What Is Lactose-Free Milk? - U.S. Dairy

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What Is Lactose-Free Milk?

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• 2 min read September 15, 2025

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Lactose-free milk is real cow’s milk made for those with lactose intolerance. The lactose is either broken down with lactase to aid digestion or removed through filtering.

What Is Lactose In Milk?

Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk and many other dairy products like yogurt, cheese and ice cream. It's made up of two simple sugars—glucose and galactose—that are normally broken down in the small intestine by an enzyme called lactase. When the body doesn't produce enough lactase, it can't fully digest lactose, which may lead to common symptoms of lactose intolerance such as bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort.

How Much Lactose Is In Milk?

A typical 8-ounce (1 cup) serving of cow’s milk contains about 12 grams of lactose. The amount can vary slightly depending on the type of milk. Whole, 2% and skim milk all have roughly the same lactose content, while some dairy products like yogurt or cheese contain less because of fermentation or processing.

How Is Lactose-Free Milk Made?

Lactose-free milk starts with real cow’s milk. Producers either add the enzyme lactase to break down lactose into simpler sugars, or they use a filtration process to remove the lactose entirely. Both methods make the milk easier to digest for people who have lactose intolerance.

Is Lactose-Free Milk Healthy?

Yes, lactose-free milk is just as healthy as regular milk because it contains the same essential nutrients including calcium, protein, vitamin D and B vitamins.

Does Lactose-Free Milk Taste Different?

Lactose free milk can taste slightly sweeter than regular milk. When lactose is broken down into simpler sugars, they register as sweeter on the tongue, which can make the milk taste naturally sweeter even though no extra sugar has been added.

How Can You Enjoy Lactose-Free Milk?

Many enjoy it the same way they enjoy regular milk, and we think it pairs well with cereal, coffee, cocoa and more. Check out our lactose-free milk recipes for inspiration. If you think you may have lactose intolerance, talk to your doctor and know that there are options you can try. Fortunately, there are many tips and solutions that may help you incorporate milk, cheese and yogurt back into your diet.

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