Being lactose intolerant does not mean you have to give up your coffee. There are several things you can add to your coffee for flavor that don't have lactose. If you order coffee from a coffeehouse, verify that it is lactose-free. Sometimes, flavorings or creamers contain lactose.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose is a type of milk sugar carbohydrate found in all dairy foods. When lactose intolerance occurs, you are unable to break down this milk sugar in the small intestine, explains GastroNet. While lactose intolerance is not life-threatening, you may experience severe intestinal distress when you consume dairy foods. Side effects include gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea. In addition, having severe diarrhea can lead to a deficiency in vitamins or minerals that are normally absorbed in the small intestine.
Non-Dairy Creamers
There are several types of non-dairy creamers you can use in place of milk to add to your coffee. They come in a variety of flavors, in both liquid and powder form. Non-dairy creamers have sodium caseinate in place of lactose. Sodium caseinate is a derivative of milk, but it is a protein, not a sugar carbohydrate. This ingredient helps give non-dairy creamers their smooth texture.
Soy Milk
Soy milk, made from ground soy beans, is rich in several nutrients and is lactose-free. Adding soy milk to your coffee gives you added protein, vitamins and minerals. Soy milk is naturally rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A, D, B-12, as well as folate. Some manufacturers add thickening agents to their soy milk to give it the texture and feel of cow's milk, explains Soya. Using soy milk in place of dairy allows you to give your coffee a healthy boost without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is another type of lactose-free liquid that can be added to your coffee. Like soy milk, almond milk comes in a variety of flavors and is often thickened for proper texture. Almond milk is made by grinding almonds with water and then straining out all of the particles. The liquid that is left is almond milk, which has a rich nutty flavor, perfect for coffee.
Flavored Coffee
You can have flavored coffee in place of adding a non-dairy creamer or type of milk. Coffee comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, hazelnut and vanilla. Adding a teaspoon of sugar or sugar substitute may give you all of the flavor you need without having to add in anything else.
