What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance can cause abdominal pain and bloating. It’s different to a milk allergy, which is an immune response to the proteins found in dairy products. The good news is that people with lactose intolerance can usually tolerate a certain amount of lactose a day, so there’s no need to go completely dairy-free. Some probiotic yoghurts and many hard cheeses are tolerated really well and are a great source of calcium. There are also lactose-free milk varieties available, and alternatives to cow’s milk, including soy, rice, oat and almond milk. If you think you may be lactose intolerant, discuss your symptoms with your GP.
Cooking hearty, tasty meals and snacks that are lactose-free is easy with these dairy-free ideas. You'll be surprised by our clever swaps and substitutes.