Casein is a protein found in milk. Some people are allergic to casein and develop severe allergic reactions to foods containing the protein. Maintaining a diet free of casein protein may be difficult, according to Children's Hospital of Minnesota, as it is widely used in commercially prepared foods. A nutritional professional may help you develop a plan so you can avoid purchasing and eating casein-containing foods.
Milk
Casein proteins are found in milk, including cow's milk and goat's milk. All forms of milk products contain casein, including buttermilk, condensed and evaporated milk, powdered milk, and low-fat, skim and whole milk. Soy, rice or almond milk, however, are casein-free and may substitute animal-based milk. Casein-free butter and margarine spreads are also available to make everyday eating a bit easier. Choose butter substitutes made from sunflower, other nuts, or soy as an alternative.
Milk Products
Food products made from animal-based milk contain casein. Reading product labels will help you determine if a product contains milk. Beware of products made from milk or milk powder, including cheeses, butter, cottage and cream cheeses, custard, ice cream and yogurt. Sour cream, sherbert and pudding may also contain casein. Flavorings like artificial butter flavor, cooking oils, and products containing whey also contain casein.
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota advise that some candies may also contain casein, including milk chocolate and caramel colorings or flavorings. Coffee creamers and half-and-half may also contain the protein.
Other Food Products
Casein may be added to commercially prepared foods, such as hot dogs, lunch meat, sausage and chorizo. These products may list whey as an ingredient, which is casein-based. Additional food additives that are casein-based and should be avoided include delactosed whey, lactoglobulin, lactose, lactalbumin and lactulose. Reading product labels carefully for milk and milk-based ingredients is important for avoiding casein.
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