Is there lactose in Greek yoghurt?

Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt that is produced by tensioning extra liquid from conventional yoghurt. There is some lactose in Greek yogurt, but less than in common yoghurt or in most other dairy products. Many people who are slightly intolerant lactose are able to eat Greek yoghurt.

Most lactose in dairy products are found in whey, a sweet, liquid part of the milk. The amount of lactose in Greek yogurt is reduced by stretching this liquid. For comparison, a standard 6-union (about 170 grams) container of the American style yogurt contains about 11 grams of lactose. The 6-union container of Greek yoghurt contains only about 7 grams of lactose.

The exact amount of lactose in Greek yoghurt will vary somewhat depending on how much it is. Some yoghurt brands may advertise the amount of lactose found in their yogurt, but others may not. In general, the stronger the yogurt of less lactose contains. Sometimes the amount of lactic Greek yogurt can be estimated from the total amount of sugar listedin nutritional facts. All natural sugar in yoghurt is lactose, so overall sugar minus sugar from fruit or other sweeteners will be equal to the amount of lactose.

Some of the lactose in Greek yoghurt or other types of yogurt with living, active cultures will be already spent bacterial cultures. Since Greek yogurt generally has a higher concentration of living cultures than most other yoghurts, it is often easier for people with intolerance to lactose intolerance. However, people with severe intolerance of lactose still may not be able to eat Greek yogurt.

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot spend lactose or milk sugar. People with lactose intolerance lack enough enzyme lactase that breaks down lactose. Consumption of dairy products with lactose can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea or nausea.