Cheese Alternatives Available For Lactose-Intolerant Diet

There are many alternatives to dairy cheese for people who, by necessity or choice, shy away from lactose and cholesterol. These cheeses can be used as you would a traditional cheese, although most of them don’t have the same taste.

Soy oils, lecithin and flavoring agents help produce varieties such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and even jalapeno jack. You can also find cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta and sour cream alternatives. There are cheeses made from almond milk, rice milk and tofu. There is even a tasty cheese made from denatured hemp seeds, called Hemparella. Look for different varieties in natural food stores.

However, if you maintain a strictly vegan diet, here’s something to be aware of: Many of these alternatives contain milk protein, either casein or calcium caseinate, which helps the cheese melt when heated. Check the ingredients list on the label if this is a concern.

Eating the cheese plain is not the best way to introduce yourself to these products. But I find they all work well in lasagna, for filling pasta shells and on pizzas and vegetable burger melts.