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The process behind Lactose Free Milk.

What Is Lactose-Free Milk and How Are LACTAID® Lactose-Free Products Made?

Lactose-free milk is 100% real milk that doesn’t contain lactose, a type of sugar contained in regular milk1. Lactose-free milk, such as LACTAID®, still provides the great taste and benefits of regular milk2. This means you can enjoy your favorite dairy products without upsetting your stomach if you’re sensitive to lactose or have lactose intolerance1.

What Is Lactose?

Lactose is a complex sugar found naturally in milk and other dairy products3. Millions of Americans are intolerant to lactose, meaning they are unable to fully digest lactose3.

What Is Lactose Intolerance?

If your natural level of lactase enzyme is too low, you could be lactose intolerant4. Lactase is an enzyme produced by your small intestines which breaks down the complex sugars of lactose in dairy products into simpler sugars – glucose and galactose - while you digest4.

Lactose intolerance is not a milk allergy, but it can cause discomfort and take away from the enjoyment of dairy3. Our at-home lactose intolerance test can help you determine if you might be lactose intolerant.

What Does Lactose-Free Mean?

Lactose-free products such as LACTAID® Milk, are real dairy products that are refined so they don’t contain lactose1. Removing lactose from dairy products allows people with a lactose intolerance or sensitivity to enjoy real milk and dairy products without suffering discomfort caused by lactose1.

Lactose-free does not mean dairy-free. Lactose-free products are made with real dairy and contain all the nutrients of regular milk products. Learn more about the difference between lactose-free and dairy-free here.

How Is LACTAID® Lactose-Free Milk Made?

1. Farmers Collect Milk: Our fresh milk comes from cows free of artificial growth hormone treatment.
2. The Process: Lactase Enzymes are added to Lactaid dairy products to break apart the naturally-occurring Lactose sugar.
3. The Finished Product: All goodness, Lactaid can be enjoyed by all milk lovers. It contains all the goodness and nutrition of real milk, minus the discomfort.

The Difference Between Regular Milk and Lactose-Free Milk

Aside from the fact that lactose-free milk does not contain lactose, making it easier to digest, there is little difference between regular milk and lactose-free milk2.

Does Lactose-Free Milk Taste Different?

To most people, lactose-free milk tastes the same as regular milk. However, some people find LACTAID® milk is slightly sweeter than regular milk5. This is because the lactose has been broken down into simpler sugars already, which sweetens the taste before drinking6.

Lactose-Free Milk vs Regular Milk: Nutritional Values

When comparing LACTAID® with conventional milk, there are no nutritional differences1. One cup of LACTAID® 2% Milk and regular 2% milk each contain1:

lactose-free-milk-calories-fat-sugars
lactose-free-milk-protein-calcium-vitamins

Get the Nutritional Benefits of Milk, Without Lactose

LACTAID® products have the same nutritional benefits as regular milk. Whether you’re looking for whole milk, reduced fat, low fat or fat free, you’ll find LACTAID® contains all the nutrients and tastes as delicious as regular milk options – without the discomfort that can be caused by lactose2.

FAQs

Yes, you can. There are lots of recipes where you can substitute regular milk for the same amount of LACTAID®. Your recipes will keep their great taste, but won’t have lactose in them, so anyone can enjoy them. For more information, visit our recipe substitutions page.

No, LACTAID® lactose-free milk is 100% real dairy and contains all the natural nutrients and vitamins contained in dairy milk. That means you can still enjoy all the goodness of dairy without the lactose. Check out our guide for more information.

LACTAID® offers a wide range of 100% real dairy, lactose-free products. In addition to LACTAID® milk, you can enjoy:

  • LACTAID® Protein Milk

  • LACTAID® Calcium Enriched Milk

  • LACTAID® Chocolate Milk

  • LACTAID® Ice Cream

  • LACTAID® Cottage Cheese

  • LACTAID® Sour Cream

  • LACTAID® Eggnog


To find out more, visit the LACTAID® Products & Supplements page.

