Grana Padano is naturally free of lactose due to the characteristics of its production and ageing process.

Galactose content less than 10 mg per 100g.
(Italian Ministry of Health memo DGISAN 16.06.2016)

The basic absence of lactose in Grana Padano PDO – a consequence of its natural production process as rigorously laid down in its official Specification Rules – means that people intolerant to lactose can assimilate it without problems, thus allowing them to benefit from the extraordinary nutritious content of the milk and the bioactive properties of cheese. After 9 months of ageing (the minimum time established by its PDO Specification Rules), this cheese is substantially free of lactose, ready to be consumed by adults and children who show intolerance to this sugar, that’s to say, devoid of the lactase enzyme.

Furthermore, Grana Padano PDO has a residual galactose content of less than 10 mg/100g (Lucia Monti et al. (2017). Lactose, galactose and glucose determination in naturally “lactose free” hard cheese: HPAEC-PAD method validation. Food Chemistry, 220, 18–24). Thanks to these characteristics, this cheese is recommended for diets with a low FODMAP content (Fermentable Oligo-di and Mono-saccharides, and Polyols) (P.R. Gibson & S.J. Shepherd, 2005).