NANP Board Practice Exam

Which of the following dairy foods contain low levels of lactose and is less likely to cause adverse effects for people suffering from lactose intolerance?

1. Butter

2. Cottage Cheese

3. Frozen Yogurt

4. Skim Milk

The correct answer is: Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is known to contain relatively low levels of lactose compared to other dairy products. This is primarily because the process of making cottage cheese involves separating the curds from the whey, resulting in a product that has a lower lactose content. Additionally, cottage cheese is often fermented with probiotics, which can further aid in lactose digestion for individuals who are lactose intolerant. As such, this makes cottage cheese a suitable option for those looking to enjoy dairy without experiencing significant adverse effects. In contrast, butter has very minimal lactose, but it's often not a dietary staple that would serve as a primary source of nutrition. Frozen yogurt may contain live cultures that can help break down lactose, but it also has varying levels of lactose depending on the brand and preparation method. Skim milk retains as much lactose as whole milk and can therefore still cause issues for those who are lactose intolerant.