Is there lactose in gouda?
Low — and lower the more it's aged.
Gouda is naturally low in lactose, and aged gouda is near-zero — the longer it matures, the less lactose remains. Young, mild gouda holds a little more, but still far less than milk.
Gouda is a friendly choice, with a twist worth knowing: age matters. Like other firm cheeses, gouda loses most of its lactose when the whey drains off during making, and then ageing breaks down what little remains. So a mature, caramel-noted aged gouda is essentially lactose-free, while a young, mild one holds slightly more.
Rule of thumb: if you’re sensitive, reach for an aged gouda over a young, rubbery one — the same rule as cheddar. The older and firmer, the less lactose.
How much lactose is in gouda?
Aged gouda contains under 0.1 g of lactose per 100 g — essentially nil in a 30 g serve. Young gouda sits a little higher but is still low, and both are far under milk.
| Food | Lactose per 100 g | Per typical serve |
|---|---|---|
| Aged gouda | <0.1 g | ~0 g (30 g) |
| Young gouda | ~1–2 g | ~0.3–0.6 g (30 g) |
| Cow's milk | 4.8 g | ~12 g (250 mL) |
Figures compiled from food-composition databases — see the full lactose chart & sources.
When to take a little care
Very young, mild goudas and processed gouda-style slices hold a touch more. If you’re highly sensitive, favour a genuine aged gouda — see the full chart for where cheeses sit.
If gouda isn't handy, reach for…
Common questions
Is gouda OK for lactose intolerance?
Does aged gouda have less lactose?
Is gouda lower in lactose than cheddar?
Want the full picture? Grab our free Living Lactose-Free in Australia cheat sheet — it sorts 60+ foods like this one so you never have to guess at the supermarket again.