To learn the answer to the question, “What is lactose free milk?” you need to understand how the body functions in regards to lactose and the basics of milk itself. Individuals who are diagnosed as lactose intolerant drink milk that doesn’t have lactose as an ingredient like “real” milk does. There are alternatives to cow’s milk and can be found in many supermarket chains.

What happens within the individuals who are lactose intolerant is that their bodies are unable to break down the lactose that is found in milk. Lactose is a sugar that is found in milk and milk products. Symptoms that are caused by this dysfunction are known to be bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea.

Regular milk, lactose reduced milk and lactose free milk are all identical except that the lactose reduced and the lactose free have an enzyme called lactase added to them. These will have a sweeter taste and if ultra-pasteurized, will last as long as or longer than regular milk. In this case, the answer to the question, “What is lactose free milk?” the answer is taste and a decent shelf life in the fridge.

One particular brand that offers lactose free milk is Lactaid. This milk is made from cow’s milk but it has the enzyme called lactase added to it and the lactose has been removed. Lactaid offers other dairy products such as cheese and ice cream.

During your search to answer the question, “What is lactose free milk?” you will discover that many of the products that state they are lactose reduced are made from regular milk. These lactose reduced products will taste sweeter because the lactose enzymes have already been broken down into the simple sugars which are sweeter. It may not seem like a benefit to being lactose intolerant, but isn’t getting something sweet that other don’t get a bonus?

There are other substitutes that can be used in place of cow’s milk. Soy milk is one that has somewhat of a sweet taste and is an excellent option as it is also an excellent source of fat, fiber and protein. In addition, soy milk is also full of calcium and vitamin D and is free of cholesterol and saturated fats. It is also multi-functional as it can be drank as is, in your coffee or cereal and is stable at high temperatures so it works great in baking and cooking.

What is lactose free milk that tastes like almonds? Its almond milk and it has a creamy texture and is high in nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin E and calcium and makes yummy milk shakes, tasty desserts and works great in many recipes. Unfortunately, it is a poor source of protein so if you use almond milk be sure to include other foods that are high in protein into your diet.

Have you tried rice milk? Is also has a light sweet taste to it but is thinner than soy and almond milk. Rice milk is typically made from brown rice and may be enriched with vitamin D and calcium. It can be used in recipes; however it requires a stabilizer such as flour or eggs. Like almond milk, rice milk is a poor source of protein.

When reading labels, “non-dairy” can simply mean that the milk fat has been replaced with vegetable fat and may not be a true lactose free product. Understanding what is lactose free milk compared to other milks can be a little confusing but with some education experience, you will be able to decipher any list of ingredients and have a healthy body in no time.

If you are commonly experiencing cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea or nausea you may have a digestive problem such as IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or you could be lactose intolerant.