fine.

If your sensitivity is moderate, these mozzarella snacks may be in your “yes, in moderation” category instead of “absolutely not.”

Buffalo Mozzarella (Mozzarella Di Bufala)

Traditional buffalo mozzarella is made from water buffalo milk. It is rich, creamy, and extremely romantic on a pizza or salad. Lactose wise, it usually sits in a similar range to cow’s milk mozzarella.

Gardner’s does not currently make buffalo mozzarella, so if you are obsessed with it, you will still be shopping elsewhere for that specific style. Just remember:

• Buffalo mozzarella still has lactose.
  
• Sensitivity varies person to person.
  
• If you react strongly, you might want to enjoy it rarely, and lean on Gardner’s aged cheddars, Aged Gouda, or mozzarella based snacks in smaller portions the rest of the time.
  

Low Lactose Alternatives To Mozzarella

If your body insists on a stricter boundary with lactose, you still have options.

1. Gardner’s Naturally Low Lactose Cheeses

If you love stretchy, melty cheese but your stomach is not thrilled about mozzarella levels of lactose, consider swapping mozzarella in some dishes with:

• Dry Aged Cheddar (4 Year)
• 8 Year Old Super Sharp Cheddar
• 13 Year Old Super Sharp Cheddar
• 17 Year Old Super Sharp Cheddar
• Aged Parmesan
• Aged Gouda

These aged cheeses have had most or all of the lactose broken down during the aging process. They still melt beautifully over pasta, garlic bread, pizza style toasts, and casseroles. You get big flavor, melty cheese, and far less drama from your digestive system. Plus, you can even get them all at once by grabbing our Vintage Package!

2. Lactose Free Or Plant Based Mozzarella Alternatives

You can also find lactose free or plant based mozzarella style cheeses at many grocery stores. Some are coconut based, some are nut based, and some are starch based. Their melting abilities range from “this is black magic” to “this is absolutely not pizza,” so you may need to experiment.

Use those when you truly need a zero lactose option, and then bring Gardner’s aged cheeses (and snacks! Don’t forget about the snacks!) back into the rotation when your body allows it.

Managing Lactose Intolerance With Mozzarella

You do not have to break up with mozzarella completely. You just have to be strategic.

Here are some practical ways to enjoy Gardner’s mozzarella style cheeses with less risk:

• Use smaller portions. Start with one Mozzarella String Cheese or a small handful of Draw String Cheese Whips instead of the whole bag.
  
• Pair with other foods. Eat mozzarella with crackers, meats, or veggies instead of on its own. This can slow digestion and make symptoms milder.
  
• Try lactase enzyme supplements. Many people find that taking a lactase supplement right before eating dairy lets them tolerate cheeses they otherwise could not.
  
• Listen to your body. If your stomach says, “Enough,” honor that and lean harder into Gardner’s lactose free aged options for a while.
  

Mozzarella and mozzarella style snacks can absolutely still live in a lactose conscious lifestyle. The key is testing, adjusting, and not pretending you can eat an entire party platter alone without consequences.

Benefits Of Eating Mozzarella For Lactose Intolerant Individuals

Mozzarella and mozzarella based snacks are not just delicious. They are also nutritionally useful.

• Good protein source. Mozzarella typically offers about 6 grams of protein per ounce, which supports muscle repair and keeps you full.
  
• Lower sodium than many cheeses. Compared to some intense salty cheeses, mozzarella tends to be more moderate, especially in simple string cheese form.
  
• Portable and portion controlled. Gardner’s Mozzarella String Cheese, Hot Honey Cheese Whips, and Salty Smoked String Cheese are all easy to grab and go. That makes it simpler to stop at one or two, instead of just “accidentally” living in a fondue pot.
  

If your body can handle small amounts of lactose, mozzarella snacks can be a smart way to get protein and satisfaction without overdoing it.

Lactose Friendly Ideas With Gardner’s Cheeses

Here are some ways to enjoy mozzarella flavors while still being kind to your digestion:

• Snack Plate With Training Wheels
  
  • One Mozzarella String Cheese
  • A few slices of 8 Year Old Super Sharp Cheddar
  • A couple coins of Garlic Summer Sausage
  • Some grapes or apple slices
    
• The mozzarella gives you that mellow, stretchy vibe, and the aged cheddar brings big flavor with minimal lactose.
  
• Low Lactose “Pizza Board”
  
  • Toasted baguette slices
    
  • Shavings of Aged Parmesan
  • Small pieces of Italian Herb Bruschetta Cheddar
  • A little Mozzarella String Cheese, sliced into coins
    
• You still get classic Italian style flavors, but most of the cheese is from the low lactose aged side of the family.
  
• Snack Pack Night Instead Of Takeout
  Grab The Snack Pack or Customer Favorites Package, which include items like Original Cheese Curds, Draw String Cheese Whips, Aged Gouda, and 8 Year Cheddar. Use mozzarella based snacks as accents while the aged cheeses do the heavy lifting.
  

Summary

Mozzarella does contain lactose. For most varieties, that means around 2 to 3 grams per 100 grams of cheese. For people with mild to moderate lactose intolerance, that can be manageable in smaller amounts, especially when eaten with other foods.

Fresh mozzarella usually contains more lactose. Low moisture and aged styles, including mozzarella based snacks like Salty Smoked String Cheese and Jalapeño String Cheese, can be easier to work into your day in controlled portions.

If your stomach is less forgiving, Gardner’s aged cheddars, Aged Gouda, and Aged Parmesan are excellent, naturally low lactose or lactose free alternatives that still deliver serious flavor.

With a little planning, you do not have to choose between “no cheese ever” and “total digestive meltdown.” You can find a middle ground where mozzarella still shows up in your life, just in smarter ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does fresh mozzarella have lactose?

Yes. Fresh mozzarella usually contains about 2 to 3 percent lactose, which is enough to bother some lactose intolerant people, especially in big portions. If you are sensitive, you may want to treat fresh mozzarella as an occasional treat instead of a daily habit.

Is aged mozzarella better for lactose intolerant individuals?

Often, yes. The more a cheese is aged, the more lactose is broken down. While Gardner’s focuses more on mozzarella style snacks than traditional aged mozzarella blocks, you can lean on Mozzarella String Cheese in small amounts and rely heavily on aged, low lactose options like those found in our Vintage Package lineup.

Can I make lactose free mozzarella at home?

You can. Many home cooks make mozzarella style cheese with lactose free milk, citric acid, and rennet. If you enjoy kitchen projects, this can give you a stretchy, low lactose cheese to use on pizza or lasagna. Then you can round out the meal with Gardner’s aged cheddars for extra flavor.

Are there good dairy free mozzarella alternatives?

Yes. Most grocery stores carry several dairy free mozzarella style cheeses. Some melt better than others, so you may have to experiment to find your favorite. If you go fully dairy free for the main cheese, you can still bring Gardner’s to the party with lactose free aged cheddars on the side for friends and family who can tolerate them.

How can I manage lactose intolerance while enjoying mozzarella?

You can:

• Start with small portions of mozzarella or mozzarella snacks.
  
• Eat cheese with other foods instead of on an empty stomach.
  
• Use lactase enzyme supplements when you know you will be eating dairy.
  
• Mix mozzarella with lower lactose cheeses like Gardner’s aged cheddars and Aged Gouda, instead of relying on mozzarella alone.
  

Listen to your body, adjust the amount and type of cheese you choose, and remember that your cheese life is not over. It just needs a bit more strategy.