"Milk -- it does a body good," an industry slogan states. But if you're one of the 2 to 6 percent of children or half-percent of adults who suffers from a milk allergy, or if you're lactose intolerant, milk doesn't do your body good. Unfortunately, you can't avoid milk by simply skipping the dairy aisle; sources of milk are hidden in many foods you wouldn't expect. To avoid problems, you must learn where milk and milk derivatives lurk.
Sources of Milk
You probably realize that a product contains milk if its ingredients label includes the words milk, cream, cheese or butter. However, the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital notes that many substitutes for these products, including "artificial" butter along with soy- and nut-milk products, also can contain real milk derivatives. This varies by brand, so read labels. Call the manufacturer if you're in doubt; most offer a toll-free consumer phone number where you can get answers.
Ingredients That Mean 'Milk'
To avoid all hidden sources of milk, learn which terms on food labels mean "milk" or "milk derivatives." The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital recommends avoiding foods that contain the ingredients casein, which is a milk protein, and lactose, a milk-based sugar. Other ingredients to avoid include whey and whey protein, lactoglobulin, nougat, rennet casein and lactalbumin. All represent milk-derived ingredients.
Trace Sources of Milk
If you suffer from a severe milk allergy, you must go further. Texas Tech University warns that you risk getting trace milk from sliced deli meat, simply because deli workers also use their slicer to prepare sliced cheese. A few brands of commercial canned tuna fish contain casein as an additive; the manufacturers must list this on their labels, so check before purchasing. And some processed meat products, such as sausages and deli meats, contain casein, which serves as a binder. Again, check the ingredients of all foods before you buy them.
Hidden Milk in Restaurants
Restaurant dining can present a minefield for the milk-allergic, especially if you have a severe allergy. For example, you might think that ordering a plain steak would be a safe option, but some restaurants melt a pat of butter on top of their steaks to add flavor. In addition, many restaurants use prepared sauces that might contain milk products. To eat out safely, you'll need to work closely with your server, the manager and maybe even the chef to make certain you avoid all hidden sources of milk. You might feel safest choosing a chain restaurant with a menu that caters to people with food allergies.
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