Substitutions for those who are allergic or intolerant to all dairy products, or to milk proteins (cassein, whey):
Dairy Foods |
Suggested Substitutes |
| Milk |
Coconut milk Soy milk* Nut milks (such as almond or hazlenut)* Coconut milk Milks from seeds (e.g., flax & sunflower seeds) Milks from grains (e.g., rice, oat or whole grain)** |
| Butter | Margarine spreads (read labels carefully for other allergens; soy-free margarines are available) |
| Cheese |
Soy milk cheeses* Rice cheeses (NOTE: some brands contain whey, a dairy protein) For some, goat or sheep’s milk cheeses |
| Sour cream & cream cheese |
Soy-based cream cheese &/or sour cream ("Tofuti" brand & others) |
| Yogurt |
Coconut milk yogurt Soy milk yogurt* For some, sheep or goat’s milk yogurt Almond milk yogurt* |
| Ice Cream |
Sorbet or sherbert (usually but not always dairy-free) Coconut milk ice cream Almond milk ice cream* Soy milk ice cream* Rice Milk ice cream |
*Common allergen
**May contain gluten – check labels carefully if you have a gluten sensitivity.
Common lactose-free substitutions:
|
Milk |
Milk labelled "Lactose-free" (Lactaid & other brands)
Hard cheeses (e.g., cheddar, swiss, parmesan) |
|
Yogurt & frozen yogurt |
Yogurt labelled "Lactose-free" |
|
Ice cream |
Cow's milk ice cream labelled "Lactose-free" (Lactaid & other brands) Dairy-free ice cream substitutes |
|
Soft cheeses (e.g., mozzarella, American, provolone) |
Hard cheeses (e.g., swiss, aged cheddar, parmesan cheese) (Can be tolerated by most with a lactose intolerance as they are naturally lower in lactose levels; the longer the cheese is aged, the lower the lactose levels.) |
