Lactose Intolerance Test

Products that Contain Lactose

Milk and milk products are often added to processed foods—foods that have been altered to prolong their shelf life. People with lactose intolerance should be aware of the many food products that may contain even small amounts of lactose, such as

• bread and other baked goods
  
  
• waffles, pancakes, biscuits, cookies, and mixes to make them
  
  
• processed breakfast foods such as doughnuts, frozen waffles and pancakes, toaster pastries, and sweet rolls
  
  
• processed breakfast cereals
  
  
• instant potatoes, soups, and breakfast drinks
  
  
• potato chips, corn chips, and other processed snacks
  
  
• processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and lunch meats
  
  
• margarine
  
  
• salad dressings
  
  
• liquid and powdered milk-based meal replacements
  
  
• protein powders and bars
  
  
• candies
  
  
• non-dairy liquid and powdered coffee creamers
  
  
• non-dairy whipped toppings

Checking the ingredients on food labels is helpful in finding possible sources of lactose in food products. If any of the following words are listed on a food label, the product contains lactose:

• milk
• lactose
• whey
• curds
• milk by-products
• dry milk solids
• non-fat dry milk powder

Lactose is also used in some prescription medicines, including birth control pills, and over-the-counter medicines like products to treat stomach acid and gas. These medicines most often cause symptoms in people with severe lactose intolerance.