Lactose Content of Common Dairy Foods*

Reviewed 4-2022 SM www.GInutrition.virginia.edu

*Note: These are estimates only; actual lactose content may vary by specific product, brand, or

recipe. Please check labels or with manufacturer for specific information.

Product

Serving Size

Approximate Lactose Content (grams)

Butter

1 tsp

Buttermilk

1 cup

9 - 12

Cheese

 Cheddar cheese, Swiss

 Mozzarella

 Bleu Cheese

 American cheese

 Cream cheese

1 ounce

1 slice

1 ounce

1 - 4

Condensed milk (sweetened)

½ cup

Cottage cheese, 2% milkfat

½ cup

Cream (light)

½ cup

<0.2

Evaporated Milk

1 cup

Half-and-Half

½ cup

0.2

Ice cream and frozen yogurt

½ cup

2 - 6

Varies by brand and recipe

Margarine

1 tsp

Milk (nonfat, 1%, 2%, whole)

1 cup

12-13

Milk, 100% Lactose-Free

1 cup

Nonfat Dry Milk Powder

(unreconstituted)

1 cup

Sherbet

½ cup

Sour Cream

2 tbsp

0.7

Sorbet

½ cup

Soy milk or other plant/nut

based milk

1 cup

Whipped Cream topping,

pressurized

2 tbsp

<0.5

Yogurt**

 Low, fat

 Greet

6 oz

5 – 12

**note: although yogurt contains lactose,

cultured yogurt is generally well tolerated by

persons with lactose intolerance