Who are these options for?

People with coeliac disease

When choosing an evening hot drink, it’s important to distinguish between reduced lactose and a ‘gluten-free’ statement on the specific product you buy.

People looking to reduce their lactose intake

If you want to keep milk in your hot drink, compare the stated residual lactose content of each variant. Fat content and your personal tolerance also matter.

Occasional hot drink drinkers

If you only use a little milk at a time, the pack size and how long it keeps once opened can help you decide.

What should you check before buying?

Start with the dietary requirement behind your purchase. Then compare the fat content, pack size and storage instructions after opening to find a product that suits how often you use it.

What matters What to check Who it’s for
Gluten If you need an explicit guarantee, check for a ‘gluten-free’ statement on the packaging of the variant you buy. In the European Union, European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets a maximum gluten content of 20 mg/kg for this statement on food sold to the final consumer. If I have coeliac disease, I can’t rely on ‘lactose-free’ alone when choosing my evening drink. Around 46% of consumers put checking for gluten first.
Lactose and milk Check the residual lactose content and ingredients list for the specific product. Lactose-free milk still contains milk proteins. I want to keep milk in my hot drink while reducing lactose; a milk protein allergy is a different concern. Around 36% of consumers prioritise reducing lactose.
Pack size and fat content Compare the fat content per 100 ml, the pack size and the storage instructions after opening. If I rarely make a hot drink, I want to finish the pack within the stated time after opening and choose a variant that suits me. Pack size and fat content are the top priority for around 18% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing ‘lactose-free’ with ‘gluten-free’

    These statements relate to two different things. Choosing a product for its lactose content does not, by itself, provide the assurance you need for a strict gluten-free diet.

    If you need that assurance, look for a ‘gluten-free’ statement on the packaging of the specific product you buy.

  • Choosing lactose-free milk if you have a milk protein allergy

    Reducing the lactose does not remove the milk proteins. French Health Insurance distinguishes between a milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance.

    Check the ingredients and allergens. If you have a diagnosed or suspected allergy, ask a healthcare professional which alternative to choose.

  • Buying too large a pack for occasional use

    How long milk keeps after opening depends on the product. A large pack may not be practical if you only make a hot drink from time to time.

    Compare the pack size with how much you usually use, and follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose.

    You may have to throw away any milk left over if you don’t use it within the stated time after opening.

  • Relying on a retailer’s search results page alone

    A product listing doesn’t always show all the information on each pack.

    Check the full product details, then confirm the ingredients, allergens and any necessary statements on the product you receive.

Brands and retailers to consider

Lactel

The Matin Léger range includes lactose-free UHT milk, with whole, semi-skimmed, skimmed and organic variants.

  • Lactel states that some variants, including Matin Léger Bio whole milk, contain less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 ml.
  • If you need a strict gluten-free option, check the statement on the packaging of your chosen variant; its lactose content alone doesn’t confirm that it meets this requirement.

Candia

Candia offers several lactose-free Candia+ products, including a standard version and variants with different compositions.

  • Candia states that its standard Candia+ product contains less than 0.1% lactose.
  • Check the composition and statements for each variant, especially if you need a product labelled ‘gluten-free’.

Carrefour

Carrefour stocks lactose-free milk under its own brand, as well as products from other brands.

  • The retailer lists products in both 50 cl and 1 L sizes.
  • Check the details and packaging of the specific product to verify the ingredients and any ‘gluten-free’ statement you need.

Auchan

Auchan’s own-brand range includes semi-skimmed lactose-free UHT milk.

  • For one of its milk products, Auchan states that it contains less than 0.1 g of lactose and 1.2 g of fat per 100 ml.
  • This product contains milk. If you need a gluten-free guarantee, also check the statements on the packaging.

E.Leclerc / Delisse

E.Leclerc lists Delisse lactose-free milk in 50 cl and 1 L bottles.

  • The two sizes let you choose according to how much milk you use in your drinks.
  • If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check the ingredients list and packaging statements for the product you choose.

Lidl

Check Lidl’s locally available products for suitable options.

  • Lidl France says it occasionally offers gluten-free products.
  • These products aren’t part of its permanent range. Check availability and the details of the specific product before choosing it.

Plant-based drinks for a hot drink

These two Alpro plant-based drinks are suitable for hot drinks and are different from the lactose-free dairy milks featured above. If you need a ‘gluten-free’ statement, check the pack you buy; also check the allergens.

Alpro Coconut Barista plant-based drink, 1 L

Alpro Coconut Barista, 1 L

A coconut-based option to consider for a hot drink without dairy milk. It comes in a 1 L pack; check the allergens and any ‘gluten-free’ statement you need on the packaging.

View on Joybuy
Alpro Soya Barista plant-based drink, 1 L

Alpro Soya Barista, 1 L

A soya-based option to consider for a hot drink without dairy milk. It comes in a 1 L pack; check the allergens and any ‘gluten-free’ statement you need on the packaging.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is lactose-free milk automatically gluten-free?

No. ‘Lactose-free’ refers to the sugar in milk, not gluten. In the European Union, European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets a maximum gluten content of 20 mg/kg for the ‘gluten-free’ statement on food sold to the final consumer. If you need this assurance, check for the statement on the specific product you buy.

Is lactose-free milk suitable if you have a milk protein allergy?

No. Lactose-free milk is still milk and contains milk proteins. French Health Insurance distinguishes this allergy from lactose intolerance. If you have a diagnosed or suspected allergy, ask a healthcare professional which alternative to choose.

What should you choose for an occasional evening hot drink?

First choose according to your dietary requirements, then pick a pack size you can finish within the stated time after opening. If you’re choosing between different milk variants, compare the fat content per 100 ml too.

How long does lactose-free milk keep once opened?

Follow the instructions on the specific pack, as storage times vary between products. Lactel advises using one of its organic whole milk products within three days, while Auchan advises keeping one of its lactose-free UHT products in the fridge for five days at a maximum of 6 °C.