This Is What Happens When a Cheese Lover Tries a Dairy-Free Diet for a Week

As a self-proclaimed cheese lover, I never imagined that I would voluntarily give up dairy for a week. But after reading about the potential health benefits and knowing that a fairly large dairy consumption can cause stomach issues for some people, I decided to give it a try. My home smelling like bubbling brick from my fancy fromage shop on upper Market Street in San Francisco was going to have to take a back seat for the next seven days.

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 30 million adults in the United States are lactose intolerant by age 20. That's approximately 75 percent of the world's population who loses their ability to consume milk products without discomfort. As someone who has always loved cheese and occasionally indulges in an ice-cream cone or milky tea, I was curious to see how I would fare on a dairy-free diet. So with plenty of almond and cashew milk, coconut butter, and other non-dairy options at hand, I began my dairy-free week diary.

My first day started off strong with a version of my go-to lunches: a large kale salad topped with hard-boiled egg and mozzarella balls cheese (sad face). Instead, I opted to buy almond and cashew milk and toasted an Ezekiel muffin topped with tomato sprinkled with sea salt (I do love butter, but not animal fat). Surprisingly enough, it tasted delicious - oddly sweet but savory from the tomato and sea salt. As a freelance writer working from home, I'm lucky enough to easily throw together healthy lunches throughout the week. This particular version consisted of baked tofu cubes marinated in hot sauce over quinoa and steamed brussels sprouts - not too shabby!

If you're a cheese lover, then the Crave Cheese Sampler is something you definitely need to try. This award-winning cheese family offers words quality cheese at a bargain listed price. The 12oz package includes a variety of delicious cheeses such as cheddar cheese curds, marinated fresh mozzarella, and farmers rope string cheese in both 8oz containers and 12oz coils. It's the perfect way to satisfy your taste buds and discover new favorite cheeses all in one sampler package.

For any cheese lover, serving cheese in an elegant French Kitchen Marble Cheese Dome is a must-have. Not only does it add a touch of sophistication to any gathering, but it also creates a breath-creating presentation that will leave your guests impressed. The dome is perfect for ripening favorite varieties of cheese and keeping them fresh for hours, making it the ideal addition to your kitchen or dining room.

Savor the flavor with Green Dirt Farm's 5-year aged cheese collection, which features a rich smorgasbord of different varieties that turn flavors up a notch. This collection includes Aux Arcs, Prairie Tomme KC Canning, and sheep milk cheese, all of which are bloomy rind inspired. Green Dirt Farm prides themselves on their commitment to sustainable farming practices and producing high-quality, artisanal cheeses that are perfect for any cheese lover.

A cheese lover's dream come true, the Vosges Haut-Chocolat Chocolate 6-Bar Library features an array of unique chocolate bars that pair perfectly with cheese. From the bestselling Manchego Cherry Bar to the creamy Tangy Goat's Milk Chocolate Bar, each bar is crafted with high-quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Indulge in a luxurious and savory tasting experience with this must-have collection.

If you're a cheese lover, you need to know about Bardwell Farm in Pawlet, Vermont. They produce some of the top-selling cheeses in the area, including Pawlet and Rupert. But what really caught our attention is their Dorset Hidden Star cheese - a rich and creamy washed-rind cheese that's perfect for snacking or cooking. And if you're looking for the perfect storage solution for your cheese collection, check out the Cheese Grotto Mezzo - a beautiful and functional piece of art that will keep your cheeses fresh and delicious for longer.

Looking for the perfect gift for a cheese lover? Look no further than the Marieke Gouda Beginners Cheese Box! This box includes four 7oz hand-cut pieces of cheese, offering a huge variety of flavors and textures to satisfy any palate. And what's cheese without some accompanying treats? The box also includes Wisconsin sausage from Nolechek's Meats, delicious crackers, and even a mini cheese slicer to complete the perfect snacking experience. Don't wait – treat yourself or your favorite cheese lover today!

Beecher's World's Best Mac & Cheese Kit is an absolute must-try for any cheese lover out there. This award-winning mac and cheese kit supplies everything you need to create a delectable dish, including Beecher's signature Flagship cheese, along with their Just Jack 7oz, all-natural penne pasta 12 oz, and their secret spice blend. It's no wonder why this kit has earned the title of "World's Best" - one bite and you'll be hooked!

The perfect present for any cheese lover is the splurge factor Zingerman's wicker gift basket filled with delectable cheeses and salty accoutrements. This basket includes half pound pieces of Zingerman's Noreaster Cheddar, Pril Gouda, Piave Vecchio cheeses, sourdough bread, taralli olive oil crackers, Italian-style salami, Red Bear Provisions marcona almonds, Moroccan olives, and giant kishmish raisins. Don't worry about pairing these elements together as the basket includes tips on how to create a show-stopping cheeseboard. Perfect for small family nibbling or as a gift for a loved one who appreciates delicious food.

Cato Corner Farm in Connecticut makes some of the most delicious raw milk cheese that cheese lovers will ever taste. The Ploughman's Platter, a popular style variety, includes mild, medium, and strong flavors that all taste amazing. The cows at Cato Corner Farm happily graze freely on pasture grasses and local hay to ensure the full experience of tasting delicious cheese.

The Ultimate Brebis Collection is a must-try for any true cheese lover looking to take their taste buds on a vacation. This exclusive collection from Blackberry Farms, an award-winning resort in the Smokey Mountains, includes 1lb of their coveted brebis cheese, along with resort staples like honey strawberry rhubarb jam, peach preserves, smoked onion jam, and blueberry elderflower honey jam. Plus, you'll receive a branded spreader and honey dipper to complete your tasting experience. Don't miss out on discovering your new favorite cheese with this exquisite collection.