Which Gouda cheese can I eat if I am lactose intolerant?
Say Cheese! Why Lactose-Intolerant Folks Can Still Enjoy Gouda Farm Cheese
If you’re lactose intolerant, cheese might seem like the enemy. A delicious, creamy, forbidden enemy. But here’s some Gouda news: not all cheese is off-limits! In fact, there’s one rich, flavorful variety that’s likely safe to eat and absolutely worth savoring—Gouda farm cheese.
Let’s break it down—lactose, Gouda, and all.
First Things First: What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the body’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m not great at digesting milk sugar.” That sugar is called lactose, and people with this condition don’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks it down. The result? Bloating, gas, and general regret after a dairy binge.
Gouda Farm Cheese 101
Gouda is a Dutch cheese made primarily from cow’s milk. When made the traditional way—especially on farms in the Netherlands—it’s known for being creamy, slightly sweet, and full of character.
Now, here’s the kicker: the longer a cheese is aged, the less lactose it contains. That means not all Gouda is created equal. Aged Gouda (especially from farms) has gone through a magical transformation where bacteria and time work together to pretty much eliminate the lactose.
Aging Gracefully (And Lactose-Free)
Lactose is water-soluble and mostly hangs out in the whey—the liquid part of milk that’s drained off early in cheese production. What’s left in the curds is already low in lactose. Then comes aging.
Over time, the tiny bit of lactose that’s left is eaten up by bacteria during fermentation. In well-aged Gouda (think 6 months and up), the lactose levels drop to almost zero—often under 0.1 grams per 100 grams. That’s low enough for most lactose-intolerant folks to handle with no symptoms at all.
Science Says: Aged Cheese is Fair Game
Studies have confirmed this: aged cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, and Gouda typically contain negligible lactose. And farm-made versions, where traditional methods are used, tend to be even more naturally low in lactose because of the slower, more careful natural aging process.
So… When Can You Eat Gouda If You’re Lactose Intolerant?
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
If your Gouda has been aged at least 6 months, you’re probably good to go.
Even better? Look for:
- Farm-made Gouda (aka “Craxi Gouda”) – these are often aged naturally and longer.
- Hard texture – the firmer the cheese, the longer it’s likely been aged.
- Crystals inside – those crunchy bits are a sign of good aging and minimal lactose.
Can you safely eat Gouda farm cheese if you’re lactose intolerant? And if so, which one?:
- Gouda farmer’s cheese: matured for 8 months.
- Gouda farmer’s cheese: matured for 12 months.
- Gouda farmer’s cheese: matured for 24 months.
- Gouda farmer’s cheese: matured for 36 months.
Pro Tips for Gouda-Loving Lactose-Intolerant Folks
- Still unsure? Start small. Try a few bites and see how your body reacts.
- Avoid young Gouda (under 4 months) – it’s creamier and might still have some lactose.
- Pair with crackers or fruit to ease digestion and enjoy the full cheese board experience.
- Store it right. Aged cheese lasts a while—wrap it in cheese paper and keep it cool.
Say Yes to Cheese (Smartly)
Being intolerant doesn’t mean you have to live a cheese-less life. Quite the opposite—if you choose wisely, aged Gouda farm cheese can be your dairy-safe secret weapon.
Where to buy matured Gouda Farm cheeses from Holland in Spain?
Gouda cheese shop locations in Malaga city.
Craxi Gouda cheese Shop – Mercado de la Merced – stall 14, Málaga.
Address: C/ la Merced, 4, Distrito Centro, 29012 Málaga, Spain.
Craxi Gouda cheese Shop – Mercado de Huelin – stall 7-8, Málaga.
Address: C. la Hoz, 37, Carretera de Cádiz, 29002 Málaga, Spain.
Can I get this naturally matured Gouda cheese delivered to my home in Spain?
You can order our Gouda cheeses online in the webshop. Your online cheese order will be freshly cut and vacuum sealed on the day of shipment. Cheese paper is included and the cheese will be delivered to your home on the Spanish peninsula with refrigerated transport.
How to contact us in Malaga.
If you have any questions about our artisan Gouda cheeses, shipping or online cheese order, please feel free to contact us via the contact form on the website or use the WhatsApp button. We will get back to you as soon as possible with an answer.
Find Craxi Queso on Facebook.
Cheese shop near me in Malaga.
Order online in Spain. Craxi Gouda cheese web shop.
Craxi Queso – El Español.
