Lactose Intolerance

It seems impossible to actually think of dairy free products for calming the sweet tooth. Thankfully, those of you that are lactose intolerant don't have to be deprived. There are ways to eat your favorite types of desserts and get the same wonderful taste.

First and foremost, it is extremely important for everyone to be aware of lactose intolerance. Just a bit of knowledge can save lives.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, which is a particular sugar found in milk and milk products (NDDIC: "What is lactose intolerance?", 2009). The majority of desserts have milk as an important component, which is why it's a rather big deal for being aware of lactose free desserts. I actually ran into a situation where I didn't know a friend of mine was lactose intolerant, and let's just say it didn't turn out alright. 

For starters, be aware of some product brands that will help everyone free to enjoy their food.

• LACTAID Products: Not only do they have 100% lactose free milk, but they also have an entire array of other lactose free dairy products from eggnog, ice cream, cheese, yogurt, and etc. (LACTAID - "Our Products", 2012). What I love about their website is the amazing list of recipes they offer (LACTAID - "Recipes", 2012). They even have chewable supplement pills that can ease discomfort in the digestive system. LactoseIntolerant.com says that "they are pretty tasteless, but sometimes a bit hard on the first chew; the chewable pills can also be swallowed if you prefer (LactoseIntolerant.org - "Lactase Supplements, 2012)."

• Organic Valley: I've actually heard many compliments about this brand, but it's a little more expensive. Organic Valley actually has an even wider range of milk products (Organic Valley, 2012).

• Land O Lakes: Dairy Ease: I would safely say that this brand is the one that's the most easily found in local grocery stores. Although they don't really have a very wide array of products, they're priced very reasonably (Land O Lakes - "Dairy Ease", 2012).

i hope everyone understands that they should consider all the possibilities before cooking. If you're catering, always always ask if you should be aware of any allergies or medical problems.

Sources:


National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (2009, June). Lactose Intolerance. Retrieved from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/#what

LACTAID: Our Products (2012). Product Pantry. Retrieved from http://www.lactaid.com/products-home#Products


LACTAID: Recipes (2012). Recipe Collection. Retrieved from http://lactaid.tastebook.com/


LactoseIntolerant.org (2012). Lactase Supplements. Retrieved from http://www.lactoseintolerant.org/understanding-lactose-intolerance/dealing-with-lactose-intolerance/lactose-substitutes/


Organic Valley: Products (2012). Lactose Free. Retrieved from http://www.organicvalley.coop/products/milk/lactose-free/


Land O Lakes: Products (2012). Dairy Ease. Retrieved from http://www.dairyease.com/products/