Aged Cheese

Aged cheese is milk with the water and lactose removed and the nutrients concentrated. It carries vitamin K2, calcium and complete protein, and most men who cannot tolerate milk can eat it without a problem.

The 50 Man Foods recommends aged cheese as the dairy for men who are lactose intolerant. The aging process consumes almost all of the lactose.

  • Daily
  • Dairy
  • Updated Sep 2026

What it supplies

Nutrient · per 100 g Amount % DV Relative amount
Calcium 721 mg 55%
Vitamin K2 82 mcg 68%
Protein 25 g 50%
Fat 33 g 42%
Calories 402 kcal 20%

Source: USDA FoodData Central.Percent Daily Values are based on adult reference intakes. The bars stop at 100%; the numbers do not.

Why it works

Vitamin K2 directs calcium into bones and teeth and away from arteries. Without K2, calcium can deposit in soft tissues; aged cheese solves that.

The protein in aged cheese is complete and highly digestible. The aging process pre-digests it, which is why lactose-intolerant men can usually tolerate it.

How much, how often

  • 30–50 g

    Daily

    A small amount covers calcium and K2 without the calories of a full serving.

  • Aged 6+ months

    The longer the better

    The longer the aging, the lower the lactose and the more concentrated the K2.

How to buy and prepare it

Aged at least 6 months. The longer the aging, the lower the lactose and the more concentrated the K2.

Avoid processed cheese slices, which are mostly oil and water, not aged cheese.

Eat it plain, at room temperature, with fruit or as a snack. Cooking destroys some of the K2.

Grated over eggs or a ribeye, aged cheese adds calcium and K2 to any meal.

Wrapped in wax paper, not plastic, in the fridge for up to a month. Aged cheese needs to breathe.

Mould on the surface can be cut away; the cheese underneath is safe.

In these guides

Questions

Is aged cheese keto?
Yes. Aged cheese has almost no carbohydrate and is mostly fat and protein. It fits easily.
Can I eat aged cheese if I am lactose intolerant?
Usually, yes. The aging process removes almost all lactose. Most men who react to milk tolerate aged cheese without a problem.
Which cheese has the most K2?
Aged Gouda, aged cheddar and Parmesan have the most. Soft and fresh cheese have very little.