The body requires the enzyme lactase to digest lactose, the primary sugar in milk and milk products. People with lactose intolerance have a decreased ability to break down lactose due to a lack or absence of lactase in the digestive tract, resulting in painful stomach cramps, bloating and flatulence when the body is forced to ferment the sugar instead. Lactose-free milk allows people with lactose intolerance to obtain the nutritional benefits of milk while ensuring digestive comfort.
Lactaid
Perhaps the most ubiquitous brand of lactose-free milk is Lactaid. Its milk products include whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free and low-fat chocolate options in gallon, half-gallon, quart and individual sizes. Unlike other lactose-free brands, Lactaid also produces other lactose-free dairy products, such as eggnog, half and half, cottage cheese and ice cream.
Valio Real Goodness
Valio Real Goodness sells reduced-fat and fat-free lactose-free milk in half-gallon and quart quantities. Both selections have less sugar and more protein per serving than their Lactaid counterparts. The relatively new brand is primarily available in the northeast United States, but it plans to enter new markets and debut additional products in the near future, according to the company website.
Land O Lakes
Land O Lakes offers its lactose-free Dairy Ease brand milk in whole, reduced-fat and fat-free options. The products are nationally available in gallon and half-gallon sizes.
Organic Valley
Among its various dairy products, Organic Valley makes certified, organic, reduced-fat, low-fat and fat-free lactose-free milk available in half-gallon and quart quantities. Organic Valley milk is available nationally in many small health food stores and large supermarket chains. Due to a special pasteurization process, its milk stays fresher for up to three times longer than other brands, according to the company website.
Horizon Dairy
Horizon Dairy offers another certified organic lactose-free milk option. Its milk is currently available nationally in reduced-fat half-gallons only.
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