Does Yogurt Have Lactose? Yogurt and Lactose Intolerance

Can you think of someone in your life who avoids some or all dairy foods because of lactose intolerance? I know I can. Even though it’s not an uncommon issue for people to have, a knowledge gap about how to best approach including dairy foods in your diet when lactose intolerance is involved seems to prevail. In honor of Lactose Intolerance Awareness Month, I want to clear up a few misconceptions.   

Key Takeaways on Yogurt and Lactose Intolerance

• Not all dairy foods are high in lactose; options like lactose-free milk and aged cheeses such as Swiss, cheddar, and Parmesan are often easier to tolerate.

• Fermented dairy foods like yogurt and kefir contain beneficial bacteria that help digest lactose, so some people with lactose intolerance may handle them better than other dairy.

• Lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy; people with lactose intolerance can usually enjoy low-lactose and lactose-free dairy, whereas those with a milk allergy must avoid dairy completely.

Does Yogurt Have Lactose? and Other Common Questions/Myths

Myth: All dairy foods contain high amounts of lactose.

Truth: Thankfully, this is not true. In addition to dairy foods specifically made for those with lactose intolerance, like lactose-free milk, aged cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, and Parmesan have just trace amounts of lactose and are a good option to try.

Myth: Plant-based yogurts are the only option if you have lactose intolerance.

Truth: Not quite. While fermented dairy foods, like yogurt and kefir, do contain lactose, they also contain beneficial bacteria that help digest it. Those with lactose intolerance may find they tolerate real dairy yogurt better than other dairy foods because of this. If not, you can find lactose-free yogurt in the dairy aisle made from real cow’s milk.

Myth: Eliminating dairy’s nutrients from my diet isn’t a big deal.

Truth: It really is, though. Dairy is included in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for a reason. It provides crucial nutrients for health, including three of the four nutrients of public health concern—calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. Apart from fortified soy beverage, no other milk alternative is included in the Dietary Guidelines. They just aren’t similar enough.

Myth: A milk allergy is the same thing as lactose intolerance.

Truth: Not at all. A milk allergy most commonly occurs in early childhood but is often outgrown as children get older. It requires one to completely avoid dairy to prevent a potentially serious allergic reaction. However, when you have lactose intolerance, there are still many ways you can incorporate low-lactose and lactose-free dairy into your diet.  

Celebrate Lactose Intolerance Awareness Month by sharing this information with your friends and family or by mastering a dairy delicious, low-lactose recipe.

Q&A on Lactose Intolerance

Q: Do all dairy foods contain the same amount of lactose?
A: No. Some dairy, like lactose-free milk and aged cheeses, has very little lactose, while others contain more. Choosing low-lactose options can make dairy easier to enjoy with less discomfort.

Q: Does yogurt have lactose if you are lactose intolerant?
A: Yogurt does contain lactose, but its live and active cultures help break it down. Many people with lactose intolerance find they can tolerate yogurt and kefir better than some other dairy foods.

Q: Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?
A: No. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue caused by low lactase enzyme levels, while a milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins. A milk allergy often requires complete avoidance of dairy, but lactose intolerance usually does not.

Callie Yakubisin, RD

---

Related Posts