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Does kefir contain lactose?
Wondering if kefir is off-limits because you’re lactose intolerant? Good news – probably not!
Lactose intolerance means your body struggles to break down lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. Yes, kefir is made from milk (usually cows’, goat’s or sheep’s milk), which naturally contains lactose. But here’s the magic: during fermentation, the kefir grains (those living cultures we love so much) eat most of the lactose. The longer the fermentation, the less lactose remains.
Chuckling Goat’s traditional kefir
At Chuckling Goat, we ferment our kefir for 36 hours using real-life kefir grains and traditional small-batch methods. This high level of fermentation is why our kefir bottles are explosively fizzy and full of powerful probiotics. The result? A tangy, probiotic-rich drink that’s typically 99% lactose-free.
That’s why many people who struggle with milk or yoghurt find they can enjoy Chuckling Goat kefir without issue.
And there’s more – we use goat’s milk, which many people find easier to digest than cow’s milk. Why is it better tolerated? Goat’s milk is considered a functional food packed with nutrients that is gentler on the gut. Unlike the mass-produced cow’s milk commonly found in supermarkets, which contains the inflammatory A1 protein, goat’s milk contains the gentler A2 casein and is free from common additives like growth hormones and antibiotics. You can read more about it here: Why Goats Milk?
So, if you’re sensitive to dairy or lactose, goat’s milk kefir might be the soothing, gut-friendly option you’ve been looking for.
Not all kefir is created equal! Many supermarket versions are made with added powders or sweeteners – not live kefir grains. These “kefir-style drinks” often don’t offer the same benefit!
How much lactose is in Chuckling Goat Kefir?
We do have testing figures! The lactose found is 13000 ppm, which translates to 1.3g per 100 ml. It is not lactose-free, but it is significantly lower than goat’s milk, which is around 4.2g per 100 ml.
Can gut health improve lactose tolerance?
Improving gut health can significantly support lactose tolerance by addressing underlying issues. A healthier gut environment may boost the activity of lactase – the enzyme that breaks down lactose – and reduce inflammation in the gut lining, making digestion smoother. Certain beneficial bacteria can even ferment lactose in the colon, helping ease symptoms like bloating and gas. That’s why our gut health protocol, which includes traditional kefir, can be such an important part of supporting digestive comfort over time.
Still not sure?
Try a small amount and listen to your body. Your gut might thank you.
We’ve had countless customer reviews saying how well our goat’s kefir is tolerated, even by those with lactose intolerance. One registered nurse and Nutritional Therapist shared:
“Chuckling Goat offers a fantastic spectrum of healthy bacteria and is suitable for everyone, even those with lactose intolerance“.
It’s feedback like this that keeps us smiling (and fermenting)!
Ready to try it for yourself? Shop our traditional goat’s milk kefir here.
How to get started
Everyone’s tolerance is different, so it’s best to start with a small amount and see how you feel. Begin with 1 tablespoon daily for a week, then increase to 2 tablespoons daily the following week, and so on.
If you notice anything feeling worse instead of better, like tummy troubles, brain fog, or a skin flare, simply drop back to 1 tablespoon per day and restart the slow, gradual increase from there.
If even 1 tablespoon feels like too much, begin with just 1 teaspoon daily, then work up to 2 teaspoons the next week, and continue building from there.
Gut health is a journey – and slow, steady improvements are the way forward.
Check out REAL kefir vs FAKE kefir: 10 key differences to ensure you’re choosing the best kefir for your gut!
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
