Is there lactose in mozzarella?
Low — the pizza kind especially.
Mozzarella is low in lactose, particularly the firm, low-moisture type used on pizza. Fresh mozzarella sits a touch higher, but a normal serve of either is usually well tolerated.
Pizza night is safer than you might fear. Mozzarella is low in lactose, especially the firm, low-moisture kind that melts over a pizza, because most of it drains away with the whey during cheese-making. Fresh mozzarella (the soft balls in water) holds a little more, but both are gentle in normal amounts.
Not the usual suspect: if pizza upsets you, the mozzarella usually isn’t the culprit — it’s more often a creamy base, extra cheeses, or simply a big meal. The cheese itself is low.
How much lactose is in mozzarella?
Mozzarella contains about 0.3–1 g of lactose per 100 g — roughly 0.1–0.3 g in a 30 g serve, one of the lower-lactose fresh cheeses.
| Food | Lactose per 100 g | Per typical serve |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | 0.3–1 g | ~0.1–0.3 g (30 g) |
| Regular milk | 4.8 g | ~12 g (250 mL) |
| Parmesan | <0.1 g | ~0 g |
Figures compiled from food-composition databases — see the full lactose chart & sources.
When to take a little care
Very large amounts, or a pizza loaded with several cheeses and a creamy base, can still add up. But mozzarella on its own is one of the easy wins — see the full chart for how it compares.
If mozzarella isn't handy, reach for…
Common questions
Is mozzarella OK for lactose intolerance?
Is fresh mozzarella higher in lactose?
Is there lactose in pizza cheese?
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.