Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss—these words are music to any cheese lover’s ears! Not only are they full of bone-building calcium and muscle-strengthening protein; these delicious varieties also contain minimal amounts of lactose, making them easy to be enjoyed by all. I like to keep bags of shredded Cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss in my fridge for topping salads or vegetables and mixing in with my favorite recipes. Here are more ways you can enjoy all three of these low-lactose cheeses.
- Swiss. Did you know that 1 ounce of low-fat Swiss cheese has as much protein as an egg? Why not add this protein powerhouse to your breakfast line-up. Start your morning off right by adding shredded Swiss cheese to scrambled eggs. Serve with whole-wheat toast and fruit for a meal that covers four out of the five recommended food groups. Feeling a little more adventurous? Try this vegetable frittata recipe. In addition to Swiss cheese, it calls for Greek yogurt, offering a double dose of protein.
- Cheddar. Cheese is the number two source of calcium in our diet. In fact, 1 ounce of cheddar provides 20 percent of our daily needs. All the more reason to enjoy these delicious cheese wafers. This easy recipe makes seven dozen, so it’s perfect for a crowd or to keep on hand as a snack.
- Parmesan. As it turns out, cheese is good for our teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the protein called casein, found in aged Parmesan, may help teeth enamel form a protective shield against the acids that cause cavities. Add shredded Parmesan to pasta dishes, like this angel hair pasta with prosciutto, for a boost of flavor and dental health.
Browse our tips for managing lactose intolerance.
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Laura Marbury, MS, RD, LD