Dairy Milk Types: How Lactose-Free Milk is Made and Why

While at the grocery store, you may have a moment of confusion as you pass the line of dairy milk types. Mixed in amongst the bottles are ones with labels that declare they are lactose-free. What is lactose-free milk, and how is it different from other milk types? Milk has lactose, so how can this option be without it? Is it made by a special cow or different from the regular milk you see in the grocery aisle? 

It’s not as complicated as you think. 

Overview of How Lactose-Free Milk is Made

• Lactose-free milk is real dairy milk that has had lactose removed or broken down, making it easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance.

• Brands typically make lactose-free milk by either filtering out lactose or adding the lactase enzyme to split lactose into simpler sugars.

• Lactose-free milk provides the same nutrients as regular milk, and some people notice a slightly sweeter taste because the broken-down sugars taste sweeter than lactose.

Milk Types: What is Lactose-Free Milk?

Some milk brands make lactose-free milk, which is easier to digest. To create lactose-free milk, brands may break down the lactose found in milk into its two simple sugars by adding lactase, like the body would if it produced enough lactase. This makes it easier to digest, as the body no longer needs to break down the lactose.  

How is Lactose Removed from Milk? How to Make Lactose-Free Milk

Lactose is removed from milk by filtering out the lactose. The milk is passed through a series of filters that pull out different molecules as the milk goes through the filter, like lactose, fat, or protein. Once separated, the ingredients are added back together, skipping the reintroduction of lactose to make lactose-free milk. 

How is Lactose-Free Different from Regular Milk Types? 

It’s not. In cases where lactose is broken down into simpler sugars, some think lactose-free milk tastes sweeter than regular milk due to the way the lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose, which are perceived as sweeter than lactose. Lactose-free milk is the same as regular milk, just without the lactose for a potentially sweeter taste. 

Why is Lactose-Free Milk Offered? 

Lactose intolerance is the discomfort created by the inability to break down lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy foods. The body makes an enzyme called lactase to help digest lactose. If a person’s body doesn’t produce enough lactase, they may not be able to digest lactose properly, which can lead to lactose intolerance symptoms. People have different levels of lactose sensitivity and varying symptom severity, and this can change further as they age. Choosing low-lactose or lactose-free products allows dairy lovers with symptoms to continue enjoying milk and its 13 essential nutrients. 

Q&A on Lactose-Free Milk

Q: What is lactose-free milk?
A: Lactose-free milk is regular cow’s milk that has had the lactose removed or broken down so people with lactose intolerance can enjoy milk with less digestive discomfort.

Q: How is lactose-free milk made?
A: It is usually made by filtering out lactose from milk or by adding lactase, the enzyme that breaks lactose into simpler sugars that are easier to digest.

Q: Does lactose-free milk have the same nutrition as regular milk?
A: Yes. Lactose-free milk has the same protein, vitamins, and minerals as regular milk, but many people find it slightly sweeter because the broken-down sugars taste sweeter than lactose.

Are There Other Lactose-free Products? 

Yep! Some dairy products are naturally low in lactose and may be easier to digest. But for those dairy foods you love, like ice cream, keep an eye out for low-lactose or lactose-free options so you can enjoy more of the dairy you can’t resist.

---

Related Posts