Lactose-Free vs. Dairy-Free: Whats the Difference? | LACTAID® (2024)

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Lactose-Free vs. Dairy-Free: Whats the Difference? | LACTAID®? ›

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In fact, in a single cup of milk, there are about 12 grams of lactose, depending on the type of milk. By understanding that lactose is an ingredient found inside dairy milk, it's easy to see the key differences. Dairy-free simply means no milk or milk products while lactose-free means milk without lactose.

People who are lactose intolerant can safely consume lactose-free cow's milk or non-dairy milk alternatives that are naturally free from lactose. Lactose-free cow's milk, as well as non-dairy milks such as coconut milk, soy milk, and almond milk, are all good alternatives to regular cow's milk.

People who are lactose intolerant have unpleasant symptoms after eating or drinking milk or milk products. These symptoms include bloating, diarrhea and gas. Lactose intolerance is not the same thing as having a food allergy to milk.

Contains the Same Nutrients as Milk

Even though lactose-free milk contains lactase to aid the digestion of lactose, it boasts the same impressive nutrient profile as regular milk. Like normal milk, the lactose-free alternative is a great source of protein, supplying about 8 grams in a 1-cup (240-ml) serving ( 2 ).

Eggs are often mistakenly categorized as dairy, but eggs are not dairy products. Eggs are laid by birds, which do not have mammary glands. Dairy products are items like yogurt, cheese and milk. You can eat eggs if you follow a dairy-free diet or if you have lactose intolerance.

If you have stomach symptoms while using any non-dairy options, the problem may be guar gum. It's often added for thickness, says Sonya Angelone, RDN, a dietitian in San Francisco and a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Still a Dairy Product: People with a dairy allergy who consume lactose-free milk may experience allergic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and digestive pain. Additionally, because it is manufactured using cow's milk, it is improper for those who follow a vegan diet.

ATTENTION ALL LACTOSE INTOLERANT PEOPLE: YOU CAN EAT CHEESE!

Even if ice cream destroys your insides, you can still comfortably indulge in cheese on the regs. Why? Because cheesemaking converts lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid. Any cheese aged 2 mo. or more is virtually lactose-free.

Who shouldn't drink lactose-free milk? Although lactose-free milk is generally safe, it is not recommended for people struggling with sugar management disorders, such as diabetes or insulin resistance.

What happens if you ignore lactose intolerance? ›

For those who suffer, ignoring symptoms can lead to enhanced stomach issues, chronic diarrhea, and additional health problems. For example, the development of chronic diarrhea can lead to anemia, dehydration, and kidney damage, among other serious concerns.

Different dairy products have different amounts of lactose. Hard cheeses, like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddar have less lactose and don't usually cause symptoms. Ice cream and milk have the most lactose. Ice cream also has a high-fat content, which may allow you to enjoy it without symptoms.

In addition to your meal, drink a large 12 fl. oz. glass of fat free regular milk. Over the next 3 hours after drinking the glass of milk, keep track of any discomfort you experience (gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea) and its intensity using the Day 1 test checklist above.

Dairy free products often contain less protein, calories and/or calcium compared to their lactose free alternatives. Dairy free is also not the ideal choice if you have various other allergies (like nuts, soy or seeds).

Low-fat, skim or 1% cow's milk are healthier options compared to 2% or whole milk. They contain less fat. “If you can't have cow's milk, soy milk and rice milk are often the healthiest milk for gut health – especially for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation,” Park said.

The easiest way to check if a cheese is lactose-free is to read the Nutrition Facts panel. That's where you can find just how much sugar is in the cheese. If there is no sugar—read, zero grams or “0g”—on the label, there is no lactose in that cheese.

Lactose is the name of the naturally occurring sugar in dairy. This lactose sugar is what can be poorly digested in the intestines for people who are sensitive to lactose. Lactose can be poorly digested in some people because they may not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase being produced in their body.

The main difference between regular milk and lactose-free milk tends to be the taste; generally, lactose-free milk tastes sweeter than regular milk because of the added lactase ingredient. For those who aren't keen on sweetness, then, it may be best to drink a non-dairy lactose-free milk, such as soy or almond milk.

What's a Dairy-Free Diet? A dairy-free diet is one that has no animal milk in it, or any products made from milk.

Try reduced-lactose or lactose-free milk and other lactose-free dairy products. Eat yogurt, kefir & buttermilk with “active & live cultures.” Choose cheeses lower in lactose, such as Swiss, Colby or Monterey jack, parmesan and cheddar.