Lactose Free Diet

Lactose intolerance is the inability or insufficient ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance cannot be prevented, but its’ symptoms and effects can be reduced or eliminated by following a lactose free diet, described below.

Food Recommendations

Although lactose intolerance cannot be prevented, its symptoms and effects can be reversed or controlled with a lactose-free diet. As with any special diet, there are certain foods to avoid to maintain a healthy, balanced digestive system.

Foods To Avoid

  • Eliminate all products containing lactose, including foods prepared with milk or other ingredients containing lactose.  Read labels to be sure.
  • Milk, cream, evaporated and condensed milk, whipped cream
  • Sour cream and cream cheese
  • Yogurt, frozen yogurt and fruit smoothies made with yogurt
  • Butter
  • Processed and natural cheeses, aged cheeses, cheese spreads and cheese foods, cottage and ricotta cheese
  • Ice cream and sherbet
  • Hot chocolate mixes
  • Prepared breads, muffins, biscuits or rolls made with milk products
  • Pancakes or waffles made with milk products
  • Creamed vegetables
  • Breaded or battered meat, fish or vegetables
  • Cream sauces
  • Processed meats with milk or lactose (hot dogs, deli meats)
  • Chowders and cream soups
  • Cookies, cakes, pies, pastries and candies made with milk products