People mindful of their lactose tolerance
They look for an explicit statement about lactose and choose dairy products according to their individual tolerance, as the French health insurance service advises.
Who are these criteria for?
Households that use milk in cooking
They compare semi-skimmed and whole milk for drinks and recipes, checking the nutritional information for each product rather than relying on the range name alone.
People who plan their grocery shopping online
They choose a pack size that suits how quickly they use milk and check the storage instructions for the product they’re ordering.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by treating lactose-free milk and grated cheese as separate products. Even if you’re using them in the same recipe, you’ll need to check each product’s own details. For milk, the lactose and fat content and the pack size all matter for different reasons.
| What to check | Details | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Lactose content | Look for the words “lactose-free” and check the amount stated for the exact product. The Lactel Matin Léger skimmed and whole milk and Candia+ mentioned here are described by their manufacturers as containing less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 mL. | If I need to adapt how much milk I drink to suit my lactose tolerance, I want to identify the exact product I’m ordering. Around 50% of consumers put lactose content at the top of their list of concerns. |
| Fat content | Compare the nutritional information per 100 mL: Lactel states 0.2 g for Matin Léger skimmed milk and 3.6 g for Matin Léger whole milk; Candia states 1.0 g for lactose-free Candia+. | For my drinks and recipes, I want to choose the milk’s composition rather than rely on its name alone. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
| Pack size and storage | Check the volume and number of cartons, then read the storage instructions for after opening. Candia+ is available in 50 cL, 1 L, 4 × 50 cL and 6 × 1 L packs; storage times vary by product. | When I’m ordering for several days, I prefer a pack size my household can finish within the stated time after opening. This convenience comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing “lactose-free” with “dairy-free”
Lactose-free milk is still a dairy product: Lactel, for example, lists milk among the ingredients in Matin Léger whole milk. So the words “lactose-free” alone aren’t enough to help you choose a product if you have a milk allergy.
If you have or suspect a milk allergy, check the allergens for the exact product and ask the healthcare professional looking after you for advice.
-
Choosing a large pack without checking how long it keeps once opened
Instructions vary between products: Lactel says Matin Léger skimmed milk should be consumed within three days of opening, while Candia says Candia+ should be consumed within four days.
Choose a pack size that you can finish within the time stated on the packaging, and follow the product’s storage temperature instructions.
If you can’t finish the pack within that time, some of it may go to waste.
-
Applying information about milk to grated cheese
The lactose content stated for a milk product tells you nothing about the ingredients or allergens in grated cheese for a pizza or gratin.
Look for grated cheese as a separate product. Check its name, ingredients, allergens and any lactose information on its own product page and packaging.
Lactose-free milk brands to compare
The details below relate to the products described by Lactel and Candia. Always check the version and pack size you’re planning to order.
Lactel
Lactel’s Matin Léger range includes lactose-free skimmed, whole and organic whole milk.
- For the versions mentioned, Lactel states that they contain less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 mL. The skimmed milk contains 0.2 g of fat per 100 mL, while the whole milk contains 3.6 g.
- These figures apply to the specific products mentioned. Lactel says Matin Léger skimmed milk must be kept chilled after opening and consumed within three days.
Candia
Candia describes Candia+ as lactose-free milk with 1.0% fat, available in several pack sizes.
- Candia’s product details state that it contains less than 0.1 g of lactose per 100 mL and is available in 50 cL, 1 L, 4 × 50 cL and 6 × 1 L packs.
- Candia says this product keeps for four days after opening when stored between +1 and +6 °C. Check which pack size is available from your online grocery retailer.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is lactose-free milk suitable if you have a milk allergy?
The words “lactose-free” aren’t enough to help you choose a product if you have a milk allergy: the lactose-free milks mentioned here still contain milk. Check the allergens for the exact product and, if you have or suspect an allergy, ask the healthcare professional looking after you for advice.
Do you need to cut out all dairy products if you have trouble digesting lactose?
Not necessarily. The French health insurance service says that each person should adapt their consumption of milk and dairy products to their own tolerance. If you need to change your diet because of your symptoms, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
How long does lactose-free milk keep after opening?
Follow the time and temperature instructions for the product you’ve bought. Lactel says Matin Léger skimmed milk keeps for three days when stored chilled at no more than 6 °C; Candia says Candia+ keeps for four days between +1 and +6 °C. Don’t assume these instructions apply to other milks.
Can you use the same criteria for grated cheese as for lactose-free milk?
No. Grated cheese is a separate product, so you’ll need to check its own ingredients. When ordering online, read the product details, then check the ingredients, allergens and any lactose information on the packaging.