Is there lactose in halloumi?
Low — usually fine.
Halloumi is relatively low in lactose, like most firm cheeses — much of it is lost during production. A normal serve of grilled halloumi is generally well tolerated.
Good news for the brunch crowd: halloumi is a firm, brined cheese, and like other firm cheeses it’s had most of its lactose removed in the making. That grilled slab on your salad is usually a safe bet.
A nice bonus: halloumi is traditionally made from sheep’s and goat’s milk (or a blend), which some people who react to cow’s dairy find easier — on top of the already-low lactose.
How much lactose is in halloumi?
Halloumi is low — roughly 0.5–1.8 g per 100 g, so about 0.3–0.9 g in a 50 g grilled serve, comfortably under milk. Like other firm cheeses, it loses most of its lactose in the making. (Data on halloumi specifically is limited, so treat this as a guide and watch your own tolerance.)
| Food | Lactose per 100 g | Per typical serve |
|---|---|---|
| Halloumi | 0.5–1.8 g | ~0.3–0.9 g (50 g) |
| Regular milk | 4.8 g | ~12 g (250 mL) |
| Parmesan | <0.1 g | ~0 g |
Figures compiled from food-composition databases (limited data for halloumi) — full lactose chart & sources.
When to take a little care
As always, very large amounts or high sensitivity could add up. Otherwise, halloumi is one of the easy wins.
If halloumi isn't handy, reach for…
Common questions
Is halloumi OK for lactose intolerance?
Is halloumi made from cow's milk?
Can I eat grilled halloumi if I'm lactose intolerant?
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.