You can find LACTAID® products at a wide range of retailers, including:

  • Walmart

  • Kroger

  • Publix

  • BJs

  • Target

  • Wegmans


For more information and to visit online retailer sites, check out our Where to Buy page.

Don’t see your question? Visit our FAQs page.

SEE ALL FAQS

References

  1. https://www.lactaid.com/about-us

  2. https://www.lactaid.com/frequently-asked-questions#does-lactaid-milk-contain-all-the-nutrients-of-regular-milk

  3. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-lactose-intolerance

  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374232

  5. https://www.lactaid.com/frequently-asked-questions#what-does-lactaid-milk-taste-like-vs-regular-milk

  6. https://www.lactaid.com/frequently-asked-questions#how-does-lactaid-break-down-lactose-in-their-products

Your Favorite Recipes With a Lactose-Free Update

SEE ALL RECIPES
Creamy banana strawberry licuado served in a tall glass, garnished with fresh banana slices and strawberries, offering a refreshing and nutritious beverage.
DrinksBanana-Strawberry Licuado
Total Time: 35 min
SEE RECIPE
Chicken and Creamy Mushroom Sauce Made with LACTAID® Milk
EntreesChicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Total Time: 20 min
SEE RECIPE
Crispy fried green tomatoes arranged on a plate, served with a creamy dipping sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, perfect for a savory appetizer.
SidesFried Green Tomatoes
Total Time: 35 min
SEE RECIPE
Sliced poppy seed tea bread on a wooden cutting board, showcasing its moist texture and sprinkled with poppy seeds, ideal for afternoon tea or breakfast.
BreadsPoppy Seed Tea Bread
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
SEE RECIPE
Lactose-free quiche lorraine made with LACTAID®
BreakfastQuiche Lorraine
Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
SEE RECIPE
SEE ALL RECIPES
Farm field during sunset on the foreground and farmer petting cow on the background

The LACTAID® Difference

When it comes to lactose-free milk, we’ve got seriously high standards.

Learn About Lactose Sensitivity

SEE ALL ARTICLES
A man smiling as he makes breakfast
LACTOSE SENSITIVITY SYMPTOMSWhat Is Lactose Intolerance?

LEARN MORE

A woman looking at her tablet
LACTOSE SENSITIVITY SYMPTOMSLactose Intolerance Symptoms

LEARN MORE

A black woman taking the lactose intolerance test on her phone.
LACTOSE SENSITIVITY SYMPTOMSLactose Intolerance At-Home Test

LEARN MORE

Two little girls eating pizza
LACTOSE SENSITIVITY SYMPTOMSLactose Sensitivity in Kids

LEARN MORE

A Woman Relaxing
LIVING WITH LACTOSE SENSITIVITYLactose Intolerance Diet Tips

LEARN MORE

Woman smiling as she eats a bowl of cereal
LIVING WITH LACTOSE SENSITIVITYLactose-Free vs. Dairy-Free Milk

LEARN MORE

SEE ALL ARTICLES

Our Products

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Lactaid 2% Reduced Fat Milk Front of Package

MILK

Carton of Lactaid calcium-enriched milk, highlighting its lactose-free formula and nutritional benefits, placed on a kitchen countertop

CALCIUM-ENRICHED MILK

Lactaid High Protein Whole Milk Front of Package

PROTEIN MILK

Lactaid Chocolate Milk Front of Package

CHOCOLATE MILK

Creamers

Creamers

Lactaid Cookies and Cream Lactose-Free Ice Cream

ICE CREAM

Lactaid Cottage Cheese front of Package

COTTAGE CHEESE

Lactaid Lactose-Free Sour Cream Front of Package

SOUR CREAM

Lactaid Lactose-Free Eggnog Front of Package

EGGNOG

Lactaid Fast Act lactase enzyme supplement caplets front of pack

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

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