The Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods is the best way to find out if a food contains lactose.
Milk and milk products contain lactose naturally.
People who are highly sensitive to lactose should also be aware of these less-common sources of lactose1:
- Baking mixes, used for pancakes, biscuits, and cookies
- Bread and other baked goods
- Breakfast cereals
- Candies and other snacks
- Instant potatoes, soups, and breakfast drinks
- Lunch meats (other than kosher)
- Margarine
- Powdered meal-replacement supplements
- Salad dressings
- Some "nondairy" powdered coffee creamers and whipped toppings
- Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines
To see if a product has lactose, check the Nutrition Facts label for these terms:
- Dry milk solids
- Lactose
- Milk
- Milk by-products
- Nonfat dry milk powder
- Whey
- American Gastroenterological Association. (2010). Understanding food allergies and intolerances. Retrieved April 24, 2012, from http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/diet-medications/food-allergies-fructose-intolerance-and-lactose-intolerance [top]