This diet completely eliminates all forms and sources of lactose from the diet. The diet is indicated only in cases of severe lactose deficiency or extreme sensitivity to lactose in any amount. Labels on commercial products must be read for sources of lactose, for example, whey, dry milk, solids, etc. which must be avoided.
FOOD GROUPS | FOOD ALLOWED | FOODS TO AVOID |
Milk and milk products | None | Any forms of milk and milk drinks; instant chocolate drinks; cheese; yogurt; cottage cheese |
Meats; eggs; fish; poultry; 2 or more servings a day | Beef; veal; pork; ham; poultry; fish; organ meat; legumes; nuts; nut butter | Processed cold cuts and wieners; commercially breaded meats; all cheeses; casseroles made with milk or cream. Check labels of canned legumes and peanut butter for added lactose. Eggs in cream sauce or cooked with milk. |
Breads; cereal; grain; and other starches | Some commercial bread made without label. Kosher breads; hot water cornbread without milk; corn or flour tortillas; homemade bread made without milk; butter; whey; or curds. | Commercial breads; rolls; biscuits made with milk or lactose; commercial bread mixes; corn mixes; waffles; pancakes; bakery products |
Fruits and vegetables | All | |
Soups | Clear broth soups; creamed soups made with non-dairy creamer. | Regular cream soups; chowders made with milk or cream. |
Miscellaneous | Salt; pepper; sugar; honey; molasses; jam; jelly; spices; herbs; cocoa; steak sauce; BBQ sauces | Sugar substitutes containing lactose; MSG; some caramel colorings. Carefully check labels on all commercial products. |