Casein is a protein commonly found in milk and other products. It is used in a wide array of commercially prepared foods, reports Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Casein is consumed by athletes or bodybuilders as it is a rich protein source and is slow digesting. People who develop allergic reactions to casein protein should seek advice from a nutritional professional.
Milk
Casein proteins are typically found in milk beverages such as goat's milk and cow's milk. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, milk forms such as buttermilk and evaporated, condensed, low-fat, skim, whole and powdered milk are all good sources of casein protein. Almond, soy and rice milk are casein free and are often used as alternatives to animal-based milk.
Other Dairy Products
Food products processed using animal-based milk contain beneficial amounts of casein. Milk products that contain casein include cottage, cream and butter cheeses, as well as yogurt, ice cream and custard, states Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Depending on how it was produced, pudding, sherbet or sour cream may also contain casein. In addition, flavoring like whey products, cooking oils and butter flavor have casein as an ingredient. Caramel or milk chocolate flavorings, coffee creamers and some candies may contain trace amounts of casein. Read the nutrition label to check whether a product contains casein.
Other Sources
Commercially prepared foods, such as lunch meat, sausage and hot dogs, may contain casein, notes the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. These products may contain whey protein, which is casein based. Additional sources of casein include lactulose, lactose, lactalbumin, delactosed whey and lactoglobulin. When analyzing other potential casein products, carefully read the label and look for milk or ingredients listed as milk based.
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