Dairy-related allergies are among the most common, affecting nearly 50 million Americans. That's why we have made an effort to stock our shelves with a large selection of dairy alternatives. While food allergies must be taken seriously, it does not have to limit your variety. To learn more about a dairy free diet, download a copy of our brochure featuring a list of hidden sources of dairy.

Lactose Intolerance vs. Dairy Allergy

Lactose is milk sugar that occurs naturally in the milk of animals. Lactase is an enzyme produce in the human intestine used to split lactose for digestion. People with lactose intolerance do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase and therefore cannot adequately breakdown the milk sugar. People with lactose intolerance can often tolerate some dairy products, especially with aid of dietary supplements.

A dairy allergy, on-the-other-hand, is a sensitivity to the milk proteins. This is a more serious condition as it triggers an immune response that varies in severity from person to person. People with a dairy allergy must avoid all foods with dairy proteins including milk, cheese, butter, ice cream or anything containing whey or casein.

Dairy Allergies & Ethnicity

According to research conducted by the Mayo Health clinic, dairy allergies are more prevalent in persons of Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American descent. (www.healthvalley.com)

Finding Hidden Dairy

Dairy proteins and milk sugars are often hidden in processed foods. Always read labels carefully and watch for these ingredients that indicate dairy is contained in the product: casein, lactose, rennet, lactulose, curds, whey, ghee, whey and casein hydrolysates, lactalbumin, and lactoglobulin.

For more information on food allergies, visit the Online Resources section of our website.