{"id":389832,"date":"2017-12-19T18:54:59","date_gmt":"2017-12-20T00:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=389832"},"modified":"2024-10-30T14:05:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T19:05:11","slug":"we-found-the-best-dairy-free-milk-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/we-found-the-best-dairy-free-milk-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Lactose-Free Milk and How Does It Differ from Dairy-Free Milk?"},"content":{"rendered":"When it comes to milk alternatives, the abundance of available options is nothing short of overwhelming. The best place to start is determining what your needs are in a milk choice. For those who follow a plant-based diet<\/a> or are allergic to dairy, there are a variety of nondairy milks. These options can be made from a range of plant-based ingredients like nuts, seeds and grains. Nut, seed and grain milks are naturally dairy-free and lactose-free (lactose is the carbohydrate or sugar found in animal-based milks).\r\n\r\nHowever, for those who are only trying to steer clear of lactose and aren't allergic to dairy, there are dairy-based, lactose-free options. If you're in the process of making lactose-free food swaps<\/a>, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of lactose-free dairy options on the market.\r\n

What is lactose-free milk?<\/h2>\r\nLactose-free milk encompasses a range of products. It can be milk made without dairy, including plant-based products. Alternatively, it can be a dairy-based milk (whether that be from a cow, goat, sheep or otherwise) that has lactase added to it. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose. When lactase is added to dairy products, what results is an effectively lactose-free final product.\r\n\r\nLactose-intolerant folks can enjoy both dairy-free and lactose-free milks with no adverse reactions. However, lactose-free dairy milk is not a great option for those following a plant-based lifestyle or who are allergic to dairy or dairy components like whey.\r\n

Lactose-free vs. dairy-free milk<\/h3>\r\nThe main difference between lactose-free and dairy-free milk is the ingredients it's made with. Lactose-free milk can be made from dairy that has had its lactose content broken down (and effectively removed) by way of lactase enzymes. It can also be made with plant-based ingredients, as lactose is a carbohydrate unique to dairy. Dairy-free milk will always be lactose-free while also helping consumers avoid dairy completely.\r\n

Lactose-free dairy milks<\/h3>\r\nLactose-free dairy milks generally have a few key differences compared to dairy-free milks. They tend to be higher in protein, calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. This yields a more satisfying product that supports and maintains healthy muscle and tissue growth. It also helps promote optimal bone health. One downside is that lactose-free dairy milks contain lower water content than dairy-free milk. This means they're slightly less hydrating.\r\n

Nondairy milks<\/h3>\r\nThere's almost an entire grocery store aisle dedicated solely to nondairy milks. This sea of options can make a purchasing decision tricky. Here are some of the most popular to get you started:\r\n