Is Swiss cheese naturally lactose-free?

Yes! Swiss cheese is naturally lactose-free, making it an excellent option for anyone seeking lactose-free cheese, low lactose cheese, or cheese lactose-free options. Its traditional cheese-making process removes virtually all lactose, which is one of the reasons this timeless favourite remains so popular.

Can I eat cheese if I'm lactose intolerant?

Yes — many people who are lactose intolerant can still enjoy certain types of cheese. For example, Swiss cheese is naturally lactose free, making it a great option for those looking for low lactose cheese or lactose-free cheese. There are also specially formulated lactose-free cheeses available in Canada, including lactose-free shredded cheese or sliced varieties . These cheeses contain all the flavours of traditional cheese, but with the lactose removed or broken down.

What ingredients are used to make lactose-free cheese in Canada?

Lactose-free cheese in Canada is made with the same ingredients as regular cheese: pasteurized milk, modified milk ingredients (when used), salt, bacterial cultures, calcium chloride, microbial enzymes, and annatto (when used). No additional additives or special enzymes—other than those listed on the ingredient label—are required to make the cheese lactose-free.

How is lactose-free cheese produced in Canada?

Lactose-free cheese is made using the same fundamental steps as traditional cheese production. During cheesemaking, approximately 98% of the lactose is removed with the whey, either in its original form or converted to lactate. For cheeses such as Cheddar, the curd typically retains only 0.8–1.0% lactose at the milling stage. Although lactose naturally declines throughout the ripening process, we confirm lactose-free status through analytical testing in our R&D laboratory before making any product claims or labelling a cheese as lactose-free.

Lactose Free Cheese

The great taste Canadians crave, now lactose free. Made in Canada with Canadian milk, Armstrong Lactose Free Cheese delivers the flavour and quality you expect, so everyone can savour delicious cheesy moments every day. Sprinkle it on salads, melt it into your favourite recipes, or enjoy it as a tasty snack.

Canada's Most Trusted Cheddar Cheese

Voted Most Trusted Brand in a tie in the Cheddar category, based on the 2026 Brandspark Canadian Shopper Study.

Lactose Free Marble Cheddar Cheese Block

Available in:
400g
600g

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Lactose Free Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese

Available in:
320g
500g

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FAQ

: Yes! Swiss cheese is naturally lactose-free, making it an excellent option for anyone seeking lactose-free cheese, low lactose cheese, or cheese lactose-free options. Its traditional cheese-making process removes virtually all lactose, which is one of the reasons this timeless favourite remains so popular.
: Yes — many people who are lactose intolerant can still enjoy certain types of cheese. For example, Swiss cheese is naturally lactose free, making it a great option for those looking for low lactose cheese or lactose-free cheese.

There are also specially formulated lactose-free cheeses available in Canada, including lactose-free shredded cheese or sliced varieties. These cheeses contain all the flavours of traditional cheese, but with the lactose removed or broken down.
: Lactose-free cheese in Canada is made with the same ingredients as regular cheese: pasteurized milk, modified milk ingredients (when used), salt, bacterial cultures, calcium chloride, microbial enzymes, and annatto (when used). No additional additives or special enzymes—other than those listed on the ingredient label—are required to make the cheese lactose-free.
: Lactose-free cheese is made using the same fundamental steps as traditional cheese production.

During cheesemaking, approximately 98% of the lactose is removed with the whey, either in its original form or converted to lactate. For cheeses such as Cheddar, the curd typically retains only 0.8–1.0% lactose at the milling stage.

Although lactose naturally declines throughout the ripening process, we confirm lactose-free status through analytical testing in our R&D laboratory before making any product claims or labelling a cheese as lactose-free.