The quest for a lactose-friendly lifestyle can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when lactose seems to lurk around every corner. While we're all aware of its presence in dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream, lactose can often be a secret guest in foods you'd least expect.
Lactose in Unsuspecting Food & Drinks
The presence of lactose can fly under the radar in numerous food and drink items. Here are some everyday products where lactose might be silently residing:
Stout & Craft Beers: The craft beer revolution has brought us many blessings, including the 'milk stout'. Brewers often use lactose to enhance the body and sweetness of these beers, potentially causing additional bloating.
Modern Style Curries: Your favourite curry could secretly be triggering your lactose intolerance. Cream, yoghurt, or ghee used in modern style curries could be culprits contributing to your discomfort.
Breads and Baked Goods: Some types of bread and baked goods, including brioche and certain types of sourdough, contain milk products to enhance their texture and longevity.
Sauces and Condiments: A surprising number of sauces and condiments, from pasta sauces to salad dressings, often contain lactose as a hidden ingredient. Even some ketchup and mayonnaise recipes include lactose.
Navigating Food Labels to Avoid Digestive Discomfort
Understanding how to decipher food labels can be your best defence against hidden lactose. Besides looking for obvious terms like "milk" or "lactose", also keep an eye out for terms like "whey", "curds", "milk by-products", "dry milk solids", and "non-fat dry milk powder" - these are all indicators of lactose.
Discovering hidden lactose in your favourite foods can be frustrating, but armed with the right knowledge and tools like Gest™ Dairy Primer, you can enjoy your meals without fear.
Remember, always check labels, ask questions, and equip yourself with Gest™. Let's enjoy the culinary world freely, one meal at a time.
Tony, Founder of Gest™
References:
(1) "Understanding the Use of Lactose in Craft Beer" Craft Beer Joe. Link
(2) "Dairy-Free Indian Food: Is it Possible?" Curry Spy. Link
(3) "Is Bread Lactose-Free?" Lactose Free 101. Link
(4) "A Beginner’s Guide to Going Lactose-Free" Healthline. Link