Lactose-Free Diet

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is the sugar found naturally in milk. Lactose intolerance happens when your body does not make enough lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose). Signs of lactose intolerance are:

• Stomach cramping
• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea

If you are lactose intolerant, you might still be able to have some lactose. Talk with your doctor to learn more about lactose intolerance.

How do I read a food label?

Food labels change, so it is important to always check the label, even on foods you eat regularly. When reading a food label, make sure it does not have these ingredients:

• Milk, skim milk and non-fat milk solids
• Butter
• Cream
• Lactose
• Whey

Food group	Food allowed	Foods to avoid
Milk	Soy, rice and oat milk Lactaid® 100 milk Soy cheese and Lactaid® cheese Soy yogurt Yogurt, sour cream, cheese or buttermilk if some lactose is tolerated	All milk, milk drinks including whole, skim, low fat, dried, evaporated and condensed Any type of yogurt, sour cream, frappes, shakes and ice cream All cheese and cheese dishes
Beverages	Powdered and fruit-flavored drinks Tonics, sodas, juice and water	Any beverages made with milk Eggnog and hot chocolate
Eggs	As desired	Any eggs made with milk Do not prepare with butter or margarine that contain milk products
Meat, Poultry, Fish	Any baked, broiled, roasted or boiled meat, poultry or fish	Creamed or breaded meat, fish or poultry. Prepared meats may contain dried milk solids including bologna, cold cuts, frankfurters, salami, commercially prepared fish sticks and some sausage.
Breads	Breads made without milk, such as French bread, Italian bread, bagels or “parve” breads.	Any baked products made with milk, such as muffins, biscuits, waffles, donuts, pancakes, sweet rolls and loaf breads
Cereal	Any cereal made without milk, macaroni, spaghetti, pasta and rice prepared without milk	Any prepared cereal that contains dry milk solids

Rev. 8/2012. This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.