What Is Lactose-Free Milk, and What Are Its Characteristics?

Lactose-free milk is a type of milk made for people with lactose sensitivity. In people with lactose sensitivity, drinking milk can cause digestive problems and discomfort. Lactase is used to make lactose-free milk; check the package for product-specific taste and use information. Lactose-free milk can generally be used in dairy desserts and drinks much like regular milk.

What Is Lactose Intolerance?
The ingredients and use information for lactose-free milk are shown on its package. It can be used in dairy desserts and drinks much like regular milk. It can also be used in almost any preparation that calls for regular milk, including coffee, recipes, or drinking as is.

How Can You Use Lactose-Free Milk in the Kitchen?
Use lactose-free milk in coffee, dairy desserts, and baked goods much as you would regular milk. Check the package for nutrition information. Adjust the amount in a recipe as needed for the desired consistency. Lactose-free milk also works in rice pudding, custard, and pudding. Its foaming properties in coffee and tea are similar to those of cow's milk. It can also be used directly in béchamel sauce, creamy soup, and mashed potatoes. Since it may taste slightly sweet, reducing the added sugar a little in some recipes can help keep the flavor balanced.

How Should You Store Lactose-Free Milk?
Store unopened lactose-free milk according to the conditions listed on the package, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. UHT-treated products can keep at room temperature for a long time while unopened. Once opened, refrigerate the milk and consume it within a few days. Lactose-free milk may separate as it approaches its freezing point, so store it on a middle refrigerator shelf rather than in the coldest area.

How Is Lactose-Free Milk Different From Plant-Based Drinks?
Lactose-free milk has the same nutritional value as regular cow's milk; the difference is that the lactose has already been broken down by the lactase enzyme. Plant-based drinks such as almond, oat, or soy beverages come from different sources and naturally contain no lactose, but they generally have less protein and calcium than dairy milk. People with lactose sensitivity can consume lactose-free milk comfortably. For people with lactose sensitivity who do not also have a sensitivity to milk protein (casein), lactose-free milk is the option most similar to regular milk in taste and texture. Plant-based drinks may be a more suitable alternative for people who are also sensitive to milk protein.

What Should You Check When Buying Lactose-Free Milk?
Look for “lactose-free” or “no lactose” on the package to confirm that the product has been processed with lactase. Some products have the enzyme added directly to the milk; others have lactose removed through filtration. Both are safe methods. Lactose-free milk may taste slightly sweeter than regular milk because lactase breaks lactose down into glucose and galactose, which taste naturally sweeter. This does not mean the milk is spoiled or that an additive has been added; it is a natural characteristic of lactose-free milk.